How to choose a model of an incubator for chicken eggs

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Incubators for chicken eggs can also come in handy at home. Some models provide the desired mode of operation, holding up to 500 eggs at a time.

Chicken egg incubators

Having decided to raise chickens, you should be aware of the peculiarities of the fertility of chicks, as well as brooding eggs... It is not difficult to keep track of birds if they are reared in small quantities. But for owners of large farms, it is advisable raise chickens in an incubator... The use of such devices makes it possible to achieve good bird survival rates. In addition, the farmer himself takes minimal part in this process, he is only required to collect the egg.

What is an incubator and what is it used for?

Incubators (from Lat. "Incubation of eggs") - equipment that allows you to completely replace chickens during incubation of eggs. The technological process of operation of such a device is based on uniform heating of the placed product. The uniformity of heating, as well as the humidity of the air, are the main components of egg ripening and hatching. This is what determines the main types of equipment that are available on the modern agricultural market. Incubation can be performed using manual, mechanical and automatic devices.

A manual incubator requires regular human intervention in the technological process. Eggs placed in the tray of the apparatus must be turned over every 4 hours with your own hands. It is unprofitable and energy-consuming to use such equipment for large farms. The mechanical apparatus works on the same principle, but a separate mechanism is engaged in the product revolution, which is controlled by the breeder. That is, several times a day, a person should spend only a few seconds to turn the eggs by pressing a special button or lever. But the most effective and popular is the equipment with automatic turning of chicken eggs.

The machine excludes the participation of the farmer. Each placed egg is evenly heated, and a special system is engaged in turning it over, even the last chick will be heated during hatching. In addition, some manufacturers of such equipment produce their products not only for chicken, but also for duck and quail eggs. Such devices appeared recently and immediately earned positive feedback from users. Everyone can choose a model that is convenient for themselves, because they can have different capacities. Provide home poultry house maybe a device with a tray for 50-100 eggs, and industrial estates will serve a device for 500 or more eggs.

How material is transported in incubators

Every poultry breeder knows that while incubating eggs, chickens move them with their own beak so that all embryos get the proper temperature comfort.It is difficult for a person himself to turn over the incubation material, because one such operation can take up to 15 minutes. And if the chickens are actively laying, there will be a lot of eggs. It is very difficult to do this with your own efforts. In addition, for a little bit of money, you can purchase automatic incubators.

The necessary human comfort, the absence of the need for the constant presence of the farmer throughout the days of incubation is a merit of the operation of such equipment. The machine itself provides movement in three different ways:

1. Rolling. It occurs due to the movement of a special lattice.
2. Rotation. Incubation occurs with a systematic change in the position of the grates, which are driven by special rollers.
3. Incline. The principle of operation of such a mechanism is associated with a change in the position of the tray with the material, for the appearance of an angle of 45 ° C.

The incubator can be small or lightweight. The price for such devices is determined by various factors depending on the manufacturer's fame, the presence of a thermostat and certain characteristics of the device. In addition, the devices can be equipped with analog or digital control, which provides even more comfort.

For those who are concerned about saving energy consumption, equipment operating from a 12V network may also be suitable. Such devices have a battery that allows you to accumulate the necessary energy to function in case of power problems. In addition, the set air temperature will be maintained for a long time, even if the heating element is turned off. The materials from which the incubator chambers are made have good heat conservation rates.

Popular domestic incubator

Among the numerous models of domestic incubators, no more than 10 devices have earned particular popularity. Among them is the Blitz 48 incubator. This apparatus has an automatic egg overturning every 2 hours. He makes up to 12 coups per day. It has 1 lattice to accommodate the material of different birds. You can put chicken eggs (up to 48 pieces) in it, and quail and goose the share takes up the remaining cells of the tray. There are 130 of them in the apparatus. Chickens bred in such an incubator are born strong and healthy, and this is what this equipment is intended for.

Users of the products of this brand highlight the following advantages:

• small temperature error (up to 0.1 degrees);
• versatility (you can change trays yourself);
• convenience and simplicity (using according to the instructions is suitable even for beginners);
• built-in ventilation system to prevent overheating of the material;
• the water necessary for the operation of the device is poured through a special tube located on the outside of the device body (with this design, the microclimate in the incubator chamber is not disturbed).

The same manufacturer has released other equally popular models that can accommodate up to 72 chicks. The home type of device made of plywood and foam is no less popular. Such equipment has a digital thermostat and a transparent viewing window so that a person can check the status of the device.

According to the users of such equipment, domestic products cannot be called ideal. Among the disadvantages is a narrow ventilation tube through which water must be poured. It is equally important to load the material into the tray itself. Before placing an egg in it, the part must be removed from the structure, and when the tray is filled, it becomes difficult to install it in the incubator chamber. In more detail about all the advantages and disadvantages, everyone can find out by watching the video, which shows a detailed overview of such equipment.

Layers

This domestic manufacturer is popular for its BI 1 and BI 2 models.Household incubator Laying hen can have an analog and digital thermostat, which is convenient for anyone to use. A user manual is included with the device itself, as well as removable trays. The rest of the package is sold separately. The most important missing piece to buy is the battery pack, which can run smoothly for up to 20 hours.

The incubator "Laying" BI 1 has a simple control panel and a tray for 36 eggs. The 2nd generation of products from this brand has more functional characteristics. Layers are in great demand due to the available advantages, which are:

• affordable price;
• cells for eggs with different sizes;
• good heat saving (in the absence of a battery, it is able to maintain the temperature in the chamber for up to 5 hours);
• the presence of a viewing window.

Layers are also popular because of their light weight. This question is often of interest to farmers interested in such devices. About how much such a device weighs, you should find out in the declared technical characteristics (in the instructions). Depending on the model and its configuration, there are devices weighing from 2 to 6 kg.

After purchasing devices from this brand, difficulties may arise in its use. This is especially true for heating the incubation material. The egg is heated unevenly. In addition, the poor-quality assembly of the manufacturer itself forces users to start improving and repairing such devices. As farmers say, such an apparatus, despite its shortcomings, performs its functions efficiently. Chicks are born healthy and strong.

Anyone wishing to learn about all the nuances in use can watch the VIDEO.

Other popular models

Among domestic and foreign models of incubators, there are also other functional devices that are in great demand on the market for such products. The most popular are:

• "Cinderella". Operates from the electrical network, as well as from the supply of hot water. The chicks have a good survival rate thanks to such a feeding system of the device.
• "The ideal brood hen". Manufacturer - Russia. Holds 35 to 104 eggs. Simple device to use and repair.
• "Kvochka" (MI-30). It is used for eggs of various poultry. Refers to budget models.
• IBM 30 EA. ("Leleka"). Suitable for broiler and other poultry eggs. Holds 42 eggs.

Each of these models has its own description of characteristics that will be of interest to the consumer. Household incubation is carried out in any room where there is a power supply. The main thing is to use the devices under certain microclimatic parameters, which increases the efficiency of their functioning, as well as the durability of the equipment itself.

Many farmers advise choosing incubator models that have batteries or alternative heating sources for the device's chamber. Their use will allow you to safely control the incubation process, without much dependence on a particular energy source.

What to look for when buying an automatic incubator

Having made the decision to install an incubator on your own farm, you need to figure out which device will effectively cope with its task. Some of the characteristics of popular devices will not be of any benefit to the farmer. The main task is to choose the most suitable device with a good price-quality ratio, therefore, you should pay attention to:

• Device capacity. The incubator should contain the average number of eggs a breeder receives per week.
• The ability to replace trays and independently change their position.
• A simple and human-readable control panel.
• Simplicity in repair and operation (cleaning the incubator and replacing its individual parts).
• Possibility of using for other materials (eggs of quails, ducks and other poultry kept on the farm).

Chicks that have matured in artificial conditions have a high survival rate, because automatic incubators are not inferior in their properties to live brood hens. In addition, the most common incubator models have the following advantages:

• automatic maintenance of temperature conditions;
• the presence of lighting;
• ventilation of the chamber with the material;
• auto-flip material.

You can learn how to operate an incubator in a few minutes.

A person who has studied the instructions for use usually does not have problems with the operation of devices. The main thing is to correctly place the egg in the loading hole and set the desired mode. But some reviews from users of such devices also carry negative information related to the shortcomings of certain devices.

Automatic incubators only work effectively within a certain temperature range.

If the room is cold, the thermostat will not work accurately. In addition, the device can only be used with the trays filled to the maximum. And if they are enclosed in a foam casing, regular disinfection should also be carried out. A farmer who is considering the purchase of household equipment should pay attention to such facts, because often people come across them already in operation.

If you make an incubator yourself

Incubation can also be carried out in homemade devices. Some farmers prefer to make their own incubator, taking care of their own convenience in advance. It is enough to have drawings and the necessary materials to begin the installation of the future egg holding site. The main component of such a structure is electronics. For the manufacture of such equipment you will need:

• electronics (circuit, thermostat relay, special sensors, as well as a heater);
• old refrigerator;
• egg trays.

Such components of the incubator will be expensive, but without them the apparatus will not work.

Before placing an egg in a homemade tray, it should be enlightened. Incubation in such equipment does not guarantee the success of the process itself, therefore, it should be tested before using it. It is necessary to assemble such a device strictly according to the available instructions.

The lifespan of such devices is difficult to determine. Everything will depend on the quality of all parts and their correct use. In addition, only people with experience in this area can start assembling the device. Beginners may not be able to do this.