AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Hi,

As this is my first post I will include a little about me. I grew up around poultry of all varieties - My father was a very active poultry fancier, showing poultry around NSW during the 60's, 70's and 80's before his passing in 1991. He was awarded a lifetime membership of the Wagga Poultry Club where he was an active committee member for many years. We had several incubators on our farm, ranging from beautiful polished timber units that size of a large refrigerator, down to 'dozen' egg models with clear tops that looked like a plastic cake tin!...Our main brooder was a large 'multi-story' unit - each level holding chicks of differing sizes as they hatch from the incubators.

Now in my mid forties, and having no involvement with poultry since my childhood years on the farm, I am embarking on a small project to breed Japanese Quail for both family consumption, and as a supplement food source for my other passion - reptiles.

This has led me to investigating incubators - I don't need a huge unit - a 48 egg unit would suffice. As I will not be hatching valuable show or rare birds a 'top end' unit is not really justified. I have been researching a Janoel 48 (both from the Australian retail seller in Melbourne who provides support, and the Ebay suppliers). I sort of concluded that it might be a safer bet to go with one from the supported retailer if I were to get a Janoel.

After some research I am now also considering a Hova-Bator Genesis. I initially read that some users found the manual wafer thermostat models sometimes caused some grief, but those who had the adjustable electronic temp control Genesis model found them much better and very functional. I have been advised from the importers that these models with auto turning should be available in Australia in coming weeks and will retail for similar $$ to the Janoel from the Aus retailer. At this stage I think I will hold off for one as the electronic temp control makes them suitable for hatching reptiles (which users in the US have done with great success).

Just wondering if any users here have any experience with the Hova-Bator Genesis (..also known as 1588)? I believe some people have bought them from the US previously so am hoping some Aussie users may be able to offer some feedback?

Also keen to hear any experiences from Janoel 48 users.....particularly in terms of suitability for a relative newbie.

Cheers,
Bart

Bart70,

I don't have an incubator but knew an experienced breeder who has successfully used the Bellsouth incubator for many years.

It is STILL made in Australian too!

http://eshop.bellsouth.com.au/epages/be ... tegories/I

Thanks for that....

I did not mention in my original post that I had taken a look at the Bellsouth and had concerns for a couple of reasons:

* It is not a fan forced model - After reading the details from Bellsouth about their reluctance to use fans and their reasoning why I was not entirely convinced that I agreed with some of their theory's. I have experience with thermostatically controlled heat gradients as my reptile keeping is 100% dependent on it. We don't use fans because we want different temperatures around the enclosures - Even with my background as an electrical technician I am struggling with their comments about the pulse thermostats preventing uneven heating. In fairness to Bellsouth - they have sold literally thousands of their design and there is not a lot of negative feedback around so they must do something right. My hesitations in this area may be totally unfounded.

* I have some concerns about its ability to hatch reptile eggs should I wish to in the future (cannot find much reference to its ability to vary temps significantly)

* The Hova-Bator Genesis runs off a 12 volt supply (comes with its own adapter). Whilst this initially is of no consequence, what it does mean is that it can be connected to a 12v battery that is on a trickle charger which then means continuous supply for several hours in the event of a power outage/blackout. This is a big thing with reptile breeders as outages have cost some breeders their entire years clutches - particularly when reptile incubation is usually done during the summer storm season when power outages are at their most regular.

* The Bellsouth pricing is higher than the other two models (when looking at full auto turn). Not such a biggie if it is the best unit for my needs but I had been struggling to come to that conclusion to date when some of the other models had advantages that the Bellsouth didn't.

I am happy to take on board any experiences or thoughts on my points above in terms of the Bellsouth. I am still well and truly open to feedback and experiences as my final decision has not ben made.

Thanks again for your comments.

Cheers,
Bart

I heard the bellsouth is made of foam? is it strong?

I believe both the Hova-Bator and the Bellsouth are made from foam. I have not seen either 'in the flesh' but have not heard any stories or reports of them failing due to lack of strength. I would imagine if you stepped or sat on one it might not like it though.....

Bart

As mention a very experienced breeder has used their Bellsouth for many years and has had no problems. I like the fact that they are Australian made and that you have full local customer support and parts.

I have heard about newly hatched chicks falling in to a fan of an incubator that was not properly covered by the manufacturer

What about the Brinsea incubators? There is a distributor in Victoria.

Hi Bart

I am currently trailing the Jonel 48 (see my post "New to Incubating") viewtopic.php?f=39&t=54043 so I am not an expert as I am currently on my second go, as my first was a complete failure , but you know what "they" say...if at first you don't succeed.......

I bought this off eBay and thought I bought it off an Australian distributor but then found out it came from China so I have no idea if it is the real deal or not. Buying stuff of eBay is always a gamble

I'm only on day 4 of my new cycle so & I will post more about my success rates when I candle on day 10 to see if this lot is any better. I'm not sure if this unit is the best for a beginner, even though it has all the meters on it to help me, I still don't know how to reign in the humidity. I can't seem to get it to sit around the desired 55% which the book is advising to have.

Anyway you said you wanted feedback regarding others experiences so this has just been my limited experience so far.

Cheers
Chicka-Dee

Here are the suppliers for the Brinsea range of incubators, brooders etc

Victoria
http://www.tkpoultrysupplies.com.au


Western Australia
http://www.wapoultryequipment.net.au/ca ... a-products

Thanks Bart I thought that

How are your eggs going? must be close to hatch now?