Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Who makes the best incubators? I don't have the time to make one and would like to purchase something reliable. If you could have any incubator out there, which one would it be?

Thanks

I know Lyon is a good one, big and bold and ready to do buisness...
Hovabators are the cheaper ones, know they work, but not sure how much compared to the Lyon and all that.
But I know a lot of people build thier own... Not really sure on that one..
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-Ohh, what a Lady-

Balls for Life, Baby!

Have you used any Lyons incubators? I'm just curious because when I last looked at them, they used a waffle thermostat just like the hovabator uses. It seemed to me like you'd be paying a lot more money for a fancy package with no real benefits. But, that's why I'm asking if you've used them, so if I'm wrong you can tell me-lol! Thanks, take care!

Paul

You know, I've heard awesome things about them, but I have not had any experience with them myself.

I am actually in the market for one too, and I have found the GQF Reptile Cabinet Incubator, and wanted to hear more about it from other people... Any thoughts?
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-Ohh, what a Lady-

Balls for Life, Baby!

... both solid state thermostats and wafer type ones. Or at least my old RL-1 did. I remember it being very accurate but good at drying out eggs at the same time (if they had ventilation holes in the incubation boxes)

I agree with Paul Edwards that the Habitat Systems incubators are very good and are probably the "Cadillac brand" of commercially available systems.

I personally prefer the HOT ROD of incubators the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) type which can be built in any size for any capacity and have specific incubation needs in mind! I really enjoy having an incubator with several redundancies in the way of temperature control and monitoring. Our incubator is a walk in type that measures about 5x9x8 ft. being controlled by 3 thermostats with 2 audible alarms as well as a phone dialer that can call any 3 numbers you wish. Couple that with the capacity to hold over 500 eggs of any type of tropical python you desire, it is the most perfect system that I can find!
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Sean Bradley
Owner : EbN
www.ExoticsByNature.com
www.BallPythonMorphs.com
www.BoaConstrictorMorphs.com
www.CornSnakeMorphs.com

Are you sure you got all the bases covered?? LOL, sounds like you do to me!!!! Best of luck this season, take care!

Paul

BUILD YOUR OWN

In my opinion, the best incubator is the mother. She tends to the eggs 24/7 and is always keeping an eye on the proper temp and humidity.

But if you are one of those who can't give up control.

I hatch out many high end morphs every year in 75 gal. fish tanks with 2 submersible heaters set at 89 degrees(two just incase one breaks). Just make sure you use dry media in the boxes. The humidity is already going to be high enough in the chamber.

Mike King
MK Reptiles, Inc.
508-982-0169

have you gotten good results from letting the momma incubate the eggs?

I have never lost a fertile egg. i don't understand why everyone does not trust millions of years of evolution over a few years of commercial incubators. The mothers are far better equipt to manage her eggs then we are.

Mike

You also lose 2 months of time that you could be bulking the female back up to weight. All my females that bred last season took their first meal within two weeks of egg laying and removal. A couple even ate the next day.

Without a doubt, Habitat Systems. Cadalacs aren't cheap though, but then again, you didn't say anything about price limitations. If someone is hatching out many thousands of dollars worth of animals a year, why would you have anything less ? It's a little like spending $5,000 on a stereo and then spending $25 for the speakers ! But they absolutly blow away anything out there - nothing comes even remotly close.
Paul Edwards

were do i find the habitat system incubator?

You can reach them at 888-909-5795 or you can call Tom directly at 515-280-1382. Their web site is www.habitatsystemsltd.com.
Tell them Paul sent ya.
They are the very best folks. I love their products and the fact that I've known Tom for 25 years has nothing to do with it.
He can flat out build a better cage - doesn't matter what kind...he'll figure out a way to do it better. Give him a try to see if he can develop the plan you've always been dreaming about ! Go ahead and do it !!!!