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Remember the thrill of watching a science experiment come to life? That’s the feeling you get when you hatch your own chicks. It’s a fascinating process, and with the right incubator, it’s easier than you might think. Ready to hatch your own flock? We’ll share our top picks for the best egg incubators for hatching chickens at home. We’ve learned a lot about what makes a good incubator through our own homesteading adventures, and we’re excited to give our recommendations.

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Why Hatch Eggs at Home?

I’ve been there: standing in the farm store, mesmerized by those tiny, peeping fluffballs. But I’ve also learned that those adorable day-old chicks don’t always thrive once they get home. And while hatchery chicks seem to be healthier that the farm store chicks, the shipping costs can be a real budget-buster. 

That’s why we started hatching our own eggs. It’s a game-changer! Healthier chicks, money-saving, complete control over our flock, and it’s an activity my kids absolutely love. They get to be hands-on with the whole process, from candling eggs to helping the chicks hatch – it’s their special way of contributing to our homestead. What’s not to love?

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Incubator

Ready to take the plunge and hatch your own chicks? Great! But with so many different incubators on the market, what makes the best egg incubators for hatching chickens at home? This guide breaks down the essential features to look for before you buy, helping you make the best investment for your homestead.

Capacity:

• Consider the size and type of eggs you want to hatch. Some incubators or inserts are designed for specific egg sizes (chicken, duck, quail, etc.).
• Determine how many eggs you want to incubate at a time. This will dictate the incubator’s capacity.

Type of Incubator: Still-Air vs. Circulated-Air:

• Still-Air Incubators: Typically less expensive, but temperature distribution can be uneven, potentially leading to lower hatch rates.
• Circulated-Air (Forced-Air Incubators): A fan circulates air, creating a more consistent temperature throughout the incubator, resulting in higher hatch rates. This is generally the recommended option, especially for beginners.

Temperature Control:

• Accurate and consistent temperature is crucial for successful hatching.
• Analog vs. Digital: Digital controls offer a more precise and constant temperature setting. They are easier to monitor, especially for children.
• Temperature Alarms: A built-in alarm that alerts you to temperature fluctuations is a valuable safety feature.

Humidity Control:

• Proper humidity levels are essential for chick development.
• Consider how humidity is maintained (water trays, sponges).
• A hygrometer (humidity gauge) is a helpful tool for monitoring humidity levels inside the incubator.

Turning Mechanism:

• Regular egg turning is necessary for proper embryo development.
• Automatic Egg Turning: Incubators with automatic turners (rotating plates, rocking/tilting trays) save time and effort.
• Manual Turning: If the incubator doesn’t have an automatic turner, you’ll need to turn the eggs manually several times a day.

Ventilation:

• Adequate airflow is vital for healthy embryo development.
• Adjustable ventilation openings allow you to control airflow and temperature.

Ease of Cleaning:

• A clean incubator is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and ensuring successful hatches.
• Consider how easy it is to disassemble and clean the incubator.

Price:

• Incubators range in price from budget-friendly to high-end models.
• Set a realistic budget and prioritize the features that are most important to you. Don’t overspend, especially when starting out.

Egg Candler (Optional but Helpful):

• An egg candler allows you to check the development of the embryos inside the eggs, which is a fun and educational experience, especially for children.

Durability and Build Quality:

• Most incubators are made of plastic.
• Check for warranties, especially on more expensive models.

Ease of Use:

• Choose an incubator that is user-friendly and comes with clear instructions.
• Consider watching YouTube videos demonstrating how to use the specific model you’re interested in.

Reviews of the Best Egg Incubators for Hatching Chickens at Home

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of egg incubators available? We get it! There are tons of options out there, each with its own set of features and price points. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the choices and find the perfect incubator for your homestead.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s an incubator out there that’s just right for you. We’ve considered many factors to determine the best egg incubators for hatching chickens at home. Our top picks focus on ease of use, reliability, versatility, and affordability.

Ready to find your perfect hatching companion? Let’s dive into our top recommendations!

Harris Farms Nurture Right 360 Incubator Review

We’ve been using the Harris Farms Nurture Right 360 incubator for our home hatching adventures, and overall, we’ve been very happy with it. Initially, I purchased this unit for incubating petri film for raw milk testing because of its adjustable temperature control – a feature not all incubators offer. However, it’s proven to be excellent for hatching chicks as well.

Key Features:

• Capacity: Holds 22 chicken eggs, which is perfect for our needs. We typically hatch 2-3 groups of eggs per year, which easily replenishes our laying hens. This incubator also handles duck (12-18 eggs) and pheasant (22-24 eggs) quail eggs just fine.
• Temperature Control: Digital temperature control allows for precise adjustments, which is essential for successful incubation. This was a key factor in my initial purchase.
• Automatic Egg Turner: The built-in auto turner saves time and ensures consistent turning, which is crucial for embryo development.
• Price: Around $180 (check current prices at Tractor Supply Company or other retailers). This makes it a relatively affordable option, especially for beginners.

Pros:

• Easy to Use: The digital temperature controls and automatic egg turner make this incubator very user-friendly, even for beginners. My kids can even help with the process!
• Reliable Hatch Rates: We’ve consistently had good hatch rates with this incubator.
• Versatile: As mentioned, I’ve also used it for other incubation purposes, thanks to the adjustable temperature.
• Affordable: The price point makes it accessible to most homesteaders.

Cons:

• Cleaning: While not a major issue, cleaning this unit can be a bit more challenging due to [mention specific design features that make it difficult to clean, e.g., numerous crevices, difficult-to-remove components].

Who It’s Best For:

• Beginners: The ease of use makes it a great choice for those new to hatching.
• Small-Scale Homesteaders: The 22-egg capacity is ideal for smaller flocks.
• Those on a Budget: The price point is very competitive.

Where to Buy:

• Tractor Supply Company
• Amazon.com

Our Experience:

We’ve been very satisfied with the Nurture Right 360. It’s been a reliable workhorse for our hatching needs. While cleaning could be easier, the overall performance and ease of use outweigh this minor drawback. It’s a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and effective incubator.

Jessica Niccum, from Bread and Butter Farm Stand, says,” We have the Harris Farms incubator from TSC. We liked it so much that we now have 2. We have great hatches with it. The only thing that could be better is the way you fill the water but usually that more user error than anything.”

Chick Cozy Egg Incubator Review

The Chick Cozy Egg Incubator is generating a lot of buzz in the homesteading community, and for good reason! This incubator boasts several features that make it a compelling option for both beginners and experienced hatchers. While it’s a relatively new product, the initial feedback is promising.   

Key Features:

• Capacity: Holds 25 chicken eggs, slightly more than the Harris Farms Nurture Right 360. It can also accommodate duck, quail, and pheasant eggs.
• Temperature Control: Digital temperature control with an adjustable range of 70-120°F.
• Automatic Egg Turner: Commercial-grade automatic egg turner that holds eggs vertically for optimal hatching conditions. (Note: Goose eggs need to be turned manually.)   
• Easy-Fill Water Tray: A convenient drawer for easy refilling of water, offers automatic humidity control with less mess.  
• Price: Around $150, making it a budget-friendly option.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Digital controls, automatic egg turner, and user-friendly design make it simple to operate. The countdown timer is an exciting feature for children involved in the incubation process.
• Versatile: Suitable for various egg types, making it ideal for homesteaders and hobby farmers with diverse poultry.
• Reliable Hatch Rates: The commercial-grade egg turner is designed to promote high hatch rates.
• Easy to Clean: Features like a removable fan cover for cleaning contribute to better hygiene and maintenance.
• Affordable: The price point is attractive for those on a budget.
• Warranty: Chick Cozy offers a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind.   

Cons:

• Newly Upgraded Model: While Chick Cozy has been around for a while, this specific model with the commercial-grade egg turner and other features appears to be a recent upgrade. Therefore, there may be limited long-term reviews specifically for this version.
• Shipping Date: It appears the upgraded incubator won’t be shipping until February 2025, so potential buyers will need to wait.

Who It’s Best For:

• Beginners looking for an affordable and user-friendly incubator.
• Homesteaders and hobby farmers hatching various poultry species.
• Those seeking an incubator with a good warranty.

Where to Buy:

• Chick Cozy’s Website – Use code “HAYLEY” for 5% off your entire order!
• Amazon.com

Our Thoughts:

The Chick Cozy Egg Incubator appears to be a strong contender in the market, offering a compelling combination of features, ease of use, and affordability. We’re particularly interested in the commercial-grade egg turner and the easy-to-clean design. While the limited user reviews give us pause, the 2-year warranty provides some reassurance. We look forward to seeing more user feedback once the incubator becomes widely available.

Hatching Time CT60 SH Incubator Review

If you’re looking to hatch a larger number of eggs with a high quality incubator, or need more flexibility for different poultry species, the Hatching Time CT60 SH is worth considering. This reliable incubator is designed for efficiency and ease of use, making it a popular choice for serious homesteaders and hobby farmers.

Key Features:

• Large Capacity: Accommodates a wide variety of egg sizes, including:
  • 24 Goose/Peacock eggs (with separate rack)
  • 40 Duck/Turkey eggs
  • 60 Chicken eggs
  • 72 Pheasant eggs
  • 84 Partridge eggs
  • 108-156 Quail eggs (special rack available for smaller quail eggs)
• Digital Temperature Control: Precise temperature regulation with internal and external sensors for accurate readings.
• Automatic Egg Turner: Turns eggs automatically, suitable for various poultry species.
• Partial Loading: Allows you to add new eggs in regular intervals, even while other eggs are incubating. This is a great feature for maximizing efficiency.
• Easy-Fill Water Reservoir: Convenient side-mounted reservoir for easy refilling without disturbing the eggs.
• Replacement Parts Availability: Individual parts are available for purchase, extending the lifespan of the incubator.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Digital controls and automatic features simplify the hatching process. The humidity pump helps ensure proper levels for the eggs.
• Versatile: Handles a wide range of egg sizes and types.
• High Hatch Rates: Reportedly achieves a 98% hatch rate, indicating reliable performance.
• Warranty: 1-year warranty offers some protection for your investment.

Cons:

• Higher Price: This model is more expensive than entry-level incubators.
• Setup Complexity: While not overly complicated, the setup process may require more effort compared to simpler models.
• Cleaning Challenges: Although the removable front and back doors provide better access, cleaning all the nooks and crannies can be time-consuming. Using distilled water is crucial to prevent mineral buildup and ensure the optimal performance of the ultrasonic humidifier.
• Limited Visibility: The small viewing hole on the main door makes it difficult to see inside the incubator without opening it, which can affect temperature and humidity levels.

Who It’s Best For:

• Experienced homesteaders and hobby farmers looking for a larger capacity and more advanced features.
• Those hatching a variety of poultry species.
• People who want to maximize efficiency with partial loading.
• Breeders who sell chicks and require reliable hatch rates.

Where to Buy:

• Hatching Time’s official website – Hatching Time has a special offer going on and has free shipping for orders over $100.
• Amazon.com

Our Thoughts:

The Hatching Time CT60 SH is a well-designed, quality egg incubator that delivers on its promises of efficiency and high hatch rates. The ability to partially load eggs is a significant advantage for those who hatch regularly. While the price is higher than some other options, the features and performance justify the investment for serious poultry enthusiasts.

Joe and Kayla Reed, homesteaders in Indiana, have the Hatching Time CT60 SH. Here’s what Joe had to say about his incubator, “It is it’s very simple to use and accurate. And it has a lot of features and functions if you wanted to get serious about hatching eggs. Like a cool down feature as if the hen got off the egg.”

Tips for Using an Egg Incubator

So you’ve got your incubator, now what? Here are some essential tips to help you successfully hatch those eggs and welcome a brood of adorable chicks:

1. Source Fertilized Eggs:

• Rooster Required: Remember, you need a rooster in your flock or source eggs from a flock with a rooster to ensure fertility.
• Purchasing Options: You can buy hatching eggs online, from local homesteaders, or even some farm stores. Just make sure to confirm they are fertile.

2. Candle the Eggs:

• Monitor Development: Candling involves shining a bright light through the egg to check for embryo development. This is a fascinating activity for kids and helps you identify any issues early on.

3. Maintain Proper Incubation Conditions:

• Temperature and Humidity: Follow the recommended temperature and humidity levels for the specific type of poultry you’re hatching. Consistency is key!
• Egg Turning: Turn the eggs regularly (or rely on the automatic turner) to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell.
• Lockdown Period: A few days before hatching (the exact timing varies by species), stop turning the eggs, remove the turner (if applicable), and increase humidity to help the chicks hatch successfully.

4. Days of Incubation:

• Species Variations: Different poultry species have different incubation periods:
  • Chickens: 21 days
  • Ducks and Turkeys: 28 days
  • Quail and other species: Varies, so do your research!
• Humidity Adjustments: Humidity requirements may also vary throughout the incubation period and between species. Consult resources specific to the type of bird you’re hatching.

Hatch with Confidence!

I know starting something new can be intimidating, but trust me, hatching your own chicks is incredibly rewarding. Whether you choose the budget-friendly Chick Cozy, the versatile Harris Farms, or the efficient Hatching Time CT60, you’re going to love the experience. These are some of the best egg incubators for hatching chickens at home. They’re reliable and will do the job to help you welcome a new generation of chicks to your homestead!

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