8 of the best egg incubators: homemade, automatic and for mini-farms

Poultry farming is considered one of the most profitable branches of farming. But laying hens alone are not enough to breed birds for sale. With large volumes, it is unprofitable to raise poultry in a natural way: it requires large expenses, not every bird will sit quietly on the nest, so large losses are possible.

In this case, beginning farmers are thinking about purchasing a special unit that will act as a laying hen. Quite a lot of incubators for breeding birds are currently sold. All models have different characteristics and prices. Therefore, the choice of a specific device must be approached responsibly. We offer you some tips on how to choose a unit, as well as a rating of the best household incubators.

Which company's incubator is better to choose?

Automatic systems for farms are available for sale. You can also purchase small devices for your home. A detailed review will help you determine which incubator is better. Each device has individual characteristics. But you should make a choice in favor of trusted manufacturers. There are certain brands whose products are recognized as the most successful:

• IP K Akurin V.V. – an individual entrepreneur has been manufacturing and selling incubators for 21 years.
• HDD devices from the Chinese company are in great demand. They are inexpensive, functional and completely copy elite models.
• Norma - a company from the Orenburg region is famous for its quality products for poultry farmers.
• S ititek is a company that produces useful products for farmers.
• Olsa Service - the company's products comply with Russian and international quality standards.
• Plant of Electrical Household Goods is a Russian company that has been producing household goods for agriculture for ten years.
• Bagan - the company is famous for producing products for heating homes and equipment.
• Janoel - devices from a Chinese company are suitable for home use.

A detailed review will help you determine which incubator is better. The devices have individual characteristics. It is worth making a choice in favor of trusted manufacturers.

Comparison table of characteristics

Based on the rating presented earlier, we have organized a table with the main characteristics of all models.

Rating of incubators

The TOP 12 includes the best incubators according to experts and buyers. The most functional devices that showed good performance were selected. Characteristics that were paid attention to when selecting for the 2022 ranking:

• Scope of application. For breeding birds at home, inexpensive models with a small number of eggs are sufficient;
• Automation. An automatic turning incubator simplifies the process;
• Temperature conditions. To maintain a constant temperature, it is recommended to use a battery;
• Antiseptic treatment. The best egg incubators have a steel body that is easy to clean to remove bacteria.

Contenders for the title of best were also selected taking into account the purpose, price, technical characteristics, reviews and opinions of users.

The best soil for plants

Tips for choosing

In order not to waste a lot of time and effort when buying an incubator, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a few tips from experienced manufacturers:

1. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on a purchase, then choose manual incubators. The main disadvantage is constant monitoring of the condition of the eggs.
2. If your budget is unlimited, then take a closer look at automatic models. They are fully automated and do not require constant user presence.
3. Rely on a brood of eggs. Don't buy a large capacity incubator if you plan to hatch 50-100 eggs as it will consume a lot of resources.
4. If your area often experiences electrical problems, then when purchasing, take a closer look at models with a battery-powered function.
5. An analogue type thermostat maintains the set temperature, while a digital one has the ability to automatically regulate temperature, humidity and even turn eggs.
6. The digital thermostat increases the output level and makes control of operation easier.

The best household hand incubators

Such models are much cheaper than automatic ones. Among them, domestically produced incubators are the leaders. They are easy to use, but less functional. However, farmers often opt for these budget devices.

Poseda R-5 / R53

IP Kakurin V.V. offers a design for 150 chicken eggs with three special grids. The device has an electronic temperature controller, a fan, a humidifier and a circular heating system. Due to the absence of mechanical action, the eggs do not scratch or roll. The position of the housing can be easily changed by mechanical rotation. The device maintains an accurate temperature with an error of +/- 0.2 degrees. Removable baths are used to replenish the water supply. Additionally, the device has an electrical and fire safety fuse. All elements are coated with paint that protects against microbes.

Advantages

• Possibility of external addition of water;
• Simple controls;
• Detailed instructions for use included;
• Durable design.

Flaws

• Heavy weight;
• Velcro does not hold well;
• The temperature on the upper and lower shelves is different.

Users recommend changing the mounts yourself to stronger ones. It is also important to monitor the basic room temperature. The design has good hatchability.

Blitz 48*9

The device is a rectangular box with an internal metal lining and a thick layer of foam. The outside of the device is covered with plywood. Additionally, the kit includes a transparent lid with a round viewing hole. Blitz has a convenient display and simple control interface. Eggs are placed in the incubator using a universal grid. Add water manually. The design provides forced ventilation and automatic rotation. The device is designed to heat 48 chicken eggs.

Advantages

• Mechanical regulation of humidity levels;
• High hatchability rate;
• Availability of a digital thermometer;
• Easy to repair;
• Constant ventilation.

Flaws

• High price;
• Inconvenient to fill with water.

For continuous operation, a standard voltage of 220V is used. When the power is turned off, the incubator automatically switches to 12V backup power. The DC power source is purchased separately.

Egg Incubator HHD EW9-7

The miniature device is manufactured in China. It holds seven standard size eggs. The device is ideal for hatching quails. The device allows you to breed a small number of poultry to produce environmentally friendly meat. The case has a liquid crystal display where you can manually set the temperature from 20 to 50 degrees. The power of the Egg Incubator HHD EW9-7 is 20 W.

Advantages

• Compact device;
• Weighs only 550 g;
• There is a manual rotation;
• Simple controls.

Flaws

• Small capacity;
• Lack of instructions in Russian.

This is a very popular device among foreign residents. The device can be used as a visual aid.

Brinsea Octagon 20

Holds 20 chicken eggs. But the manufacturer also produces other models with greater capacity. A distinctive feature is the body material made of plastic with the Biomaster additive, which prevents the growth of bacteria.

The disadvantage of all European models is that the price is too high. High-quality but expensive products are inferior to their Chinese counterparts in popularity among Russian consumers.

The best incubators for home mini-farms

To maintain a large population of poultry, you will need to buy a large-capacity incubator. Usually the choice falls in favor of models with smart functions. Automatic control contributes to a high yield of chicks without additional effort.

R-Com Maru 380 Deluxe Max

The device has external and internal temperature sensors. They allow you to control the entire incubation process. Also, R-Com Maru 380 Deluxe Max is equipped with an LCD display, air supply adjustment, and humidity control. The device weighs 30 kg. The turning mechanism is automatically switched off. The aluminum case is coated with a special substance, which facilitates the process of cleaning the walls of the device. The kit includes universal, incubator and hatcher trays. The total capacity is 336 eggs.

Advantages

• Smart device;
• High-precision Swiss sensors;
• Possibility of adjustment to ambient temperature;
• Continuous air exchange.

Flaws

• There is no forced ventilation;
• High price.

This is a reliable design with automatic water supply function. It has a minimal number of disadvantages. This device will do everything on its own.

Laying hen for 189 eggs

The set temperature is regulated using a digital unit. In the event of a power outage, the incubator automatically switches to backup power. If problems occur, the device notifies you with a sound and light signal. The device is illuminated inside by an LED lamp. Thermal panels are made of plastic. Thanks to this, the walls are easy to clean. The indicators display humidity and temperature indicators. Here you can see how many days have passed since the bookmark. The incubator is equipped with three fans.

Advantages

• The presence of a large viewing window;
• Possibility of connecting to a battery;
• Simple controls;
• Internal lighting.

Flaws

• Not sold everywhere.

Three trays are provided for raising birds. The egg turning interval is user adjustable. The device is suitable for incubation and hatching of chicks.

TGB-280 Bio Plus

The device consists of four trays. The device is equipped with automatic cooling, random rotation. The shell is well ventilated using the thermal contrast mode. The eggs turn automatically every 15 minutes. For breeding waterfowl, cooling is provided, which is turned on three times a day. On a modern digital thermostat you can see temperature and humidity indicators.

Advantages

• Availability of built-in biostimulator and ionizer;
• Thermal cover included;
• Backup power is provided;
• Three fans installed.

Flaws

• The cable often breaks;
• Inconvenient fixation.

Such a device is inconvenient for breeding goslings. An ionizer, backup power supply, humidity meter, thermostat, and auto-rotate are purchased as a special package. Farmers rate this device 4 out of 5.

Capacity from 500 eggs

Devices with a capacity of 500, 1000 or more eggs belong to the professional class. Their assembly and automation requirements are much higher than those of household devices.

The price for a professional incubator for 500 eggs starts from 35-40 thousand rubles. For example:

• BION-700 – 40,000 rubles;
• Nest-500 – 72,000 rubles;
• Blitz Base – 43,000 rubles.

Nest 1000

Devices for 1000 eggs are more expensive:

• incubator for 1000 eggs BION-1200M – 55,000 rubles;
• Nest-2000, with a capacity of 2000 eggs – 15,000 rubles;
• incubator for 2000 eggs BION-2300M – 95,000 rubles;
• Nest-1000, with a capacity of 1000 eggs – 90,000 rubles.

At such a cost, it is worth choosing a device carefully. Still, the loss of 20 chicks cannot be compared with the loss of 2000. Incubators for 1000 eggs have a fully automated chick hatching process. Some models are equipped with overheating and overcooling protection systems.

Which incubator is better to buy

Before purchasing a device, it is important to study the opinions of experts, as well as read reviews about the best incubators on popular Internet sites. Compact appliances are suitable for household purposes. Automatic incubators will make your work easier. For farmers with large farms, machines that can hold several hundred eggs are suitable.

• Of the manual incubators, the Blitz 48*9 is in the lead in the ranking. It is chosen for its good ventilation and reliable design;
• The ideal hen IB3NB 4Ts is considered the most convenient among automatic devices;
• For home mini-farms, R-Com Maru 380 Deluxe Max is often purchased. The device is valued for its accuracy and practicality.

To choose the right model, you need to estimate the size of the farm. If you have a small number of eggs, you won't need an automatic incubator. Digital devices will make the incubation process easier. Analog ones will cost less. Also, the price depends on the functions, quality, and manufacturer; domestic models will be cheaper.

Care

Caring for the incubator is a very important point for proper functioning. It should be easy to wash, because this needs to be done after each withdrawal. If it is difficult to get to the compartments, then it will be impossible to clear them of the shell. Then the new chicks will not be able to develop properly.

When purchasing, it is best to choose models with a removable tray. Many models are equipped with this useful feature. This greatly simplifies the necessary maintenance and disinfection.

Safety precautions when working with an incubator

There are a few fairly simple rules that must be followed:

1. Before first use, be sure to study the instructions in detail. Do not plug in the appliance unless it is ready for use.
2. Before starting work, remove all dust and dirt. This applies to both the first use and all subsequent uses.
3. The incubator can only be installed on a perfectly flat surface.
4. It cannot be installed on the floor.
5. Do not open the lid during operation unless this is permitted in the instructions.
6. The room temperature should not be below 15 degrees Celsius.
7. Be sure to ensure that the device is out of reach of children and animals.

If you follow these rules, the device will operate most correctly, and it will last much longer.

Reviews for analogues:

Vitamin supplement for poultry Zdravur “Laying Hen” Interactive toy K’s Kids “Laying Hen Emma” Wheelchair Polesie “Laying Duck” Musical toy KS Kids “Laying Hen” Tomy toy “Laying Hen”

Many farmers prefer to hatch chicks artificially, but not many know how to choose a reliable incubator. We have prepared material about the features of models for beginners from the two most common domestic manufacturers. Let’s figure out which incubator is better – “Cinderella” or “Layer”, whether they have analogues, and also what to look for when choosing.

Distinctive features

Let’s compare the quality and functionality of the incubators “Cinderella” and “Laying Layer”:

Heating system

Devices of the “Cinderella” brand are equipped with two types of analogue reliable thermostats – 220V and 220-12V. Automatic switching to a backup source is provided. Nesushka also has these types of heating, but the 220-12 power supply works differently - you need to install two separate thermostats for each power source. Thus, the manufacturer did not provide automatic switching to 12V.

Nesushka equips its devices with analog and digital thermostats. “Cinderella” does not yet have digitally controlled devices, but does have electronic thermometers.

Organization of heating elements

In Cinderella incubators, water is poured into the heating elements, which serves as an intermediate coolant. This avoids sudden changes in temperature and ensures high heating uniformity.

The “layer” works simpler: a resistor is soldered between two metal plates; when current passes, it heats up, heating the plates. A broken element in such a situation is very easy to replace.

Positive reviews on the topic of which incubator is better, “Cinderella” or “Laying Hen”, were divided equally between the manufacturers. Each of the devices has its own advantages.

Model description

“Laying hen” is an incubator, the design of which includes the following elements:

• A control unit responsible for all the main automatic functions of the model: maintaining humidity and temperature, as well as turning eggs at specified intervals.
• Automatic turning device connected to the grille.
• An LED mounted on the back of the cover is necessary to illuminate the interior space.
• 4 lattice plates for eggs.
• Ultrasonic water evaporator.
• Water fill sensor.
• Two LEDs on the top cover (control of water level, temperature and presence of current in the network).

The Laying Incubator is made of polystyrene foam. In its thick bottom there are recesses-trays into which water is poured to maintain the necessary humidity inside the device. This must be done in such a way that the liquid completely covers the evaporator and sensor. On the top cover of the incubator there is a small window covered with glass. The device comes with a book on poultry farming and an instruction manual. Controlling the Layer is not too complicated. This is a fully automatic incubator. And all you need to do for its proper functioning is to configure the menu. Next, we will give a short instruction on how this operation is performed.

conclusions

1. There is no clear answer to the question of which incubator is better - “Cinderella” or “Laying Hen”. They are very similar. With proper use and care, high hatchability can be achieved in both.
2. The incubators in question are not expensive. Average price – 4 thousand rubles.
3. There are foreign expensive analogues. A beginner does not need to purchase them.
4. When choosing an incubator, focus not on a specific model, but on functionality.

Sources used:

• https://otzovik.com/reviews/inkubator_bitovoy_nesushka_bi-1/
• https://otzovik.com/reviews/iinkubator_nesushka_bi-2/
• https://myfarming.ru/pticy/kury/kakoj-inkubator-luchshe-zolushka-ili-nesushka/

Reviews for analogues:

Household incubator “Electronics for the village” TGB-210 Household incubator Bagan “Ideal hen” Household incubator IBM-30/100E with a turning device Household incubator Olsa-Service “Cinderella” Incubator Laying hen BI-2Where to buyDescriptionPhoto gallery

“Laying hen”, which is a hen :)

16.04.2020Advantages:

Active.
Reliable. Disadvantages:
Incomprehensible instructions. My geese do not incubate eggs well: they may leave the nest in the middle of the process, or they may not sit at all.
But they rush regularly and for a long time, starting in January and ending in May. Therefore, we hatch goslings in an incubator, at... Read full review Review recommended:
192

simple incubator for hobbyists

15.01.2014Advantages:

cheap, light, simple, easy to wash
Disadvantages:
uneven temperature Layer Bi-2 for 36 eggs was my first incubator, where I learned all the intricacies of egg incubation.
The design of the incubator is simple and clear - a foam box, two heating elements (in incubators with more eggs there are more heaters)… Read the full review Review recommended:
23

For initial incubation experiments

16.02.2020Advantages:

Affordable cost, good chick hatching, simple controls.
Disadvantages:
Turns eggs loudly, you need to get used to working with the incubator, a voltage stabilizer is desirable, uneven temperature inside the incubator - as a result, improvements are needed. Good day everyone.
Since I live in my own house and keep a small farm, which is mainly birds, over time the question of incubation and subsequent reproduction of new birds arose. At first there were plans to buy a more expensive one... Read full review Review recommended:
14

A worthy result.

31.10.2019Advantages:

Reliable and easy to use.
Disadvantages:
None found. Greetings to all readers of my reviews.
I would like to share my opinion about the Layer BI-2 incubator, which I purchased this spring. I made 3 laying eggs of different birds, chickens, ducks and geese. The results were different, but I was very pleased. Conclusion... Read full review Review recommended:
10

You can completely do without a real laying hen!

28.11.2014Advantages:

Reliable, convenient, equipped with automatic rotation.
Disadvantages:
Difficult to clean after use. Almost every summer, my family and I try to escape into the ancient times for at least a couple of weeks.
Fresh air, space, lake! What else do you need for a good rest? And although we have our own dacha, my wife... Read full review Review recommended:
11

Made me a bird mama twice

01.10.2020Advantages:

foam box
Disadvantages:
Unreasonable cost, apparatus for turning eggs, heating plates, almost all made of plastic. In April, I was inspired to breed quails.
But since this bird does not strive to reproduce on its own, the question arose about purchasing an incubator. I read the reviews and decided to purchase the Layer incubator. The issue price is 4000 rubles. I'll tell you what's included... Read full review Review recommended:
1

the more modern the less reliable

16.05.2017Advantages:

made in Russia
Disadvantages:
just complete, ruined eggs without experience and skills. I decided to give my wife a gift for her birthday - a fully automatic incubator Layer BI-2 for 104 eggs.
I ordered through an online store, received it and it turned out to be not the one I ordered, but oh well, the money was returned without any problems. Re-ordered already... Read full review Review recommended:
3

Complete bullshit

30.04.2019Advantages:

Auto-rotate
Disadvantages:
The incubator itself and the manufacturer. I am a pensioner.
To hatch eggs, from an advertisement in a magazine, my beautiful dacha bought this miracle, for a total of 6500 with delivery, with a pension of 8k, and in the end I received complete garbage. I supplied 62 domestic eggs, and... Read full review Review recommended:
1

Nothing is clear yet, I bought it but can’t configure anything, please help

12.03.2019Advantages:

Basically, you don’t need to do anything, as with previous incubators.
Disadvantages:
I can’t set it up, so I’m asking for help. Please help me set up the incubation days, fully automatically.
I set it to zero and nothing works, I set it to 25 days and there is no countdown either)) Read the whole review Review recommended:
1

One of the best in its class.

27.04.2020Advantages:

The price and quality are satisfactory.
Disadvantages:
Foam body. I bought the Layer BI 2 incubator several years ago.
I can immediately say that the device is not bad, it holds the temperature well, the automatic rotation of the eggs works fine, although there is no automatic ventilation or humidity. And of course, the foam plastic is annoying Read the full review Review recommended:

foam, but removes

28.05.2018Advantages:

high hatchability, price, availability of spare parts
Disadvantages:
foam body, grilles I keep chickens and quails.
For hatching I use the BI incubator - “Laying hen”. The first time I ordered one with buttons - digital, the second time I decided to save money - I ordered an analog one (with a knob). Conclusion on your testicles with this incubator... Read the full review Review recommended:

The incubator is working well.

09.03.2016Advantages:

Holds the set temperature well.
Easy to assemble and operate. Operates almost silently. Disadvantages:
When factory equipped, only one grill for chicken eggs is included.
And for geese and ducks you have to order it yourself. And this is additional trouble. The summer season is approaching. Many people are thinking about raising poultry in the country or on private farms. And in order to reduce the cost of purchasing young livestock, an incubator is required. The laying hen incubator is available in different configurations: for 32... Read full review Review recommended:

Either I was unlucky with the eggs, or with the incubator.

19.01.2018Advantages:

Easy to use.
Disadvantages:
All sensors lie! Hello everyone!
Since childhood, my brother had a dream of breeding pigeons. But living in an apartment, it was difficult to do this. And so, he built his house, built a dovecote and it began! (We all made fun of him... Read full review Review recommended:
112>

Comparison with "Poseda"

This incubator has a very large capacity. It is made entirely of plywood. A device of this brand is installed on a special rack. The body attached to it easily rotates 45 degrees (automatically). Unlike the Layer, the eggs in the model of this brand are laid not on top, but in front. After laying, the model is covered with glass, through which it is convenient to observe the incubation process. On the side of the case there are heater and rotation buttons. Nearby there is an electronic display of the control unit. There is a hole on the top of the lid into which a medical thermometer is inserted. The advantages of these models include the presence of a fan. Trays with eggs are placed on special shelves. The main disadvantage of incubators of this brand is that they do not hold heat very well. Owners will have to monitor the temperature very carefully. In this regard, “Layers” are inferior to “Posedy”.

In models of this brand, water is poured into special long baths installed on the bottom. Some of the disadvantages of Poseda incubators are considered by homeowners to be insufficient humidity. After the first bite, you have to additionally place a wet rag inside the chamber.

Comparison with “Cinderella” models

The body of the equipment of this brand, like “Layers” and “Kvochki”, is made of foam plastic. The Cinderella incubator can be designed for a different number of eggs. In these models, water is poured not into trays located directly at the bottom, but into separate plastic baths. Turning the eggs, as in Layer, is carried out using a grid attached to a special automatic device. Humidity control is also carried out using a special sensor. This incubator turns the eggs 10 times a day. In case of a power outage, the model has the ability to operate on battery power. A magnetic evaporator and fan are not provided in models of this brand.

In general, the “Cinderella” incubator has a simpler design than the “Laying One” and “Kvochka”, but at the same time it is somewhat cheaper. The main feature of devices of this brand is the ability to regulate the air temperature inside using not only automation, but also hot water. It is poured into special holes in the lid. Heating is carried out by heating elements. This is very convenient in areas where power surges often occur in the network.