Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Honeysuckle on January 22, 2011, 20:25

Title: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: Honeysuckle on January 22, 2011, 20:25

I've been looking at all the different incubators for sale and I've no idea which one to buy!

I'm looking for an incubator that will hold 12 - 24 eggs and is in the region of £150.  I would prefer as automated one as I can get however, would be happy with a manual/semi - manual one if it's a good one. 

Also, can anyone recommend a place to get hatching eggs from?  ;)

Thanks in advance.... :tongue2:

Title: Re: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: joyfull on January 22, 2011, 20:32

Can't help with the incubator as I always use broody hens - far less hassle.
Take a look here for egg suppliers:-

http://www.poultry.allotment-garden.org/poultry-suppliers/index.php

However check them out properly to make sure you get good quality stock.
Have you thought what you will do with the inevitable cockerels? Chances are you will get more than 50% males.
Also don't forget to source a brooder.

Title: Re: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: min200 on January 22, 2011, 20:38

Ive got the Rcom Suro20 which is fully automatic for temp and humidity.  You can pick up second hand ones for around £100-£150 on ebay.

Quick search came up with this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KING-SURO-20-AUTOMATIC-INCUBATOR-HATCHER-HEN-EGGS-/300517276201?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry&hash=item45f839ba29

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/King-Suro-20-Digital-Egg-Maker-Incubator-/160527800633?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry&hash=item256033d939

Hope it helps.

Title: Re: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: Honeysuckle on January 22, 2011, 20:46

Thanks for the links  :tongue2:

We do already have a brooder as we bought 2 week old Light Sussex chicks last year.  I'm delighted to say they have just started to lay!!  :D

Cockerels won't pose too much of a problem as we don't have to worry about neighbours and we quite like capon...... :ohmy:

Title: Re: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: joyfull on January 22, 2011, 20:51

caponizing is illegal in this country - all capons are imported from either France Germany or Netherlands - I assume you mean you don't mind eating cockerels.

Title: Re: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: Honeysuckle on January 22, 2011, 21:14

You've hit the nail on the head!  :nowink:

Title: Re: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: Hayley'sHens on January 22, 2011, 21:41

Caponizing?

Title: Re: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: joyfull on January 22, 2011, 21:56

castrating - see this page:-

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=69840.15

Title: Re: Incubators - which one to buy?
Post by: Hayley'sHens on January 22, 2011, 22:10

Thank Joy, you learn something new every day  :)