The best automatic incubators in the UK 2023

Incubators make life easier for farmers by hatching many eggs at once. Equipped with complete and advanced functions, the automatic incubator is even more practical even if it costs more. However, it offers options that are not available on manual incubators, such as automatic egg turning. For you, we have searched the 4 best automatic incubators of the moment.

Borotto Real 49 Plus Automatic - Antimicrobial automatic incubator 1
8/10

Best value for money

Borotto Real 49 Plus Automatic - Antimicrobial automatic incubator

The best automatic incubator in 2021

Borotto manufactures the best automatic incubators on the market. This one is compatible with chicken eggs and quail eggs with a capacity of 49 and 196 eggs respectively. Ideal for home breeding, but not for large farms.

199 £ on Manomano

Access all the information about the eggs and the interior of the automatic incubator through the unit's LED display panel. The brand offers top quality incubation for both quail and chicken eggs. However, it's not efficient to group them in one clutch, since the conditions and incubation time are not the same.

With a water tray provided and integrated in the incubator, the quality of the result is guaranteed. You don't need to open the unit to fill the tray, which allows you to maintain the preset humidity and temperature. The icing on the cake is that it has an antimicrobial support that reinforces the health of the embryos. On the installation side, it comes with a 1.4m power cord.

Sailnovo - Egg incubator with automatic turning 2
8/10

Best value for money

Sailnovo - Egg incubator with automatic turning

The best entry-level automatic incubator

Controlling the humidity level is a breeze with this automatic incubator that can hold 56 chicken eggs. Apart from the heating device, it includes a fan and thus fulfills all the requirements of a good incubator.

92,80 £ on Cdiscount

The ventilation system integrated in this Sailnovo automatic incubator favors a good distribution of heat inside. All eggs are thus subjected to the same condition. The display shows temperature, humidity, turning time and hatching time.. This completely replaces the use of a classic incubation calendar.

However, an egg monitor must be used separately to monitor the progress of the embryos, as this machine does not have one. An alarm system makes up for the absence of this technology and warns in case of inappropriate temperature and humidity settings.

Incubato - Professional automatic incubator 3
9/10

Best premium value for money

Incubato - Professional automatic incubator

The best high-end automatic incubator

Discover this professional automatic incubator with a very large capacity by Incubato. Its capacity goes from 192 to 1,326 eggs depending on the type of eggs. With the removable trays, it is very easy to arrange the interior of the machine.

679 £ on Amazon

Apart from the 6 supports provided, this incubator is sold with a panel with four boxes to display the settings. Easy to use, it guarantees a certain constancy in the parameters. The automatic egg turning time can be customized according to the eggs to be hatched. Check the level of growth of the embryos with the egg sight of the incubator.

You will be constantly informed of any changes in the settings thanks to the alert system. This device is made of solid materials such as metal and plastic. Its power is worthy of a professional use with its 400 W as well as its capacity: 528 chicken eggs, 192 goose eggs, 378 duck eggs and 1326 quail eggs.

Iglobalbuy - Automatic incubator with humidity control 4
7/10

With humidity control

Iglobalbuy - Automatic incubator with humidity control

An automatic incubator with humidity control

Made of heavy-duty plastic, this ultra-lightweight automatic incubator provides an excellent incubation environment for chicken or quail eggs. The power of the unit is perfect for modest breeding.

92 £ on Amazon

If the power of this incubator remains limited, the range of hygrometry is very wide: 30 - 85%. This makes it possible to adjust the humidity level to the needs of the eggs and according to the circumstances. More than one person complains about the noise caused by this type of device. However, this model with a capacity of 24 eggs is quieter, which is a significant plus.

We appreciate the flexible egg support, which adapts to all egg sizes. The interior of the unit is well ventilated throughout the 21 days of incubation. Credit for this goes to the included fan. And the hatching rate of this device is particularly high. This does not fail to please the breeders.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best automatic incubator

Any specific needs?

The best automatic incubator in 2021

The best entry-level automatic incubator

The best high-end automatic incubator

An automatic incubator with humidity control

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best automatic incubators

THE BEST CHEAPEST TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Borotto Real 49 Plus Automatic - Antimicrobial automatic incubator 5
8/10
Sailnovo - Egg incubator with automatic turning 6
8/10
Incubato - Professional automatic incubator 7
9/10
Iglobalbuy - Automatic incubator with humidity control 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Borotto Real 49 Plus Automatic - Antimicrobial automatic incubator
Sailnovo - Egg incubator with automatic turning
Incubato - Professional automatic incubator
Iglobalbuy - Automatic incubator with humidity control
Borotto manufactures the best automatic incubators on the market. This one is compatible with chicken eggs and quail eggs with a capacity of 49 and 196 eggs respectively. Ideal for home breeding, but not for large farms.
Controlling the humidity level is a breeze with this automatic incubator that can hold 56 chicken eggs. Apart from the heating device, it includes a fan and thus fulfills all the requirements of a good incubator.
Discover this professional automatic incubator with a very large capacity by Incubato. Its capacity goes from 192 to 1,326 eggs depending on the type of eggs. With the removable trays, it is very easy to arrange the interior of the machine.
Made of heavy-duty plastic, this ultra-lightweight automatic incubator provides an excellent incubation environment for chicken or quail eggs. The power of the unit is perfect for modest breeding.
Temperature range
30-40 °C
'-
30-39.5 °C
'-
Capacity
49 chicken eggs, 196 quail eggs
56 chicken eggs
528 chicken eggs, 192 goose eggs, 378 duck eggs, and 1326 quail eggs
24 chicken eggs, 50 to 60 quail eggs
Integrated water tank
-
Poultry types
Chicken, quail
Chicken
Chicken, goose, quail, duck
Chicken, duck, quail, goose
Specifics
Antibacterial
High hatching rate.
Eggshell included
Efficient ventilation system

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Buying guide - automatic incubator

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How to choose your automatic incubator

The characteristics of the automatic incubator condition the quality of the production. For that, it is necessary to dwell on criteria considered essential which we will quote in the following paragraphs.

#1 - Its capacity

Automatic incubators do not offer the same capacity. Professional models are larger, with a capacity of up to thousands of eggs. Smaller machines, on the other hand, hold at least a few dozen eggs. This means that all breeders will find models adapted to their needs. You just have to define them beforehand. Large breeders will go for the larger models, and small-scale farm owners will settle for a modest capacity.

#2 - Thermostat and hygrometer

It goes without saying that the thermostat and hygrometer are things to check on your automatic incubator. The former allows you to check and adjust the temperature to meet hatching conditions, the latter displays the humidity level of the unit. This second tool is very important, because it is quite complicated to maintain a good humidity level even if it is an essential factor for the survival of the chicks. High-end incubators integrate more sophisticated technologies for the measurement of these 2 parameters.

#3 - Egg stability

Limit broken eggs by checking the location of the support in the incubator. A stable layout is in order. This is done through a device such as a grid whose role is to support each egg. Its dimensions may be different from one model to another or adjustable as needed. The fact is that the incubators welcome different kinds of eggs with a varied size.

#4 - Aeration

The interior of the incubator must have a homogeneous rate of humidity and heating. The ventilation plays, for that, a capital role. We advise you therefore the models provided with an effective ventilation system. Otherwise, the conditions are not the same for all eggs and the results could be impacted.

#5 - Additional features and accessories

The options offered differ from one incubator to another. Moreover, this is a factor that greatly varies the price. In addition, there are practical accessories whose presence is a criterion of choice not to be neglected. There are many such features, some of which are absolutely essential, such as an alert system that sends out a signal when the temperature or humidity settings go awry.

The candling lamp is available on the best incubators. It shows the growth of the embryo through the shell. There is also an incubation calendar which allows you to follow the progress of the incubation in real time.

To decipher the functioning of an automatic incubator

The automatism of this type of incubator comes from the technologies which equip it. These systems ensure a better control of the temperature and the humidity and participate in their stabilization. Easy to apprehend, they condition the rendering in terms of quality and quantity of the production.

The tasks to be done are relatively reduced since the role of the breeders is limited to install the eggs in the device. Apart from some controls in case of power failure, there is not much to do with this incubator.

To use it, you just have to follow a few simple steps. In this sense, the first thing to do is to fill the trays with water while taking into account the number of eggs. In order to keep a good humidity level, these cellars should be filled once every 2 days.

Install the eggs, making sure that the pointy end is in contact with the holder and turn on the unit. Make sure it is locked in place. The eggs need to be turned until day 18 of the incubation cycle. To do this, you should access the dedicated mechanism.

The different types of automatic incubators

There are several categories of automatic incubators on the market. They can be differentiated in many ways, but the hatching system is an important difference. Thus, there is an automatic incubator with and without a hatching device.

Automatic incubator with hatcher

It includes a hatcher which allows to keep the eggs in the same place during the hatching period which lasts about 2 or 3 days. In this case, the incubator integrates the parameters required to succeed in this phase. This concerns in particular the temperature and the humidity.

The eggs need a certain stability during this time. Moreover, they should not be turned anymore. Not touching the eggs increases the quality of the production. Not to mention that this alternative reduces the cost of purchasing and maintaining another unit.

Automatic incubator without hatcher

Although the majority of automatic incubators already include a hatching option, there are still a small handful that lack one. In this case, another unit must be purchased into which the eggs will be transferred when it is time to hatch.

The role of the incubator is more limited here. It only takes care of the incubation and the independent hatching box must have the same capacity as the incubator. On the other hand, this last one can in this direction receive new eggs and begin the next cycle. During this time, those of the last cycle hatch.

Manual incubator or automatic incubator?

Manual incubator

The manual incubator will be of interest to those who are new to poultry farming. Every step in using this type of incubator is done by hand, including turning the eggs. Consider incubating a smaller quantity of eggs, especially if you do not have enough time for these tedious tasks. Indeed, without a water tray, the manual incubator requires the user's intervention to have a humid atmosphere. It is however provided with a resistance ensuring the heating as well as a thermostat which allows to regulate the temperature.

Automatic incubator

Compared to the manual incubator, the automatic model is a small revolution. More practical and more efficient, it is suitable for both private and professional breeders. Whatever the profile of the breeder, he benefits from the great autonomy of the machine. It offers a considerable capacity to cover a very high production. The proposed options take care of all the necessary actions throughout the 21 days of incubation. The control of the eggs is done automatically.

Verdict

Manual and automatic incubators have different targets. The first one is aimed at small breeders, the second one is suitable for them as well as for larger farms. It goes without saying that the automatic incubator is more expensive, but it is not limited in any way, unlike the manual incubator. With the manual incubator, you have to participate in certain tasks such as turning the eggs. Decide according to your needs. Both are a good investment if used wisely.

Why buy an automatic incubator?

No more need to monitor laying hens

The use of an automatic incubator makes it possible to do without laying hens, which are not only expensive, but also require separate maintenance and continuous monitoring. Not to mention that they do not necessarily have the same performance. This could affect the result.

To incubate a large quantity of eggs at the same time

The productivity of your farm will be increased tenfold by the use of this device that can take hundreds and thousands of eggs at the same time. By putting the eggs in an incubator, the layers are less limited in their laying cycle. This means that in addition to having more chicks, new eggs are produced.

To benefit from more advanced functions than with manual incubators

An automatic incubator is far more advanced than a manual incubator. Options and accessories abound to extend the use, but above all to free the breeders who also have to take care of other tasks.

For results that live up to expectations

With effective control and regulation of temperature and humidity, results are better than with a conventional incubator. The risk of embryo destruction is reduced. Add to this the aeration system that helps maintain the right conditions in the incubator. This continues until the hatching if the device is equipped with an adapted system. The settings are adjusted to the chicks' needs at this stage, for a period of 2 to 3 days.

To avoid tedious tasks

Eggs need to be turned, a task that chickens do perfectly. With an incubator, it is obvious that this role falls to the farmer. This is not the case with an automatic incubator. It integrates a system which takes care of turning over the eggs. This difference is not negligible when one knows that this action is necessary at least twice a day.

The best brands of automatic incubators

In our opinion, the best brands of automatic incubators in 2022 are :

River
Cimuka
Borotto
Sailnovo
Amzdeal

River seeks solutions to improve animal welfare and boost the productivity of zootechnicians in the field of rabbit farming, dog farming, ornithology, pig farming. Added to this are the revolutionary accessories for hens and chicks, including incubators, waterers or featherers.

It is a Turkish brand that stands out for the performance of the devices and chicks it provides. It has made the reproduction of animals, such as chickens, a specialty ranging from feeding to hatching management. Among its products of choice are incubators, hatchers, cages, featherers.

More than one breeder trusts Borotto. When we know how much the brand does not joke with quality, we quickly understand why this plebiscite. Thanks to the latest technology, it advances artificial incubation equipment worthy of a big professional operation.

The Chinese brand Sailnovo ranges from automotive products to small equipment. Some of them are dedicated to breeding farm animals, but also pets. Apart from incubators, we find in its catalog pasta machines, pet food dispensers, car roof bags.

This company produces a large number of items that are used in different areas of daily life, both for individuals and for professionals. Between the shower mixer, the massage device, the incubator, the garden hose or the photography lighting kit, it must be said that the brand is present everywhere.

What is the price for an automatic incubator

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
100 £ to 350 £
Mid-range
350 £ to 700 £
High-end
more than 700 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Maintain a good humidity level

The automatic incubator has water tanks that must be refilled regularly and correctly to ensure a good hygrometry. A display should continuously show the related rate, an indicator that is very useful to determine when to refill the tanks. For your information, this rate should be around 45% during the first 18 days of incubation and even higher when the eggs are 3 days from hatching.

The temperature of the appliance is sufficient

Install the incubator away from a place accessible to the sun's rays. The heat provided by the unit is sufficient for the eggs. The natural heat may indeed alter the efficiency of the incubator by increasing the temperature inside, which compromises the health of the embryos.

Check the settings of the incubator from time to time

Certainly, the automatic incubator is much more reliable in terms of settings, but it costs you nothing to check from time to time to make sure that everything is working as it should. Some electrical problems can change the settings and penalize all the eggs.

Succeed in setting the temperature

Like humidity, temperature plays an essential role in embryo development. It should be set at 37.5 or 37.6°C before placing the eggs in the incubator. Check it regularly with the display on the unit.

Adopt good practices for maintenance

The incubator is an electrical device that could cause hazards if it comes into contact with water. That is why the plug must be unplugged before cleaning and during drying. Use specific products to disinfect it, as washing with soapy water alone is not enough.

FAQ

How to install the eggs in an automatic incubator?

When putting the eggs in the machine, first check that everything is working properly. Then place the pointed side down. Be aware that eggs should not wait more than 7 days after being laid before being incubated. Then make sure they come from the same cycle.

Can we make an automatic incubator?

No. You can make a manual incubator, but not an automatic one. Don't worry, affordable models abound on the market. Besides, it's much safer to use a professionally made device, especially if you plan to incubate several eggs. If not, a DIY device will do the trick.

What is the purpose of the egg tester?

Theegg tester is an accessory, often present on an automatic incubator, used to check the inside of the egg, i.e. the embryo inside. It is as useful before as during the incubation, knowing that an unfertilized egg cannot be incubated with this device. Moreover, it allows to see the possible anomalies in some eggs. Then, the tool is used to check the health of the embryo.

What eggs can we incubate with this device?

First, the eggs must be fertilized. Check with an egg tester. They come from the same clutch. Finally, they don't have any cracks or irregularities in the shell. Eggs that are too dirty are not welcome in an incubator.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. 16 Best Chicken Egg Incubator 2021, Eastmanegg.com
  2. Everland Tips : How to know if a chicken egg is fertilized?, Regal-basse-cour.com
  3. How to make an automatic incubator?, Montpelliernumerique.fr
  4. Everything you need to know about egg incubators, Poulailler-direct.fr
  5. How to properly set up your incubator, Toutpourlahutte.fr
  6. Egg Incubator Beginner's Guide | Begginner's Guide to Hatching ..., Incubatorwarehouse.com
  7. Tips for cleaning your egg incubator By Michael White at The Incubator ..., Theincubatorshop.co.uk
  8. 5 Best Egg Incubator for Chicken Eggs with Automatic & Manual ..., Morningchores.com
  9. Farmitoo : achat en ligne équipements agricoles, Farmitoo.com
  10. Vive l'elevage - Le bien-être de vos animaux, Vivelelevage.com
  11. Automatic Incubator : Comparative & Guide 2021, couveuseautomatique.com
  12. Automatic Incubator for the incubation of your eggs ..., ducatillon.com
  13. Amazon.co.uk : automatic incubator, amazon.co.uk
  14. Professional automatic incubator large capacity ..., vivelelevage.com
  15. Automatic Incubator : Buying Guide and Comparison 2020, couveuseautomatique.fr
  16. Automatic Incubator - Cheap Egg Incubator, poulailler-direct.fr
  17. Egg Incubators - New or Used Models, naturabuy.fr
  18. Automatic Incubator : What's the Best in 2021 ..., netbuyer.fr
  19. Automatic Incubators - Farmline, farmline.fr
  20. Top 5 Best Automatic Egg Incubator 2021: Comparison, electree.fr
  21. Amazon.co.uk : automatic egg incubator, amazon.co.uk
  22. Low cost automatic egg incubator - New & Used | Rakuten, fr.shopping.rakuten.com
  23. Automatic Egg Incubator : Best Incubators Comparison, autocouveuse.info
  24. Poultry Incubator & Incubator - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  25. Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  26. Best Automatic Egg Incubator - My 2020 Comparison, 300oeufs.fr
  27. Barnyard Animal Incubators - Ducatillon, ducatillon.com
  28. Borotto Real 24 Automatic Egg Incubator : the Farm of ..., fermedebeaumont.com
  29. Tests & Reviews - Incubator : Comparative & Buying Guide, couveuse.info
  30. Incubators and incubators - Vive l'elevage, vivelelevage.com
  31. | Incubators | Psittacofolie | Incubators, psittacofolie.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Borotto Real 49 Plus Automatic - Antimicrobial automatic incubator 9
Borotto Real 49 Plus Automatic - Antimicrobial automatic incubator
Sailnovo - Egg incubator with automatic turning 10
Sailnovo - Egg incubator with automatic turning
Incubato - Professional automatic incubator 11
Incubato - Professional automatic incubator
Iglobalbuy - Automatic incubator with humidity control 12
Iglobalbuy - Automatic incubator with humidity control

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