How to buy an incubator and livestock equipment at a good price
Where to start
First decide which animals the equipment is for: chickens, quail, geese, rabbits or cows. An incubator for 100 hen eggs and one for 100 quail eggs use different trays, so a bare “capacity” figure means nothing until the bird is named.
For an incubator, the important things are automatic egg turning, how accurately it holds temperature and humidity, and how it is powered. Models for 220 V mains and for 220/12 V (mains plus battery) cost differently, but the second kind saves you when the power goes off in your village. For cages, look at galvanised coating, wire thickness, a droppings tray and the number of tiers.
What affects the price
- Automation: automatic turning, a digital thermostat and humidity control make an incubator costlier, but they cut manual work.
- Body material: thermocol (polystyrene foam) is cheaper, but it is harder to wash and disinfect than plastic or metal.
- Galvanised mesh lasts longer than ordinary mesh, especially in a damp shed.
- For a milking machine, the price depends on the number of cows, the pump type (oil or dry) and the set of teat cups.
- New or used: second-hand equipment is often cheaper, but ask whether the heater and sensors work properly.
What to put in your request
- what exactly — incubator, brooder, cages, drinkers, feeders, milking machine or clipper;
- which animals — hens, quail, rabbits, goats, cows;
- capacity — eggs, heads or cows;
- features — automatic turning, humidity control, 220/12 V power, galvanising, number of tiers;
- brand and model, if you have already chosen;
- condition — new or used;
- quantity, budget and delivery city.
Example: “I need a new 100-egg incubator with automatic turning and humidity control, 220/12 V power, for hens and quail. Courier delivery to Sydney. Budget up to $170.”
How to compare offers
Check that every seller quotes the same real capacity for your bird, not “up to 100 eggs” counted for the smallest eggs. Ask about the warranty, whether spare parts (heater, sensor, trays) are available, and whether they will send instructions with settings for different birds. For used equipment, ask for a video of it running.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write your request once on BlaBlaPrice, and sellers of farm equipment reply in the chat with a price, stock and delivery. The platform shows the best-value offer first, and sellers can see their place and improve their terms. Your contacts stay hidden until you choose a seller. Read more on the How it works page.
If you plan to keep poultry or livestock, also see farm animals and pet supplies.
