IncubatorPro
Buying guide

Manual vs Automatic Incubator

A manual incubator is cheaper to buy but costs you time and chicks. Here is how manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic incubators compare.

By the IncubatorPro team · Updated 30 September 2026

Three kinds of incubator

ManualSemi-automaticFully automatic
Egg turningBy hand, 3–5 times a dayLever or tray you tilt by handAutomatic on a timer
TemperatureThermostat, check oftenDigital thermostatDigital controller and fan
HumidityWater tray, separate hygrometerWater tray, displayBuilt-in control and display
Best forHobby hatchesOccasional hatchesAnyone selling chicks

How to turn eggs by hand in a manual incubator

  • Mark each egg with an X on one side and an O on the other in pencil, so you can see which ones you have turned.
  • Turn an odd number of times a day (3 or 5), so the egg does not rest on the same side every night.
  • Wash and dry your hands first; oils and dirt block the shell pores.
  • Work fast so the incubator does not cool down, and stop turning three days before hatch.

More detail in our egg turning guide.

Why farmers who sell chicks choose automatic

Manual turning is fine for a dozen eggs on the kitchen counter. It breaks down at a few hundred eggs, when you are away from home, or when a missed night of turning drops the hatch rate. An automatic incubator turns every egg on time, every time, and holds temperature evenly with a fan. On a machine hatching hundreds of chicks per batch, a few extra percent hatch rate pays for the difference quickly.

All IncubatorPro models are fully automatic. See automatic egg incubators and the price list.

Fully automatic incubators

Every model has automatic turning, digital temperature and humidity control and a 2-year warranty. Pay cash on delivery or by EFT.

Best Seller

IncubatorPro 360

360 Egg Capacity
  • Small farms & serious backyard breeders
  • Automatic turning, digital temperature & humidity
  • 2-year warranty
  • Free nationwide delivery
R8,500
💰 Cash on delivery or EFT
Details
Popular

IncubatorPro 720

720 Egg Capacity
  • Small farms & serious backyard breeders
  • Automatic turning, digital temperature & humidity
  • 2-year warranty
  • Free nationwide delivery
R13,000
💰 Cash on delivery or EFT
Details

IncubatorPro 1056

1,056 Egg Capacity
  • Growing small-scale commercial farms
  • Automatic turning, digital temperature & humidity
  • 2-year warranty
  • Nationwide delivery
R15,000
💰 Cash on delivery or EFT
Details
FAQ

Common questions

What is a manual incubator?+

An incubator where you turn the eggs by hand and usually watch temperature and humidity yourself. It is cheaper but needs attention several times a day.

How many times a day should I turn eggs by hand?+

At least three times a day, and preferably five. Use an odd number so the eggs spend alternate nights on different sides.

Is an automatic incubator worth it?+

If you hatch more than a few dozen eggs or sell chicks, yes. Automatic turning and digital control give steadier hatch rates and free up your time.

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