Incubator Buyers Guide

Overview

This guide is to help you understand the main components of the different types of incubators, common accessories, and combo kits to make your purchasing decision as simple as possible.

This guide will cover the following topics:

1. Main Components
2. Common Accessories
3. Quick Summary Table
4. Combo Kits
5. IncubatorWarehouse.com’s Guarantees

 1. Main Components

 a.  Case- There are two common types of cases

           i. Styrofoam- Most commonly used in incubators because it provides great insulation and is low cost.

ii. Plastic- Used for its durability and ease of cleaning.

b.  Thermostats- Of the incubators we sell there are four types of thermostats.

i.  Wafer- Considered the “old reliable” of thermostats; a mechanical thermostat where two discs expand and contract depending on the temperature triggering an on/off switch that operates the heating element. Many people like these because they are easy to adjust and tend to last a long time.

 ii. Electronic- This thermostat uses a computer to sense the temperature and to turn the heater on or off. This is a very basic electronic thermostat and must be manually set. People like these because they tend to hold a tighter temperature range. However, the electronic thermostat is very sensitive to adjustments.

iii. Digital Electronic- Similar to the basic electronic thermostat in that it uses a computer to control the temperature which turns the heater on and off. It has a digital LCD screen that displays the temperature and is programmable. Once the desired temperature is programmed the computer automatically maintains the temperature. This thermostat makes the incubator more “hands off” and automated

iv. Proportional- The proportional thermostat varies the amount of power that is supplied to the heater instead of simply turning the heater off and on. This provides a more accurate temperature range than a standard on/off thermostat. It also has a digital display, is programmable, and automatically controls the temperature. This thermostat also makes the incubator virtually “hands off” and is very accurate.

2. Common Accessories- Based on feedback from our customers, most people find that just buying a still air incubator is not enough to get the results they want.  We have listed our most common accessories below (in order of importance).  

a. Thermometer/Hygrometer- (A Hygrometer measures humidity) While many basic incubators generally come with a glass thermometer, most do not come with hygrometers. Both the temperature and humidity are critical factors to a successful hatch. This is why we recommend it as the most important accessory.

b. Circulated Air Fan Kit- Uniform temperature is critical in incubation. Most entry level incubators are still air; which means there is nothing to circulate the air, creating hot and cold spots. A fan kit will help increase your hatch rates by circulating the air to create a uniform temperature and humidity.

c. Egg Turner/Quail Rails- Eggs must be turned 3+ times per day in order to prevent the yolk from settling and to exercise the embryo.  Buying an auto egg turner is optional, but most people find they just don't have the discipline and/or time to turn the eggs that many times per day with work schedules, errands, life, etc.

d. Egg Candler- This accessory is the most fun of all of them. A specially designed light shines through the shell of the egg illuminating the inside making it possible to see progression of the embryo.  Short of watching the eggs hatch, there is nothing quite as exciting as watching the bird move and develop while still inside the egg.

e. Brooder Kit- Once your birds hatch, they need special care to keep them warm and safe. This kit provides a heating lamp and pen for developing chicks.

g. Egg O Meter- Most thermometers measure the air temperature, which warms and cools faster than the egg temperature. The Egg-O-Meter has a sensor that is embedded in a synthetic egg which closely reflects the temperature of a real egg.  This is for users who want to see the temperature that really counts:  the internal egg temperature.

3. Quick Summary Table- This table gives a quick summary of the table top incubators available from IncubatorWarehouse.com

4. Combo Kits- Save by purchasing the incubator and accessories together.

HovaBator 1602n

Little Giant 9200

HovaBator 1588 Genesis

5. IncubatorWarehouse.com’s Guarantees

You get 2 great GUARANTEES:

1) 1 Year Hassle Free Guarantee

 Our Hassle-Free Guarantee enhances the Manufacturer's Warranty.  If anything goes wrong within the first year of ownership we will make it right.  We stand behind every sale we make.

2) Low Price Guarantee

 If a buyer finds a better price on the same item elsewhere we'll match that price. (Guarantee only applies to product price (excludes shipping costs).  Buyer must document the better price and submit for review (website link, screenshot, advertisement, etc.)  All Claims must be submitted to us by emailing service@incubatorwarehouse.com.  Submissions will be reviewed within 1-2 business days.  Guarantee excludes auctions, used or refurbished, clearance, completed listings, or past sales/advertisements.)

 Still Have Questions?

Contact Us:

You can contact us by phone at 208-740-1344 (1EGG).  Or by email at service@incubatorwarehouse.com

We try to answer all phone calls, but if we are on the phone with another customer we may not be able to answer, please leave a message.  We can usually be reached, Mon-Thurs 8am to 5pm & Fri 8am to 3pm MST.