Egg Incubators

David Jackson
18 min readMay 28, 2024

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Welcome to our comprehensive roundup of egg incubators, the perfect solution for hobbyists and professionals alike looking to hatch and raise their own eggs. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of incubators, discussing their features, benefits, and how they can help you successfully hatch and nurture your eggs. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the incredible world of egg incubation.

The Top 12 Best Egg Incubators

  1. HovaBator: The Ultimate Egg Incubator & Turner — The HovaBator Egg Incubator is a spacious 42-egg holder, featuring automatic turner compatibility, to help you successfully incubate your eggs. ⏳
  2. IncuKit Mini: Create Your Own Digital Egg Incubator — The IncuKit Mini for Tabletop Egg Incubator empowers you to easily build your own digital incubator with no claims or authorizations from other entities.
  3. SSZYace Automatic Egg Incubator for Poultry Hatching — Get ready to hatch with the SSZYace 12–35 Egg Incubator, featuring automatic turning, egg candling, and temperature display, perfect for raising chics, quails, and ducks.
  4. Still Air Incubator: White Hatching Egg Cradle for Poultry Enthusiasts — Miller Manufacturing Still Air Incubator Model 9200: A heavy-duty 30-egg incubator with a wire grill and solid-state thermostat control, perfect for observation and education.
  5. Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner for Optimal Hatching — Elevate your egg hatchery game with the Farm Innovators 4250 Digital Circulated Air Incubator, which boasts an automatic egg rotator, consistent temperature regulation, and a convenient digital interface designed for user convenience.
  6. Lreerge Egg Incubator with 9 LED Lighted Egg Candle Tester and Temperature Control Device — Efficient Lreerge Egg Incubator with 9 LED Lighted Egg Candle Tester, Temperature Control, and Mini 9 Egg Capacity for Optimal Chicken, Duck, Geese, and Quail Hatching.
  7. Automatic Egg Incubator with Humidity Control and Built-in Egg Candler — Automatic Egg Incubator: Accommodates various poultry eggs, featuring 4 adjustable incubation modes and built-in egg candler for seamless hatching success.
  8. JAEDO Automatic Egg Incubator for Chickens, Ducks, and Goose Eggs — Experience easy egg hatching with the JAEDO Automatic Egg Incubator, featuring versatile shaft spacing, built-in egg candler, and oversized hatching capacity, making it perfect for chicken, duck, goose, and bird eggs.
  9. Farm Innovators 2450 Digital Air Incubator for Eggs — The Farm Innovators 2450 Digital Circulated Air Incubator ensures optimal hatch rates with its automatic egg turner, temperature stabilization, and easy-to-read digital display, making it a popular choice for egg incubation.
  10. Little Giant Still Air Incubator: Ideal for Hatching Eggs — The Little Giant Incubator Still Air effortlessly combines warmth, durability, accuracy, and convenience for your egg-incubating needs.
  11. PaTunTEK Hatching Egg Incubator with Auto Turn, Humidity Monitor, and LED Candle — PaTunTEK Incubators provide fully automatic, humidity-controlled, and intelligent incubation for various bird species, making it an ideal choice for hatching eggs.
  12. Apdoe Egg Incubator:Large Capacity for Chickens, Ducks, Quail & Pigeons — Apdoe Egg Incubator: Automatic Egg Turner, Multi-functional Monitoring, Holds 16 Eggs, Perfect for Various Species, Easy Cleaning, Ideal Conditions for Healthy Chicks.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive compensation from qualifying purchases.

Reviews

HovaBator: The Ultimate Egg Incubator & Turner

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The HovaBator Egg Incubator & Turner is a versatile still air incubator that can hold 42 large chicken eggs or a larger quantity of smaller eggs. It comes with a power rating of 110 volts and 25 watts, along with dimensions of 18 inches by 18 inches by 7.5 inches. The incubator is designed to provide consistent temperature regulation, fostering the growth and development of eggs.

However, it is essential to purchase an automatic egg turner separately for optimal use, as it works best without an automatic turner. Overall, this egg incubator is a convenient choice for incubating and hatching various types of eggs.

IncuKit Mini: Create Your Own Digital Egg Incubator

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The IncuKit Mini is a compact and easy-to-use tabletop egg incubator that allows you to build your own digital incubator. With its simplicity and intuitive design, it’s the perfect choice for hobbyists and farmers alike. However, it’s worth mentioning that Intuii, the manufacturer, does not claim any affiliation or support from other entities and makes no guarantees regarding its relation to product manufacturers or brand owners.

Overall, the IncuKit Mini offers a convenient and user-friendly solution for those looking to incubate eggs at home.

SSZYace Automatic Egg Incubator for Poultry Hatching

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The SSZYace 12–35 Egg Incubator is a top-notch tool for poultry enthusiasts. This incubator offers a unique blend of features, including automatic egg turning, egg candling, and a temperature display. The automatic egg turning feature ensures that the eggs are rotated regularly for even heating and proper development. Additionally, the egg candling helps in monitoring the progress of hatching within the eggs without opening the incubator.

Another useful feature is the temperature display, which allows you to keep a close eye on the critical hatching environment. The incubator is designed to maintain a steady temperature of 38°C (100°F) for optimal results, and the instructions provided make it easy to use and get the best out of your incubator.

However, it does require some care and attention during the hatching process, such as not opening the lid for too long to avoid slowing down the hatching speed. Overall, the SSZYace Egg Incubator is a reliable and powerful device for those who want to incubate eggs and hatch chicks, quails, or ducks.

Still Air Incubator: White Hatching Egg Cradle for Poultry Enthusiasts

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The Miller Manufacturing Still Air Incubator, a versatile yet easy-to-use device, is a must-have for both professional and amateur poultry enthusiasts. Constructed with high-quality, heavy-duty warmth-retaining Styrofoam, this incubator promises optimal egg hatching results and is suitable for a range of poultry species. It can manage up to 30 eggs and features a wire grill that securely supports eggs during the hatching period.

Equipped with two 4-by-8-inch viewing windows, the incubator allows you to closely monitor the hatching process. Its solid state thermostat control ensures temperature stability, while the included mercury thermometer ensures precise regulation of necessary conditions for egg hatching.

Despite its simplicity, the Still Air Incubator proves ideal for educational purposes, making it an excellent addition to classrooms or homes for children to observe and learn about life’s natural processes. With its user-friendly design, the incubator is perfect for both experienced poultry breeders and beginners alike.

Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner for Optimal Hatching

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I recently decided to take up the hobby of hatching my own eggs and after some research, I settled on the Farm Innovators Pro Series Digital Incubator. The incubator boasts an automatic egg turner, circulating air fan, and egg candler, all wrapped up in an easy-to-assemble hard plastic outer shell.

One of the most impressive features of this incubator is the automatic egg turner. It seamlessly turns the eggs every 4 hours, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly improving hatch rates. The incubator has a 41-egg capacity and an integrated fan pulls in and circulates fresh air, helping to stabilize the temperature and enhance hatching.

The large picture window offers a 360-degree unobstructed view inside the incubator, and I was impressed by the fact that no assembly was required — a major time-saver. The incubator also includes a digital readout displaying temperature, humidity, and days to hatch.

However, there were a few drawbacks to my experience. The temperature readings and accuracy were inconsistent, which made it challenging to achieve the required incubation conditions. Additionally, the humidity levels required periodic adjustment to avoid overly moist conditions, which could have impacted the hatching process.

Overall, though, the incubator provided a functional solution for my needs. With a bit of tweaking and close monitoring, it proved to be a valuable addition to my egg hatching setup.

Lreerge Egg Incubator with 9 LED Lighted Egg Candle Tester and Temperature Control Device

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The Lreerge Egg Incubator is a top-quality choice for those looking to hatch fertilized eggs. With the ability to hold 9 eggs, this compact incubator is a practical storage solution for a variety of fertilized eggs. Its high-quality plastic construction ensures durability, while the small space requirement makes it ideal for both home use and limited storage areas.

One standout feature of this incubator is its user-friendly operation, as it allows you to safely test the viability of each embryo using its LED candling lamp. This feature also enables you to visually monitor egg development, providing the opportunity to learn about the fascinating incubation process. The incubator optimizes airflow, ensuring egg comfort and minimizing human disruption, and includes built-in water channels for controlling humidity levels.

The transparent cover allows you to keep a constant watch over your brood, offering reassurance in the hatching journey. The included blister chassis makes cleaning the incubator and its accessories a breeze, further adding to its ease of use and convenience. With a warm and stable environment, this incubator is an excellent choice for a variety of fertilized eggs, including chickens, ducks, geese, and quail.

Automatic Egg Incubator with Humidity Control and Built-in Egg Candler

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As an avid backyard farmer, I found the 9th Shop Chicken Incubator to be a game-changer for hatching my own eggs. This reliable egg incubator can hold up to 36 chicken eggs, accommodating different types and sizes of eggs from various birds like ducks, pigeons, and quails.

What truly sets this incubator apart is its four fully automatic incubation modes. These settings adjust the appropriate temperature and time periods needed for successful incubation, allowing me to relax without having to worry about constantly monitoring the eggs.

Moreover, the egg incubator comes equipped with a built-in egg candler, which helps observe the embryo development at different stages. Its adjustable roller spacing ensures eggs of different sizes can be accommodated, and I particularly appreciated the ability to turn the eggs automatically, saving me time and effort. Unfortunately, the 9th Shop Chicken Incubator does not offer information on the country of origin or product dimensions, which would have been helpful in comparison with other products in the market. Despite this minor drawback, the 9th Shop Chicken Incubator has made hatching eggs a more enjoyable and stress-free process for me.

JAEDO Automatic Egg Incubator for Chickens, Ducks, and Goose Eggs

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The JAEDO Automatic Egg Incubator is designed to make hatching eggs a breeze. Its roller design allows you to adjust the shaft spacing according to the type of egg you’re working with.

The 360° roller rotation ensures that the gear is independent and not easily broken. Boasting multiple functions, it even comes with a built-in egg candler for easy checking.

Its oversized hatching capacity allows you to hatch up to 168 eggs at once, and it conveniently supports both home power and battery input. The incubator includes a watering can, kettle, and instruction manual, making it perfect for hobbyists and educators alike.

Farm Innovators 2450 Digital Air Incubator for Eggs

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The Farm Innovators’ Digital Circulated Air Incubator is designed with automation in mind to make the hatching process as stress-free as possible. With its automatic egg turner that turns eggs every four hours, it eliminates the need for manual handling and improves hatch rates. The integrated fan circulates fresh air to maintain a stable temperature and enhance hatch.

One of the standout features of this incubator is the easy-to-read digital display that keeps track of temperature, humidity, and days to hatch. Users can easily set the desired hatch date, which is automatically adjusted for a variety of eggs. The e-Z fill water channels let you add water without having to remove the lid, making the process convenient.

The two separate water channels ensure proper humidity levels during each stage of egg development. The high/low temperature notification light flashes when the temperature is below 97°F or above 103°F, alerting users to take necessary precautions. The large picture window provides a 360° unobstructed view inside the incubator, allowing users to monitor their growing chicks.

Designed to accommodate even large duck and goose eggs, the incubator can hold up to 41 eggs at a time. Its deep bottom tray is suitable for large eggs, and its dimensions (18 in height, 18 in length, 8 in width) ensure it fits comfortably on your counter.

While this incubator has its pros, it does encounter some cons, as evidenced by the mixed reviews it has received. Some users have reported issues with temperature regulation, humidity accuracy, and even inconsistencies with the materials used in its construction. Nonetheless, the Farm Innovators’ Digital Circulated Air Incubator is an attractive option for those looking for an automated solution to their hatching needs.

Little Giant Still Air Incubator: Ideal for Hatching Eggs

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The Little Giant Incubator Still Air is a popular incubator choice for general poultry hobbyists, claiming to be “the tried-and-true way to incubate and hatch eggs. “ Boasting updated digital technology, this incubator provides a durable Styrofoam insulation that preserves warmth through a gentle heating element controlled by a dependable digital control board. It displays precise temperature and humidity readings, with a self-regulating control board that adjusts temperature to suit varying environments.

Despite its impressive features, some users report troubles with the control board and temperature regulation. The built-in digital hydrometer and moisture channels aim to maintain ideal humidity levels, but reviews suggest inconsistencies, leading to potential egg damage or loss. The plastic mesh screen, while dishwasher-safe, may struggle to support eggs during the hatch period.

With a rating of 3.3 and 355 reviews, the Little Giant Incubator Still Air is not without its flaws. However, some users praise its affordability and simple operation. Recommended for general poultry hobbyists, it’s essential to account for potential temperature and humidity issues when considering this incubator for personal use. Though its compact size (17.75 inches L x 17.75 inches W x 8 inches H) may not be ideal for professional or commercial use, it could serve as a practical addition for those new to incubating eggs in their backyard or garden.

PaTunTEK Hatching Egg Incubator with Auto Turn, Humidity Monitor, and LED Candle

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I’ve been using the PaTunTEK Incubator for Hatching Eggs, and I must say it’s been a life saver — especially for someone like me who’s always had a green thumb but struggled with hatching eggs. The fully automatic incubator has been a game-changer. Not only does it come with an automatic temperature control feature, but it also displays the temperature and humidity right on the panel, allowing for seamless adjustments. And don’t even get me started on the LED egg candler! It’s like having a tiny, yet powerful microscope that allows me to observe the eggs with ease.

While the product’s performance has been outstanding, I did encounter a few minor drawbacks. The process of adding or removing water sometimes felt a bit cumbersome, and the instructions for setting up the incubator were a tiny bit too detailed for my taste. However, I’ve learned to stick to the guidelines, and the results have been worth the effort.

Now, when it comes to hatching chicks, ducks, geese, or pigeons, this PaTunTEK Incubator is the real deal. The customizable intelligent incubation modes are a boon, and I’ve been thrilled with how efficiently it’s been hatching the eggs. The adjustable egg tray spacing is also a bonus, making it perfect for different breeding egg sizes.

In conclusion, the PaTunTEK Incubator has been a reliable and user-friendly tool for me. Despite a few minor setbacks, the features that it offers make it worth the investment. So if you’re looking to hatch eggs like a pro, this incubator might just be the answer you’ve been seeking.

Apdoe Egg Incubator:Large Capacity for Chickens, Ducks, Quail & Pigeons

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I’ve been using the Apdoe Egg Incubator for a while now, and it’s been quite the journey. The large capacity of the incubator allows me to hatch up to 16 eggs at once, which is great for different species like chickens, ducks, quail, and pigeons. I love the adjustable egg tray, which ensures a perfect fit for various egg sizes.

One of the best features is the clear view and precise monitoring. The multi-functional interface displays temperature, humidity, and incubation days, providing accurate monitoring throughout the entire process. Plus, the transparent window offers a clear view from all angles, so I can keep an eye on my little chicks without any difficulties.

Another thing I appreciate is the automatic egg turning and water refill. Eggs are automatically turned every 2 hours for optimal development, and the water supply bottle keeps the temperature and humidity stable without opening the cover. It’s such a relief not having to worry about refilling water manually.

Now, the built-in egg candler is a game-changer. It enabled me to monitor my eggs without any additional purchases. The 360° airflow circulation creates ideal conditions for healthy and strong chicks. And let’s not forget about the detachable design — it’s super easy to clean and maintain.

My experience with the Apdoe Egg Incubator has been wonderful. From its large capacity to its easy-to-use features, it’s been a pleasure to have this tool in my daily life. Overall, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in hatching eggs.

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re interested in hatching eggs at home, an egg incubator can be an exciting addition to your farm or garden. However, choosing the right egg incubator can be confusing, with many different sizes, features, and functions available on the market. This buyer’s guide aims to provide you with important information and advice to help you make a well-informed decision when selecting an egg incubator.

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Important Features to Consider

When shopping for an egg incubator, consider the following features that will help ensure the success of your hatching process:

  1. Incubation Capacity: Determine how many eggs you plan to incubate at once. Most egg incubators come in different sizes, ranging from 10 to 200 eggs or more. 2. Temperature Control: Accurate temperature control is essential for proper incubation. Look for models with precise thermal regulation that can maintain the ideal temperature range (usually between 95–101°F/35–38°C) for the specific species of eggs you’ll be incubating. 3. Humidity Control: Many egg incubators also offer humidity control, which is crucial for maintaining the right environment for egg development. A humidity range of 40–50% is typically recommended for most common hatching species. 4. Automatic Turning: Some egg incubators have built-in automatic turning systems, which are essential for ensuring even development of the eggs. This feature mimics the natural rolling motion of a hen, ensuring that the embryo receives proper oxygen circulation and preventing any deformities or issues with the chicks. 5. Egg Trays and Support: Pay attention to the type of egg trays included with the incubator. These can be individual cups or mesh-style trays, and the material they are made from can vary. Some egg incubators also include egg support or suspension systems to prevent any pressure on the eggs.

Considerations

Before purchasing an egg incubator, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right one for your needs:

  1. Your Target Species: Different egg species have different incubation requirements, such as chickens, ducks, quails, and turkeys. Research the specific requirements for the target species and choose an incubator that can accommodate those needs. 2. Your Experience Level: If you’re new to egg incubation, opt for a user-friendly and easy-to-use egg incubator. Some models may have more advanced features, which could be overwhelming for a beginner. 3. Maintenance and Cleaning: Egg incubators can be messy, and regular cleaning is necessary to ensure proper function and hygiene. Consider an incubator with easy-to-clean components and a design that allows for efficient maintenance.
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General Advice

Here are some additional tips to help you succeed with your egg incubation project:

  1. Start with high-quality eggs: Choose fresh, clean, and well-cared-for eggs for the best results. It’s also important to store the eggs at the appropriate temperature to prevent any internal damage. 2. Maintain a consistent environment: Keep the temperature and humidity within the incubator as stable as possible, and avoid introducing any sudden changes. 3. Be patient: Hatching eggs can take anywhere from 18 to 21 days, so be prepared for a waiting game. 4. Research: Learn about the specific requirements for your target species, as well as any potential health issues that may arise during the hatching process. This will help you create the optimal environment for successful incubation and hatching.

An egg incubator can be a rewarding and engaging addition to your home or garden. By considering the important features, taking into account various considerations, and following general advice, you can increase your chances of successfully hatching eggs and enjoying the fruits of your labor with fresh, healthy chicks.

FAQ

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Discover the advantages of using an egg incubator

An egg incubator offers a highly effective method of ensuring successful hatching by providing a controlled environment that closely mimics the natural nest. By maintaining the optimal temperature, humidity, and egg rotation, the embryo’s development is encouraged, promoting healthy survival rates.

The convenience of hatching multiple eggs simultaneously with an egg incubator also significantly reduces the risks of bacteria and diseases spreading, making it a valuable asset for those considering commercial poultry farming or exploring poultry farming on a smaller scale.

How long does it take for eggs to hatch in an incubator?

The length of time for hatching varies depending on the specific species of bird. For instance, most broiler eggs require 21 days, while duck eggs typically hatch within 18 days. Turkey eggs often hatch within 20 to 24 days. It’s essential to consult the specific incubation period for the particular birds being incubated.

As the hatching date approaches, remember gently turn the eggs to facilitate proper development and ease the chick out of the shell. Monitor the temperature and humidity levels, and ensure the eggs are rotated frequently for balanced development and hatching success.

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What characteristics should an egg incubator possess?

When purchasing an egg incubator, consider these essential features: the ability to control both temperature and humidity, adjustable heat lamps, built-in auto-turners, a reliable alarm system, and solid construction for longevity. A user-friendly digital display, multiple egg trays, and easy cleaning components are also desirable. Before finalizing your purchase, research and read customer reviews to determine the incubator’s suitability for your birds and requirements.

Confirm that the incubator accommodates the number of eggs you plan to hatch and provides a reasonable price considering the qualities and features it offers. Paying attention to these details will help ensure a successful incubation experience.

Can an incubator be used to hatch eggs without power?

While it’s possible to incubate eggs without power, it’s discouraged due to several reasons. First, maintaining the necessary temperature and humidity levels without a power source is challenging. Egg incubators come equipped with built-in thermostats and humidity controls, making it easy to create a stable environment for the eggs.

Secondly, the importance of turning the eggs cannot be overstated. Without power, turning the eggs frequently becomes a time-consuming task, and the risk of inconsistent development increases. Automatic egg turners are designed for regular rotation, reducing the chance of deformities.

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How do you clean an egg incubator after hatching?

After the eggs have hatched, it’s essential to clean the egg incubator to prevent the spread of bacteria and diseases. First, unplug the incubator and let it cool down before using any cleaning supplies. Then, remove any debris or fecal matter from the egg incubator’s interior and tray and dispose of contaminated materials responsibly.

Remove the egg trays and wash them thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Rinse well and let them dry completely before reinserting them into the incubator. Properly disassemble the incubator if possible, and wash each part with warm soapy water. Rinse and let it dry before reassembling. Regular cleaning ensures that your egg incubator remains hygienic, ready for future incubating processes.

What precautions should be taken during the incubation process?

To increase the chances of successful hatching, follow these precautions during the incubation process: keep the incubator in a clean, dry, draft-free room to maintain consistent temperature and humidity; avoid placing the incubator near heating vents, windows, or doors with potential drafts; regularly monitor the temperature and humidity levels; ensure the eggs are turned regularly to distribute heat evenly and prevent embryo attachment to the shell. Handling the eggs gently also ensures the undamaged development of the embryo and maintains a clean environment.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive compensation from qualifying purchases.

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