App-Controlled Egg Incubator Recommendations? Is it Necessary?

[Ricky Jehen]

Hi everyone,

Up until now, I've mostly been focused on my garden (love growing my own veggies!), but I'm getting ready for hatching season and I'm looking to purchase an egg incubator.

To be honest, I already posted a thread a while back asking about good incubator brands, and I got some great advice. (I'm a bit lazy, so I've been delaying making a decision!) But now I'm really curious about these app-controlled ones.

Brands like Brinsea, Bobmail, and Ovation all seem to have models with app connectivity. All the tech seems pretty cool, but as a newbie, I'm also wondering if all the bells and whistles are really necessary. I'm also a bit worried about relying too much on technology and maybe missing something important with the hatch.

Do any of you have experience with app-controlled incubators? Do you find the app features actually useful, or are they more of a gimmick? Do they really make things easier, or do they just add another layer of complication? Maybe a good old-fashioned incubator is all I need

 

[nuthatched]

It's more hype train than anything else. A gimmick.

 

[Ricky Jehen]

It's more hype train than anything else. A gimmick.

Ah.. Sorry?

 

[PoppasGrill]

Does the app do anything other than monitor temp and humidity levels?

 

[nuthatched]

Ah.. Sorry?

Sorry, let me be clear. App controls on an incubator are a gimmick.

 

[Huntmaster]

Ah.. Sorry?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...controlled-incubator-testers-journey.1632452/ This was tested awhile back from some of our members. Maybe this will help with info.

 

[Ricky Jehen]

Sorry, let me be clear. App controls on an incubator are a gimmick.

I was thinking they might be helpful for things like monitoring the temperature and humidity more accurately, or getting notifications if something needs adjusting. What's been your experience?

 

[Ricky Jehen]

Does the app do anything other than monitor temp and humidity levels?

Eh. From what I've seen, some of them have features like high/low-temperature alerts, countdown timers to hatching day, and programmable auto egg turning. I also noticed some brands have a little forum or community section within the app where you can connect with other users

 

[Ricky Jehen]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...controlled-incubator-testers-journey.1632452/ This was tested awhile back from some of our members. Maybe this will help with info.

That helps a lot!

 

[nuthatched]

I was thinking they might be helpful for things like monitoring the temperature and humidity more accurately, or getting notifications if something needs adjusting. What's been your experience?

Frankly, if an incubator needs high/low temperature alerts, then the incubator doesn't have good consistent temperature.