what is the difference between an incubator and a hatcher?

[chicksnducks]

I have read that some of you use a hatcher. Can someone tell me the difference and do I need one of these too???

 

[Tuffoldhen]

A hatcher is an extra incubator that some just take their first set eggs out of their main incubator at day 18 so they can hatch better cause they have set multiple hatches....some people stagger their hatches and this is a good way to get their first set of eggs out and maintain the right humidity for the remaining hatches...I don't use a hatcher, I have never set more than one clutch of eggs......

 

[chicksnducks]

ok thank you.... I am just on my first hatch so I think I will wait to see about a hatcher...maybe for Christmas santa will bring me one!!! LOL

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi!
Sandy said it, there is no difference in FUNCTION between an incubator and a hatcher.

The hatcher needs cleaning/sterilizing between every hatch and I have an incubator that's been incubating for over 2 yrs non-stop, and hasn't been cleaned (hasn't needed to be cleaned).
The mess and possible contamination, is mostly in the hatching.

Good luck,
Lisa

 

[jimnjay]

Since eggs don't need to be turned after day 18 many use a homemade or basic incubator to actually hatch the chicks. Like Lisa said you can keep your more expensive incubator clean and going while the chicks go through the messy part in an incubator that is more easily replaced.

 

[chicksnducks]

so is a hatcher easier to make than an incubator?

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I don't think it would be easier to make......you still have to control your temps and keep your humidity running at a higher % like 65 to 75%...for the last 3 days while they hatch....

 

[AprilAWZ]

Hi all!

I'm new to the board, and this is exactly what I was here to find out...

I have a little giant incubator with a fan and turner that works quite nicely for me, but I do want to get another one just for hatching. Could I just use a still air model, or are the eggs still going to be super-sensitive to cool spots found in a still air at such late stages of development? I'd like to go this route, the fewer nooks and crannies (I've found those fans get fuzzied up pretty quick!) to clean out after hatching, the better. But if a fan is going to make a big difference in hatch success, I'd rather spring for the extra $$ and do it right the first time.

 

[MNKris]

I have the Little Giants too.

Incubating: Fan w/turner
Hatching: Still Air

They work great for me. If the egg is fertile, I am getting over 90% hatch rates. I haven't found that I need the fan for the hatching. Just make sure your humidity is up there.

 

[tsreeves]

can't I just leave the eggs in the incubator the whole time? Do I have to take them out after the 18 to 27th day?