Neither incubator included a hygrometer or calibrated thermometer although, the thermometer provided by GQF is much easier to read.īecause hatching charts suggest the need for a half-degree Fahrenheit accuracy, the temperature regulating performance of the two incubators was examined with this expectation. However, the Hova-bator egg turner is a snug fit in the Little Giant you have to be careful not to damage the Styrofoam base. The egg-turner for the Hova-bator is not quite as tall as the Little Giant's and will fit into either incubator. A pair of clear plastic windows is set into the top for observation. Water pans are molded into the base under the screen for humidity augmentation. There are cups for 42 2"-3" eggs.īoth incubators have Styrofoam housings with a 15" X 15" screen floor upon which to place the eggs. The egg-turner is functionally similar to the one just described with a 6 rotation per day continuous gear motor linked to six plastic bars with cup-shaped depressions molded into them. The fan kit for the Little Giant probably could have been installed in the Hova-bator. However, it is appears to be almost identical to the fan tested on the Little Giant. The fan kit was not available for testing. An adjustment screw extends through the top of the incubator. The Hova-bator uses a slightly lower power 27 watt "rope" heater controlled by a micro-switch and brass-bellows-style thermostat similar to that found in many brooders. The eggs are tilted approximately 30 degrees in each direction every 4 hours. The bars are drilled to accept plastic baskets into which the eggs are placed. The egg-turner is a 6 revolution-per-day, continuously running gear motor linked to six pivoting galvanized steel bars. It is attached under the top of the incubator with two screws. The fan kit includes an 8 watt, motor-driven fan with crimp-type wiring connectors. Temperature is set by means of a volume-control type adjustment. This means that it can use a fraction of, or all of, the heating unit's wattage, as required. The temperature control is of the "proportional" type. Interested parties can find the IC specifications on the Intersil/Harris Semiconductor web site. It features integrated circuit, CA3079, which is frequently used in similar applications. The Little Giant uses a 42 watt "rope" heater connected to a solid state temperature control. Note: the above prices are often exceeded significantly in e-bay or other auction sites. Little Giant lists a replacement incubator bottom (part #5210) in its care-and-use leaflet but did not respond to my e-mail request for price. Hova-bator offers a replacement bottom with a plastic liner for $11.75 in its catalog. Besides cleaning with an appropriate germicide, periodic replacement of the enclosure bottoms may be desirable. Sanitation is often an issue with the use of Styrofoam enclosures. The catalog price is listed by GQF at $24.95, shipping included. Hova-bator Turbofan Kit (Model 2364) was not available for test.Hova-bator Automatic Egg Turner (Model 1611) $31.99.Hova-bator still air incubator (Model 1602) $31.99.Little Giant Automatic Egg Turner (Model 6200) $28.49.Little Giant Forced Air Fan Kit (Model 7200) $21.35 (Not all stores listed the part at this price.).Little Giant still air incubator (Model 9200) $28.49.The Hova-bator was available from a competing store (Blain's Farm and Fleet) at a similar discount. The Little Giant was procured off-the-shelf at a farm discount department chain in Wisconsin (Mills Fleet-Farm) for about 10% less than factory advertised prices. In this study, a sample of each was purchased locally and tested for temperature consistency with laboratory quality temperature recording equipment. Paul, MN and by GQF (Hova-bator) of Savannah, GA. Low cost Styrofoam-box-type, table-top incubators are made by Miller Industries (Little Giant) of St.
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