Incubating and hatching your own poultry can be a fun and rewarding experience. Once you’ve picked the right breed for your hatching eggs, choosing the right incubator for your needs is the next step. There are many different types, sizes, and styles of incubators available, so let’s discuss a few of them.  

Cabinet vs. Table Top

If you want to hatch on a larger scale, a cabinet-style incubator might be right for you!  They are designed to incubate multiple trays of eggs at the same time.  You often have more room for different-sized eggs as well.  A cabinet incubator is also larger and requires more space.  

Tabletop incubators are great for hatching in smaller spaces and when you want fewer chicks.  They are perfect for adding to your backyard flock.  There are a lot of different styles and sizes when it comes to tabletop incubators, so doing some research is important in finding the right one! 

Still-Air vs. Forced-Air

Still-air incubators tend to be smaller and less expensive, and are a great option for those wanting to hatch their own poultry on a budget! Without the use of a fan to circulate the air, the temperature and humidity can fluctuate more in a still-air incubator. This does not mean a successful hatch isn’t achievable! 

In a forced-air incubator, the air is circulated with a fan, which helps the temperature and humidity stay relatively consistent throughout the entire incubator. Oftentimes, a forced-air incubator can accommodate more eggs than a still-air incubator.  

Styrofoam vs. Plastic

Styrofoam incubators are another great choice for the budget-conscious homesteader and provide excellent insulation and heat retention for incubating eggs. They are typically simpler in function, but you can find them with some great features.

Plastic incubators often cost a bit more than the styrofoam but are much more durable and easier to clean. There are some very high-tech plastic incubators where you can link an app to your phone and control things like humidity and temperature, and even set alarms if levels get too low/high.  

Egg Turner vs. No Egg Turner

Turning the eggs by hand is a simple and cost-effective way to help ensure your chicks are developing properly. It can be time-consuming, as we recommend turning the eggs a minimum of every 8 hrs, but it is well worth the effort once the chicks hatch.

An automatic egg turner can be a real time-saver when it comes to incubation, and just makes the whole process easier. There are different styles of turners depending on the style of incubator you choose.  Some roll the eggs on their sides, and others hold the eggs upright and tip from side to side. Both styles produce excellent results, and it is personal preference as to which style you like better.  

It all comes down to how many birds you want to hatch and how much money you are willing to spend.  If you want a simple incubator for just a few birds, or if you want a smart one with all of the bells and whistles.  Taking the time to research and read reviews will help to make sure you select the right one for your needs! Happy Hatching!