How to Choose & Set Up the Best Incubator for Quail Eggs
Successfully hatching quail eggs starts with choosing the right incubator and setting it up for optimal results. Whether you’re hatching Coturnix quail for the first time or expanding a breeding operation, the incubator you select can make a significant difference in your hatch rates.
In this post, I’ll cover what to look for in an incubator, from capacity and features to temperature control and ease of cleaning. I’ll also review some of the most popular incubator models on the market and outline the pros and cons of each to help you make the best choice for your quail hatching needs.
What to Look For in an Incubator for Quail Eggs
When selecting an incubator, it’s essential to consider your hatching goals and how many eggs you plan to incubate at one time. Here are some of the key features to prioritize in an incubator for quail eggs:
Capacity and Size
The size of your incubator should match your goals and the scale of your operation.
- Small-Scale Hatching: If you’re incubating a few eggs at a time, a tabletop incubator that holds 12–24 eggs may be sufficient. These compact, affordable models are easy to use and ideal for beginners.
- Larger Operations: For those hatching 100 or more eggs regularly, a cabinet incubator is a better investment. Cabinet models offer higher capacities, multiple trays for organized hatching, and precision controls for high hatch rates.
Temperature Control and Stability
Temperature stability is crucial for successful incubation. Most poor hatch rates are the result of temperature and humidity instability. Look for incubators that can maintain a constant temperature without fluctuations.
- Forced-Air Incubators: Equipped with fans, these incubators circulate air to keep the temperature even throughout. Forced-air models are ideal for quail eggs, as they maintain uniform temperatures.
- Still-Air Incubators: These lack fans and can have temperature variations within the unit. If using a still-air incubator, choose a stable environment without external temperature fluctuations.
The recommended temperature setting for quail eggs is 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators, as this closely mimics natural incubation temperatures. For still-air incubators, the recommended temperature setting for quail eggs is 101°F (38.3°C) at the top of the eggs. Since still-air incubators lack a fan to circulate air, the temperature can vary within the incubator.
Humidity Control
Proper humidity is critical to ensure the right moisture loss from the egg, supporting healthy embryo development. Aim for 45-50% humidity for the first 14-15 days, increasing to 65-70% during the final days.
- Automatic Humidity Control: High-end incubators offer automatic humidity control, which keeps levels steady. This is especially helpful if you live in an area with fluctuating ambient humidity.
- Manual Humidity Management: For incubators without automatic control, fill the water trays as directed to maintain humidity. Adding or reducing water daily may be necessary to keep levels in check.
Properly managing humidity and temperature is a critical step when incubating quail eggs. If you’re just starting out or want to improve your hatch rates, my guide on Humidity and Temperature for Hatching Quail Eggs provides detailed tips to get it right.
Automatic Egg Turning
Quail eggs need to be turned multiple times daily to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell. Many incubators offer automatic egg turners.
- Automatic Turners: These devices turn eggs at set intervals, ensuring consistent development and reducing the need for manual turning.
- Manual Turning: If you choose to turn eggs by hand, remember to turn them an odd number of times each day to avoid the embryo settling in the same spot overnight.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Choose an incubator that is easy to clean between hatches. Removable trays, smooth surfaces, and minimal crevices help reduce bacteria buildup and make sanitation easier.
Comparing Popular Incubator Models
Below is a comparison of some of the most popular incubator models available, outlining their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the best fit for your setup.
Cabinet Incubators for Hatching Quail Eggs
Cabinet incubators are designed for large-scale hatching, offering high capacities and precision controls that make them ideal for breeders managing multiple batches or color lines. With features like automated temperature and humidity regulation, these incubators are suited for dedicated hatching setups and serious breeders.
Hatching Time Setter & Hatcher
Hatching Time cabinet incubators are robust, high-capacity incubators designed for large-scale operations, equipped with automatic temperature and humidity controls. These models range from $700 to $1000, depending on capacity.
Pros:
- High capacity, suitable for larger operations (up to 468 quail eggs in some models)
- Automatic temperature and humidity control for consistent conditions
- Durable and easy to clean with multiple trays for organized hatching
Cons:
- Higher cost; an investment more suitable for larger-scale breeders
- Requires dedicated space due to larger size
- Learning curve for beginners due to advanced features
Best For: Experienced breeders or those with large coveys who need reliable, large-capacity hatching. In another post I’ve gone into detail about the Hatching Time cabinet incubator. Psst! There’s a coupon code at the end of my review.
GQF Cabinet Sportsman
Known for their durability and reliability, GQF cabinet incubators provide stable temperature and humidity control, ideal for serious breeders needing high hatch rates. These incubators are typically priced between $800 and $900.
Pros:
- Large capacity with various models to suit different needs
- Reliable temperature and humidity control
- Trusted by many poultry breeders for consistent hatch rates
Cons:
- Requires significant space and is more expensive
- Higher maintenance requirements to keep clean
Best For: Those with high-volume hatching needs looking for a long-standing, reliable incubator brand.
Tabletop Incubators for Hatching Quail Eggs
Tabletop incubators are compact, affordable, and perfect for small-scale hatching or hobby breeders. Though smaller in size, many offer reliable temperature control, automatic turning, and other essential features, making them a convenient option for those just starting out or hatching smaller batches.
GQF Tabletop Hova-Bator
Compact and easy to use, GQF tabletop models are well-suited for small batches with forced-air options available for consistent temperature control. They generally cost around $100 to $200.
Pros:
- Compact design, good for smaller operations
- Forced-air options for consistent temperature control
- Easy to use and suitable for beginners
Cons:
- Limited capacity compared to cabinet models
- Lacks some advanced features like automatic humidity control
Best For: Beginners or small-scale breeders who need an affordable, reliable tabletop incubator.
Brinsea Incubators
Brinsea incubators are high-quality, mid-capacity models with digital controls and automatic egg turning, ideal for small-scale hatching with reliable results. Brinsea models range from $100 to $500.
Pros:
- High-quality build with accurate temperature and humidity controls
- Compact design with user-friendly features
- Automatic egg turning in most models
Cons:
- Higher price point for tabletop models
- Limited capacity, typically better for small batches
Best For: Hobby breeders who want quality over quantity, and who prioritize ease of use and consistent results.
Nurture Right 360 from Manna Pro
An affordable, beginner-friendly option, the Nurture Right 360 offers clear viewing, automatic turning, and consistent temperature, making it popular for hobbyists. It is priced around $180.
Pros:
- Affordable and compact with a clear dome for easy monitoring
- Digital controls with automatic egg turning
- Good temperature stability for small batches
Cons:
- Smaller capacity, suitable for limited hatching needs
- Requires frequent monitoring of humidity levels, as control is manual
Best For: Hobbyists or beginners looking for an affordable, simple incubator that gets the job done.
Borotto Lumia from Premier 1
The Borotto Lumia series combines sleek design with reliable digital controls and automatic egg turning, making it a good choice for small-to-mid-sized hatches. Prices for Borotto Lumia models range from $200 to $550.
Pros:
- Sleek, compact design with precise digital controls
- Features automatic egg turning and good temperature stability
- Reliable for consistent results in small batches
Cons:
- Smaller capacity; not ideal for high-volume hatching
- Higher price compared to other compact models
Best For: Small-scale breeders and those prioritizing quality construction and reliability.
MATICOOPX Incubators
Budget-friendly and compact, the MATICOOPX incubator is suitable for beginners, featuring basic digital controls and auto-turning for convenience. It is priced around $120.
Pros:
- Affordable with a compact design, good for beginners
- Offers automatic egg turning in most models
- Easy-to-read digital display
Cons:
- Basic functionality with limited control over humidity
- Lower build quality than premium brands, may not last as long
Best For: First-time breeders or small-scale hatchers on a budget.
Little Giant Incubators
Little Giant incubators are basic, cost-effective models suitable for small hatches, available in both still-air and forced-air versions. They are priced from $50 to $200, making them accessible for hobby breeders on a budget.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly with various model options
- Simple and effective for small-scale hatching
- Available with forced-air or still-air configurations
Cons:
- Limited features, often lacking automatic humidity control
- Requires close monitoring and maintenance of humidity and temperature
Best For: Budget-conscious breeders or hobbyists looking for a straightforward, no-frills incubator.
Setting Up Your Incubator for Optimal Hatching
Once you’ve selected the best incubator for your needs, setting it up properly is essential for high hatch rates. Here are the steps to ensure optimal results:
Step 1: Choose a Stable Environment
Place your incubator in a room with stable temperature and humidity levels, ideally around 65-75°F. Avoid areas with drafts, direct sunlight, or heat sources, as fluctuations in room temperature can affect the incubator’s performance.
Step 2: Calibrate Temperature and Humidity
Run the incubator empty for at least 24 hours to check that it holds stable temperature and humidity levels. For quail eggs, set the temperature to 99.5°F (37.5°C). If your incubator doesn’t have a built-in hygrometer, place one inside to monitor humidity levels.
Step 3: Set Up Humidity Control
Fill water reservoirs as directed to maintain 45-50% humidity for the first 14 days. If your incubator lacks automatic humidity control, you may need to adjust water levels daily based on ambient conditions.
Step 4: Load and Turn the Eggs
Place eggs in the incubator pointed side down to encourage proper orientation for hatching. For manual models, turn the eggs an odd number of times each day to ensure the embryo doesn’t settle in one spot overnight. Automatic turners should be set to rotate eggs 3-5 times daily.
Step 5: Increase Humidity for Lockdown (Days 15-18)
Stop turning the eggs on day 15 and increase humidity to 65-70% for the hatching period. Avoid opening the incubator during this time, as it can cause humidity drops that impact hatching.
Cleaning and Storing Your Incubator After Hatching
After hatching, clean your incubator thoroughly to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Disassemble all removable parts, including trays and water reservoirs.
- Wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and air dry.
- Disinfect the interior with a poultry-safe cleaner to kill any lingering pathogens.
- Store in a cool, dry place until your next hatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, these incubators can be used for all types of poultry. You may need to purchase additional accessories so your incubator can accommodate the smaller quail eggs.
If turning by hand, aim for at least 3-5 times daily, with an odd number of turns to prevent the embryo from settling overnight.
Regularly check water reservoirs and adjust based on readings from a hygrometer to keep levels stable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing and setting up the right incubator for your quail eggs is essential for successful hatching. With the right model and careful preparation, you’ll enjoy higher hatch rates and a healthier covey. This guide should give you a solid understanding of what to look for in an incubator and how to set it up for optimal results, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your breeding operation.
For a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful hatch, check out my post on How to Hatch Coturnix Quail Eggs to learn everything you need to know from setting up your incubator to hatch day. And if you’re local, I also offer Coturnix quail hatching eggs for sale—perfect for starting or expanding your own covey!
