This article describes the different types of incubators, their features, their diverse advantages, and the disadvantages associated with them. It entails all the information needed regarding their strengths and flaws to influence one’s desire to possess it.
The provision of a safe, controlled environment for infants to live while their organs develop is the primary purpose of an incubator. If you want to provide the ideal temperature, oxygen, humidity, and light, the incubator offers an environment that can be adjusted.
Types of incubators
Mini incubators
- Its capacity is 1 to 12 eggs depending on model and bird type.
- It is only suitable for small eggs, especially those of ducks.
- Has low growth potential.
- From extremely basic to highly automated, there is a wide range of functionality.
- For schools, science fair projects, and children, the basic models are ideal.
Tabletop incubators
- 1-130 eggs depending on the model and bird type, is its capacity.
- It can also be used with any size egg.
- Its growth potential is model, and adding additional units with low relative cost can increase the capacity.
- Backyard or personal breeders prefer this as their most common choice.
- What makes it the most versatile is its functionality, size, capacity, and meeting the needs of the breeders.
Cabinet incubators
- Its capacity is 1300-1500 for quail eggs, 50-500 chicken, and 13-60 turkey eggs.
- Any size egg can be used.
- Digital control panels and humidity readouts features are found in some, while all contain automatic turning rays.
- Small farm breeders are the ideal users.
Commercial incubators
- The egg capacity for quails is 1500, 1000 for chicken, and 100 for a goose.
- There is the availability of all models for all egg sizes.
- They have high levels of functionality.
- The growth potential is moderate. Some can be upgraded by the addition of shelves, while others cannot be upgraded.
- Commercial breeders are the ideal users.
Factors influencing incubator used
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Flock starting from hatching eggs
Some breeders may be new to breeding, thus choosing to use an incubator. The predator impact on the flocks may also cause it since exposure may mean a high loss for the breeder. Situations have occurred where more than a high flock loss has been experienced.
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Increase in production
A hen will stop laying until after the eggs have hatched after it has gathered a clutch and begun to sit. Consistency in laying eggs by chickens and more outstanding production are achieved by incubating eggs instead of letting the hen sit on them.
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Education
Many breeders enjoy the process of hatching eggs. Many schools have integrated chicken incubation projects in their classrooms for their children to learn. The method of candling eggs provides excellent insight into embryo development and fits in with many elementary curricula.
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Control of hatch is better
Sometimes, there is a gamble upon reliance on the hen to hatch. Using an incubator is the ideal way for breeders working with rare eggs or those who wish to control the hatching rate. One can have control of the hatch you need by collecting all the eggs and carefully selecting the eggs you want to hatch.
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Cost
Incubator price Kenya offers low and affordable prices for potential consumers and clients. They also make it available for anyone and can be delivered in good time for usage. The cost incurred is low compared to the profits it will likely generate in the long run. It is vital merit to consider when commencing a business start-up.
Conclusion
The incubator is an indispensable asset to consider buying when engaging in poultry breeding; hence it is vital that one distinguish between different types and then take corrective action to pick those that meet your requirements and needs as well as your criteria as the user.
