AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

How does the hovabator compare to both these incubators, thank you

Hi Peppes,

I also have a hovobator incubator and I don't find it as good as the fully automatic type. I purchased my one around 3 years ago or so and I still do use it today but really only as a brooder for the hatching chicks.

Typically the hovobator style incubators use a waffle style thermostat which are very good but difficult to set accurately. Also the thermostat does not kick in and out as smoothly as do the fully electronic units. So I find the temperature fluctuates from say 36.5 to 38.5 degrees.... this is not typically a major problem as its the average temperature inside the eggs that really counts BUT the best hatch rates (for me) have been about 78% of fertile eggs.

The good points are that they are roomy and accommodate a 48 egg auto turn tray they are fan forced (some models are not so be careful) They are super light and don't have any external bits and bobs so look reasonably neet and tidy.

Bad points are that they are fidly to clean (but not difficult), I had to use pins to hold down the mesh tray to stop chicks getting caught up, the water needs to be monitored really closely to control humidity AND worst of all you have to open the unit to top it up with water for humidity which can have a major influence on success. My unit is now quite dirty and knocked about and looks tatty compared to other incubators I have. Temperature is difficult to get set up but once set up seems OK.

Reality is you shouldnt compare a hovobator with a suro or similar because they are using totally different technology. If you can afford a fully automatic unit then I would always recommend them over a waffle type thermo.

One last point about incubation... I find the less you mess with the eggs during the process the better the success. I personlly don't even candle my eggs I just set and forget until day 18 which is when I stop the turn and turn up the humidity a bit. I know that the majority of my eggs will be fertile to start with and I check carefully for defects in the egg like cracks or odd shapes prior to setting.

Good luck with your incubator research and look me up in the vic breeders section if you like.

Cheers Shooter.

Thank you so much for that detailed review I really do appreciate that. Ok so I will now look at the Rcom Suro but does it only come in 20 egg configuration?

I think there are different models and there is one that does 56 eggs I think.

Cheers Shooter

I have no experience with the Hovabator or Suro but am impressed by my Rcom 20 which I chose on the strength of a lot of positive reviews.
It is very easy to use, holds the temperature and humidity well and has produced good results. My previous incubator was a DIY job so I am probably fairly easily pleased.
Rcom make a 50 egg model which is very similar in principle to the Rcom20.The pandt poultry link gives some info. that may be useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J62u_36MxQ8

hi shooter,where can i find the vic breeders you mentioned? cheers newbie

I am not sure if I am allowed to post this link or not but I think because it is a direct link to an A.P.F site it should be OK...

[url]http://australianpoultry.net/breeders/viewforum.php?f=3
[/url]

if the link does not work leave off everything after breeders... check out my site would love any feedback as it is new and still under construction.

I also found the instructions for the rcom king suro very difficult. However this website has a great video on the set up.
http://www.pandtpoultry.co.uk/product/c ... uctid/1418

Scroll down about halfway. Easey peasey after that.
The outside water is no issue as it only uses 50-100mls over the whole incubation time.
I have had great hatches lately with the incubator inside an esky to maintain the ambient temperature. Do not put it next to a window without an esky...DOH!

Set it up first and check the temp inside to work out what temperature on the box equates to inside temp.

Basically set and forget! I do raise the humidity from 45% to 50% just prior to hatch as the chick hatchings raises it to 70 % by themselves being wet. Late hatchings without other babies in there do better when humidity is raised to at least 55%.

Good luck! and happy hatching

hmmm be careful with the water consumption - Depending on the outside humidity this could be a lot or a little. I have had to provide over 300mls over the course of hatch before - I use a plastic 3 litre bottle with a small hole drilled in the lid. Better safe than sorry!

Cheers Shooter.