The Poultry Keeper

The Ladies · Joined: 02 Aug 2008 Posts: 131 Location: Kent

Hi, Having just had a disaster with a borrowed incubator I am now looking to purchase one myself. (see, due to hatch in 48 hours)
I would probably only incubate 12-18 eggs a year to increase/ replace my layers.

Doing some research I am wondering if anyone has a view on the Covatutto 12/ Covina 12.

It seems reasonably priced? I would like to spend no more than £50- 80 (i realize you get what you pay for, but looking for something for a beginner)

It is not auto turning but I work at home so this needn't be a problem.

Would like to hatch in an incubator rather than buying POL or chicks because I think its a great thing for the children to experience etc.

I don't want to spend too much because the aim is in the first instance to just hatch for our selves rather than hatch to sell on.

Any thoughts would be welcome.

CP · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:38 am Post subject:

We have a Covatutto 24 & are very happy with it's performance.

I assume the 12 is similar - I don't know it but assuming it works on the same principal as our one then it's very easy to use. Wink

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3540 Location: Monmouthshire

I am an unashamed fan of Brinsea Octagon 20 incubators. New or second hand, they work. Brinsea will either repair or supply parts in the event of a breakdown. You don't have to have an autoturn cradle just turn the whole incubator from one side to the center to the other side - no taking the lid off to physically turn the eggs. Whatever you chose, follow the instructions for at least your first incubation.
I've just read through your previous post and see it was a Brinsea 10. This is a still air machine and is the only one that seems to give persistant trouble. I have heard excellent reports of the hovabator, tho' not used one. It's not too late for hatching eggs - I still have 2 incubators going full blast.

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1219 Location: Cornwall

Look on Ebay and search for web_puppy, he's selling incubators for £19.99, which are ideal for beginners and work very well, I have one as a spare incase the main incubator breaks down.

chickens rock your sox · Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 131 Location: Kildare-Ireland

I have an R-COM 20 pro and its so easy to use!!this is my first hatch but all I had to do was choose the species and it picks the ideal atmosphere!!(or if you want you can set-up manually)its brilliant!!

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1219 Location: Cornwall

Blimey they'll be laying the eggs for you as well soon Rolling Eyes

debbie26pet · Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 124 Location: lancs

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1219 Location: Cornwall

Just a cheapo stick thermometer and a I got a humidity dial from Amazon for £3. You can use a medical thermometer, it fixes on that little sensor that sticks thru to the inside?

The only thing with that incy is when you turn the eggs, move them around so they're not always in the same place all the time, cos the temp does fluctuate slightly, nothing to worry about tho.

I think they're brill incy's for the money.