An incubator for chicken eggs keeps eggs at a constant temperature and humidity for about 21 days until the chicks hatch. In this selection you will find incubators from Covatutto, Zar Cudeyo and Hofman Animal Care, plus an automatic egg turner. Below you can read how to choose.
The models
- Covatutto 16L Digital: a compact machine with a digital temperature display for about 16 chicken eggs; suitable for a first hatch.
- Covatutto automatic egg turner: a turning mechanism that takes over turning the eggs.
- Natal 20 from Zar Cudeyo: an incubator from another brand, for those looking for an alternative to Covatutto.
- Incubator in grey and transparent: from Hofman Animal Care, with a see-through cover so you can see the eggs without opening it.
Three questions when choosing
How many eggs? Some eggs turn out to be infertile or stop developing. Choose a machine with a few more places than the number of chicks you want. Automatic turning? Eggs must be turned several times a day during incubation. You can do it by hand, but a turner prevents missed turns. After day 18 you stop turning, so the chicks can get into position. How do you control humidity? In the last few days, humidity needs to go up. A machine with an easily accessible water tray or its own humidity control makes that easier.
Candling during incubation
With a candling lamp, such as the Gaun egg candling lamp or the Kerbl LED candling lamp, you shine a light through the eggs after about a week. You then see small veins in the fertile eggs and can remove clear, infertile eggs before they go off.
Points to note
Place the machine in a room with a stable temperature, not in the sun or next to the heating. Open it as little as possible in the last few days: humidity drops every time you open it. And arrange a heat lamp and brooding space in advance for when the chicks arrive.
Rearing supplies and chick equipment are in incubators and chicks. If you want to let a hen hatch the eggs herself, see nest boxes. Or browse the main chicken category.
Frequently asked questions
After how many days do chicks hatch?
Count on about 21 days. Bantam breeds sometimes hatch a little earlier, eggs from older hens sometimes a little later.
Do I need an egg turner?
You can manage without, but by hand you have to turn several times a day, weekends included. A turner takes over until you switch it off or remove it after day 18.
Can I hatch supermarket eggs?
No, they are almost always infertile. You need hatching eggs from hens that have run with a cockerel.