Poultry farming is one of the most popular sectors of agriculture, which specializes in the production of poultry and egg meat. Therefore, most novice farmers are concerned about the choice of high-quality technological equipment for its implementation. This refers to automatic incubators, reviews of which are very different. And all because today there are many models of such installations, which have both pros and cons. I would like to tell about their features, functional capabilities and the rules for their operation.
Destination
The main objective of the device is breeding poultry. This is an indispensable tool for residents of rural areas, owners of cottages or farms. With its help, you can breed chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, quails and ostriches. There are many models of these devices, which can be divided into two main types: household and professional. The difference is only in the scale of breeding birds. The most functional ones are automatic incubators, the reviews of which are most positive.
Home appliances are cheaper than professional ones and are suitable for beginner poultry farmers. Their capacity is from 1 to 280 eggs. They are compact enough, convenient, practical and economical. They have mechanical and automatic control with which you can control the temperature, humidity and turning of eggs at a certain time.
Professional models are much more powerful, roomy (up to 2,500 eggs) and more functional. They provide climate control, backup power (in case of a power outage), automatic egg turning and much more. In addition, farm incubators are quite economical and autonomous.
Regardless of the model, the incubator device is the same: sheathing, egg container, rotary mechanisms, heating, cooling, humidification, ventilation, and self-powered devices. With their help, the microclimate inside the incubator is regulated for breeding a healthy bird.
The case is equipped with a special camera in which you need to lay eggs, after which you need to close the door tightly. Depending on the model of the capacity for eggs, there are hatching and hatching, or joint. The first sides are higher, which protects the chicks from falling. The device should be well ventilated inside.
Rotary mechanisms are very important in the incubation process, with their help the eggs rotate and roll. Automatic models make timely turning of containers with eggs and independently regulate the temperature in the incubator.
Features
Automatic incubators have one very important function - this is turning eggs. The normal development of the embryo depends on this. There are 3 main methods:
- Rolling . This method involves the horizontal position of the eggs on the trellises. During the operation of the device, the lattice moves forward and backward, and the eggs roll from its movements.
- Roller rolling. Each cell in the tray is equipped with special rollers that are located at its bottom. At a certain time, they move and turn eggs.
- Slopes. The fruits are in a vertical position, and the lattice automatically tilts in different directions by 45 °. This method is most often used in poultry farms.
Another distinctive feature of incubators is the shape of the trays. In standard models, they look like grids on which lattices with cells are placed. Their capacity ranges from 60 to 110 eggs. The tray is firmly fixed, so there is no risk of damage to the eggs.
Incubators that work according to the tilt method are equipped with trays with protective sides. With their help, the egg is held at the time of inversion. In such models, the eggs are placed tightly, and if there are empty cells, then they need to be filled, for example, with foam rubber.
"Janoel 24"
An automatic incubator Janoel 24 belongs to household devices. Reviews say that it is quite easy to use and is great for hatching small numbers. The transparent case made of plastic allows you to control the incubation process. Its capacity is 24 eggs of hens, 12 - geese and about 40 quail. Excellent ventilation system, temperature range - from 35 ° to 45 °. According to the poultry farmers, the device is automated and has simple settings, the main thing is to top up the water in time and control the temperature.
The digital automatic fixture has a modern swivel mechanism. And through the transparent case you can observe the turning of the fruit. Accuracy in temperature indices +/- 0.1 ° . Using a convenient electronic panel, you can easily set the settings.
The fully autonomous incubator automatic Janoel 24 (reviews confirm this) really works without failures and gives a consistently high output (about 85%). Good value for money.
"Janoel 42"
A fairly simple and functional digital automatic incubator Janoel 42. Reviews suggest that this model is ideal for beginner poultry farmers. The device has an automatic cooling and ventilation system. Thanks to the electronic control panel, the incubation process becomes simple and straightforward.
The incubator is equipped with two sets of trays with different sizes: 6 for chicken eggs and 6 for quail. On the side of the housing there are special openings through which water can be poured into the tank. The case is made of durable plastic. Capacity: chicken, duck or goose eggs (for 4.5 cm cells) - 42 pcs., Quail eggs (for 3 cm cells) - about 125 pcs.
According to consumers, this model has very convenient and reliable trays compared to other devices. The only drawback is that the water tank is small, and therefore it often has to be added. Simple enough to operate, the error in temperature is almost imperceptible. In addition, the device does not overheat.
Uninterrupted stand-alone Janoel 42, an automatic egg incubator (reviews confirm this fact), has high productivity (about 85%). In addition, the device is very economical in consuming electricity.
"Lay"
This model belongs to household devices and differs in reasonable price. Capacity - from 65 to 95 eggs. Some models work autonomously and are equipped with a temperature controller, this device remembers the temperature set by you and saves it. The best option is automatic incubators "Lay." Reviews of poultry farmers confirm that such models are better than mechanical ones.
According to manufacturers, the error in temperature indicators is +/- 0.1 °, but, as farmers say, in practice the take-off is about 0.8 °. The foam housing improves the thermal insulation properties of the device. In addition, it is quite light and compact. A viewing window is placed on the casing, which allows you to control the incubation process without disturbing the microclimate. The equipment is equipped with a ventilation system.
According to consumers, the rotary mechanism of the incubator works poorly and quickly fails. And the foam inside the device absorbs odor and is poorly cleaned. Thermal plates and thermometer malfunction.
But there are different opinions. Excellent value for money - these are automatic incubators "Lay." Reviews say that the device maintains a stable temperature, easy to operate and reliable. Good performance, but absolutely not suitable for goose eggs.
"Cinderella"
This is one of the most inexpensive domestic incubators, the capacity of which ranges from 40 to 100 eggs. These devices are quite compact and lightweight. According to manufacturers, the temperature error is about 0.3 °, but in practice the run-up reaches about 1 °. Some models are equipped with backup power in case of a power outage. Quite popular and inexpensive automatic Cinderella incubators. Reviews of amateur poultry farmers suggest that these devices continue to work, even if electricity disappears for a long time. They are equipped with a heating system and can work not only from the network, but also from hot water, which must be poured into the tank, where special heating elements will heat it.
The main disadvantage is the unstable temperature, which must be constantly set and controlled. In addition, the foam casing is quite porous, it has the ability to accumulate bacteria and mold. Therefore, systematic disinfection is indispensable. The yield will be about 80% if the poultry breeder constantly monitors the incubation process. Another minus is the inaccurate performance of the thermostat.
There are 3 types of Cinderella incubators:
- Automatic According to consumers, the swivel mechanism is unreliable. A slow grill that moves at intervals of 4.5 hours. Some eggs in the cells do not roll over.
- Mechanical This model is inconvenient in that it requires constant monitoring. The turning is done manually, with the help of a special lever, which must be turned over at a certain time.
- Manual The most inexpensive and primitive model. Turn the eggs on their own, with an interval of 4.5 hours.
TGB
These are new advanced automatic incubators. The reviews (“TGB” are in great demand) confirm that with the help of a bioacoustic stimulator, the percentage of output is significantly increased. There are models that differ in capacity and equipment.
The unit is quite heavy, its weight can reach 12 kg. Depending on the model, it can accommodate about 290 eggs. Their number varies depending on the number of tanks. The maximum capacity of the tray: chicken eggs - about 72, goose - about 32.
The device of a bioacoustic stimulator allows to reduce the incubation period and increase the percentage of hatchability. This occurs under the influence of sound stimulation, with the help of specific sounds at a certain frequency. A device-aeroionizer (Chizhevsky chandelier) strengthens the health of the chicks and increases the percentage of hatchability.
According to poultry farmers, the brood is good, but not much higher than in other incubator models for the same price. Their recommendations: temperature control and selection of quality eggs for incubation. If these rules are followed, then improvements such as bioacoustic stimulator and aeroionizer will not be needed.
Incubators of this brand have a metal case, the minus is that there is no viewing window. On top of the device is covered with a heat-insulated cover, under which a flexible wire is stretched for heating.
How do incubators rate automatic reviews? "TGB 210", according to farmers, has unreliable egg trays, because of which they can simply fall out. To avoid this, they must be fixed in the cells, for example, with foam rubber or cardboard. Automatic devices turn over independently, and mechanical ones must be adjusted by pressing a special lever. Another significant minus is the unreliable swivel cable, which often breaks, and therefore it is advisable to replace it with a stronger one.
The cost of incubators of this brand depends on their functionality:
- Automatic turning mechanism.
- Existence of a temperature regulator and a hygrometer. The humidity indicator is displayed on the panel.
- Connectivity to the charger.
- The presence of an aeroionizer.
"AI 48"
Farm incubator automatic "AI 48" reviews of poultry farmers evaluate well. The owners say that this model is quite compact, lightweight and easy to configure. The device is equipped with an automatic rotation mechanism, a turbofan and autonomous power supply.
The plastic case is easy to clean and disinfect, unlike foam. That is why the unit has a longer service life. In addition, the device has a minimum run-up in temperature indicators (0.1), the incubation process is easy to control thanks to the digital panel.
The incubator is equipped with a ventilation system. Capacity - about 50 eggs, suitable for quail, chicken, duck and goose. Thanks to the automatic flipping mechanism, the eggs are rolled at a certain interval, which is set by the poultry farmer independently. And with the help of a special counter you can find out when the incubation process will end. The upper part of the body is made of translucent plastic.
According to consumers, the device is quite simple to adjust, it has a good ventilation system, temperature and humidity are quickly restored after opening. In addition, the plastic is easy to clean. Disadvantage - sometimes counter readings are lost . In general, this is a good model with a high percentage of hatchability and good value for money.
"Blitz 48"
A popular incubator is the Blitz 48 automatic incubator. Customer reviews say that this is a high-precision unit with a high percentage of hatchability. A very accurate electronic controller displays the temperature inside the device. It is possible to connect to a charger with which the unit will work for about 25 hours.
The set has two water tanks that maintain the required level of humidity. Moreover, to add fluid, you do not need to open the lid. The sealed door maintains the correct microclimate inside the appliance.
The case is made of laminated wood and insulated with expanded polystyrene. The cover is made of transparent plastic, and the inner walls are covered with a thin layer of zinc, which allows you to maintain the correct microclimate inside the device. Fruits must be placed in one container, which turns over with an interval of 2.5 hours.
Autonomous and high-precision "Blitz 48" (automatic incubators). Reviews of poultry farmers confirm this fact. And all thanks to a very accurate thermometer, which shows the temperature with the most minimal take-off (0.1 °). In the event of a power outage, the unit operates from the charger, while all previous settings are saved.
According to customer reviews, Blitz 48 is a sales leader in the modern Russian market. This incubator has a lot of advantages: versatility, reliability, autonomy, spaciousness and ease of management.
The pros and cons of automatic incubators
If a couple of decades ago incubators were inaccessible to ordinary people, now anyone can buy them. The first plus is the low price for automatic incubators, reviews of amateur poultry farmers only confirm this fact. The main advantages of these devices, according to consumers:
- Compact and practical. The device is quite easy to carry from place to place, it has a convenient shape.
- Universality . It is possible to choose the right room for you. For example, for beginners, a 24-egg device is quite suitable.
- Transparent cover. Thanks to this important nuance, one can observe the incubation process without disturbing the microclimate inside.
- Plastic case. This is one of the most successful materials for an incubator, as it is easy to clean and disinfect.
- Automatic swivel mechanism. With it, the eggs turn over at the time interval you set.
- Simple operation. The incubator settings are easy to understand thanks to the instructions and the electronic panel.
Well, of course, any technique is not perfect, so there are also negative reviews:
- Standard models should be in warm rooms (not lower than + 13 °). But this problem is easily solved thanks to the compactness of the device, which can be placed in a small room.
- Models with horizontal trays must be completely filled with eggs. Although beginner poultry farmers do not need a large brood.
- The foam housing is very difficult to clean, as it is a porous material.
- In cheaper models, the thermometer does not work well, which is why the increase in temperature is greater than the manufacturers claim.
Although in most cases, the poultry farmers who have tried the incubators are automatic, claim that they are irreplaceable devices. Completely self-contained units will save your time and make the incubation process very productive. The result is a high percentage of hatchability and healthy young growth. . .