Whether you are a small-scale farmer looking to hatch your own chicks, a homesteader wanting to expand your flock, or a commercial producer running a large hatchery, an incubator is an essential piece of equipment. It replaces the broody hen and gives you control over the hatching process.
South Africa has a vibrant poultry sector, and the market for incubators reflects this diversity. Prices range from a few hundred rand for basic styrofoam units to hundreds of thousands for industrial cabinets capable of hatching thousands of eggs at a time.
This guide covers everything you need to know about incubator prices in South Africa. We break down the different types, capacities, and price ranges, and help you choose the right machine for your needs.
Incubator Prices In South Africa: Complete Guide
What Is An Incubator?
An incubator is a device that maintains optimal conditions for fertilised eggs to develop and hatch. It controls temperature, humidity, and often includes automatic egg turning to mimic the actions of a broody hen.
Incubators are used for:
Chicken eggs for broiler or layer production.
Quail eggs for meat or egg production.
Duck and goose eggs for specialty markets.
Ostrich eggs for commercial farming.
Game bird eggs for breeding or release programs.
Quick Reference: Incubator Price Ranges (2026)
| Type | Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Styrofoam | 24 – 56 eggs | R500 – R1,500 | Hobbyists, beginners |
| Semi-Automatic | 48 – 200 eggs | R1,500 – R4,000 | Small-scale farmers |
| Fully Automatic | 48 – 500 eggs | R2,500 – R8,000 | Serious hobbyists |
| Digital Cabinet | 500 – 3,000 eggs | R8,000 – R25,000 | Medium-scale farms |
| Industrial Cabinet | 3,000 – 50,000+ eggs | R30,000 – R200,000+ | Commercial hatcheries |
| Quail Incubators | 100 – 1,000 quail eggs | R1,500 – R10,000 | Quail farmers |
| Ostrich Incubators | 40 – 200 ostrich eggs | R40,000 – R150,000 | Ostrich farms |
| Reptile Incubators | 10 – 100 reptile eggs | R1,000 – R8,000 | Reptile breeders |
Note: Prices are estimates for 2026 and include VAT where applicable. Actual costs may vary depending on brand, features, and retailer.
Factors Affecting Incubator Prices
Capacity:
Larger incubators cost more. A machine that holds 1,000 eggs costs significantly more than one that holds 50 eggs.
Automatic vs. Manual:
Automatic egg turning adds cost but saves labour and improves hatch rates.
Manual turners require you to turn eggs by hand several times a day.
Digital vs. Analog Controls:
Digital controls with precise temperature and humidity settings cost more than simple analog thermostats.
Digital displays make monitoring easier.
Material:
Styrofoam incubators are cheap but less durable.
Plastic and metal cabinets cost more but last longer.
Humidity Control:
Basic models have passive humidity via water trays.
Advanced models have automatic humidity control with pumps and sensors.
Egg Turning Mechanism:
Fully automatic turners use motors to tilt eggs at set intervals.
Semi-automatic models may have manual crank turners.
Brand:
Imported brands like Rcom and Brinsea are more expensive.
Local brands like Procon and African Incubators offer good value.
Specialisation:
Incubators for specific species like ostriches or reptiles are more specialised and expensive.
Type 1: Manual Styrofoam Incubators
These are the cheapest and most basic incubators. They are made of expanded polystyrene and have a simple heating element and thermostat. You must turn the eggs manually, usually three to five times a day.
Price Range: R500 to R1,500
Capacity: 24 to 56 chicken eggs
Features: Analog thermostat, water channels for humidity, viewing window
Power Consumption: Low, around 40 to 80 watts
Hatch Rate: Varies greatly with user skill
Popular Models:
Little Giant 9200: R650 to R850, 41 egg capacity.
Janoel 24: R500 to R700, 24 egg capacity.
Hova-Bator 1602: R1,200 to R1,500, 50 egg capacity.
Pros:
Very affordable.
Simple to use.
Good for learning.
Light and portable.
Cons:
Manual turning is labour-intensive.
Temperature fluctuations common.
Less durable.
Lower hatch rates.
Best for: Beginners, children’s projects, hatching small batches occasionally.
Type 2: Semi-Automatic Incubators
Semi-automatic incubators take some of the work out of hatching. They may have automatic egg turning but manual humidity control, or vice versa. They are a step up from basic styrofoam models.
Price Range: R1,500 to R4,000
Capacity: 48 to 200 chicken eggs
Features: Automatic or semi-automatic turning, digital or analog display, better insulation
Power Consumption: 80 to 150 watts
Popular Models:
Procon 48: R1,800 to R2,200, 48 egg capacity with automatic turning.
Janoel 56 Digital: R2,000 to R2,500, 56 egg capacity with digital display.
African Incubators 96: R3,000 to R3,800, 96 egg capacity with semi-automatic turning.
Pros:
Less manual intervention.
Better temperature stability.
Higher hatch rates than manual models.
Good value for money.
Cons:
Still requires some manual attention.
Not fully automated.
May lack precise humidity control.
Best for: Small-scale farmers, serious hobbyists, those hatching regularly.
Type 3: Fully Automatic Incubators
Fully automatic incubators handle temperature, humidity, and egg turning automatically. You set the desired parameters, and the machine maintains them. These are the best choice for consistent, high hatch rates.
Price Range: R2,500 to R8,000
Capacity: 48 to 500 chicken eggs
Features: Digital controls, automatic turning, automatic humidity control, forced air circulation, alarms
Power Consumption: 100 to 250 watts
Popular Models:
Rcom 50: R5,500 to R6,500, 50 egg capacity, fully automatic, Korean made.
Procon 200: R4,500 to R5,500, 200 egg capacity, digital controls.
Brinsea Ovation 56: R7,000 to R8,000, 56 egg capacity, advanced features.
Local Digital Cabinet 300: R6,000 to R7,500, 300 egg capacity.
Pros:
Minimal manual intervention.
Consistent conditions.
High hatch rates.
Alerts for problems.
Can be left for short periods.
Cons:
More expensive.
More complex electronics.
Requires reliable electricity.
Best for: Serious farmers, those hatching large batches regularly, anyone wanting maximum hatch rates.
Type 4: Digital Cabinet Incubators
Cabinet incubators are larger, free-standing units designed for medium-scale production. They are well-insulated and feature advanced digital controls. Many have separate hatchers for better hygiene.
Price Range: R8,000 to R25,000
Capacity: 500 to 3,000 chicken eggs
Features: Digital controls, automatic turning, forced air, humidity control, alarms, sometimes separate hatcher
Power Consumption: 200 to 500 watts
Popular Models:
Procon 1000: R12,000 to R15,000, 1,000 egg capacity.
African Incubators 2000: R18,000 to R22,000, 2,000 egg capacity with separate hatcher.
Rcom 380: R20,000 to R25,000, 380 egg capacity, high-end features.
Pros:
Large capacity.
Professional-grade reliability.
Good insulation for temperature stability.
Often includes hatcher.
Built for continuous use.
Cons:
Expensive.
Requires dedicated space.
Needs reliable electricity.
Best for: Medium-scale commercial farmers, hatcheries supplying local markets.
Type 5: Industrial Cabinet Incubators
These are the machines used by commercial hatcheries. They are massive, highly sophisticated, and designed for continuous, high-volume production. They often include setter and hatcher units separately.
Price Range: R30,000 to R200,000+
Capacity: 3,000 to 50,000+ eggs
Features: Computerised controls, data logging, alarms, backup systems, separate setter and hatcher
Power Consumption: 500 to 2,000+ watts
Popular Models:
NatureForm: R80,000 to R200,000, various capacities.
Jamesway: R100,000+, commercial grade.
Local custom-built: R30,000 to R80,000 depending on capacity.
Pros:
Highest capacity.
Maximum hatch rates.
Fully computerised.
Built for commercial use.
Often includes warranty and service.
Cons:
Very expensive.
Requires significant space.
Needs professional installation.
High electricity consumption.
Best for: Large-scale commercial hatcheries, poultry breeding operations.
Type 6: Quail Incubators
Quail eggs are smaller than chicken eggs and require different trays and sometimes different settings. Many incubators can be adapted for quail, but specialised quail incubators are also available.
Price Range: R1,500 to R10,000
Capacity: 100 to 1,000 quail eggs
Features: Quail-specific egg trays, often automatic
Best For: Quail farmers, hobbyists raising quail
Quail eggs take 17 to 18 days to hatch. They require similar temperature to chicken eggs but different humidity levels.
Type 7: Ostrich Incubators
Ostrich farming is a specialised industry in South Africa. Ostrich eggs are huge and require specially designed incubators with heavy-duty components.
Price Range: R40,000 to R150,000
Capacity: 40 to 200 ostrich eggs
Features: Heavy-duty construction, specialised turning mechanisms, precise controls
Best For: Commercial ostrich farms
Ostrich eggs take 42 days to hatch. The eggs are valuable, so precise control is essential.
Type 8: Reptile Incubators
Reptile breeders use incubators for snake, lizard, and tortoise eggs. These are usually smaller and focus on precise temperature control rather than turning.
Price Range: R1,000 to R8,000
Capacity: 10 to 100 reptile eggs
Features: Precise temperature control, often no turning required, sometimes humidity control
Best For: Reptile breeders, pet owners
Reptile eggs have different requirements depending on the species. Some need constant temperature; others need temperature variation.
Incubator Price Comparison Table
| Type | Capacity | Price Range | Automation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Styrofoam | 24 – 56 eggs | R500 – R1,500 | Manual | Beginners |
| Semi‑Automatic | 48 – 200 eggs | R1,500 – R4,000 | Partial | Small farms |
| Fully Automatic | 48 – 500 eggs | R2,500 – R8,000 | Full | Serious hobbyists |
| Digital Cabinet | 500 – 3,000 eggs | R8,000 – R25,000 | Full | Medium farms |
| Industrial | 3,000+ eggs | R30,000 – R200,000+ | Computerised | Commercial |
| Quail | 100 – 1,000 eggs | R1,500 – R10,000 | Varies | Quail farmers |
| Ostrich | 40 – 200 eggs | R40,000 – R150,000 | Full | Ostrich farms |
| Reptile | 10 – 100 eggs | R1,000 – R8,000 | Varies | Reptile breeders |
Where To Buy Incubators In South Africa
Online Retailers:
Takealot: Stocks smaller incubators like Janoel and Little Giant.
Farmers’ websites: Many agricultural supply sites stock incubators.
Agricultural.co.za: Specialises in farming equipment.
Physical Stores:
Agricultural co-ops like Senwes and GWK stock incubators.
Farm supply stores in rural areas.
Poultry supply shops in major centres.
Manufacturers and Importers:
Procon: South African manufacturer with a range of incubators.
African Incubators: Local manufacturer based in Pretoria.
Rcom: Korean brand available through local distributors.
Brinsea: UK brand available through specialist importers.
Second-hand:
Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace have used incubators.
Check carefully before buying second-hand.
Test the machine if possible.
Factor in potential repair costs.
Choosing The Right Incubator
Step 1: Determine your capacity needs.
How many eggs do you plan to hatch per cycle?
Start small if you are a beginner.
Remember that not all eggs will hatch.
Step 2: Decide on automation level.
Are you home all day to turn eggs manually?
Do you want to set and forget?
Automatic saves labour but costs more.
Step 3: Consider your electricity supply.
Incubators need stable power.
If you have load shedding, consider a backup plan.
Some incubators have DC options for battery power.
Step 4: Set your budget.
Factor in the cost of the machine.
Also consider electricity costs.
And the cost of eggs and feed for chicks.
Step 5: Read reviews.
Join poultry farming forums.
Ask other farmers about their experiences.
Choose a brand with good local support.
Features To Look For
Forced air vs. still air:
Forced air incubators have a fan to circulate air. They maintain even temperatures throughout.
Still air incubators rely on convection. They are cheaper but have hot and cold spots.
Automatic egg turning:
Eggs need to be turned several times a day. Automatic turners do this for you.
Manual turning means you must be available.
Humidity control:
Humidity is critical during hatching.
Some incubators have automatic humidity control.
Others require you to add water to trays.
Digital display:
Easy to read temperature and humidity.
Alarms for high or low conditions.
Viewing window:
Lets you watch the hatching process without opening the incubator.
Opening the incubator drops temperature and humidity.
Durability:
Styrofoam is cheap but breaks easily.
Plastic and metal last longer.
Incubator Accessories
Egg turners: Some incubators allow you to add automatic turners later.
Egg candlers: For checking fertility during incubation.
Thermometers and hygrometers: For verifying conditions.
Brooders: For keeping chicks warm after hatching.
Egg trays: For different sizes of eggs (quail, duck, goose).
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
How long does it take to hatch chicken eggs?
Chicken eggs take 21 days to hatch. Quail eggs take 17 to 18 days. Duck eggs take 28 days. Goose eggs take 28 to 34 days.
What temperature should an incubator be?
For chicken eggs, 37.5 degrees Celsius is ideal. Slightly lower for ducks and geese. Check the instructions for your specific eggs.
What humidity level is needed?
For the first 18 days, humidity should be 40 to 50 percent. For the last three days, increase to 65 to 75 percent.
Do I need to turn the eggs?
Yes. Eggs must be turned at least three times a day for the first 18 days. Automatic turners do this for you.
Can I hatch eggs from the supermarket?
No. Supermarket eggs are not fertilised. You need fertilised eggs from a farm with roosters.
How many eggs will hatch?
Hatch rates vary. 50 to 75 percent is typical for good eggs and proper incubation. Expect some eggs to be infertile and some chicks to die before hatching.
Do incubators work during load shedding?
Only if you have backup power. Some incubators have DC adapters for battery or solar. Others need a generator or inverter.
How do I clean an incubator?
Clean thoroughly after each hatch. Use a mild disinfectant. Do not use harsh chemicals that could harm future chicks.
Can I hatch different types of eggs together?
Yes, but they have different incubation periods. You will need to remove hatched chicks while other eggs are still incubating.
What is the best incubator for beginners?
A small, semi-automatic model like the Janoel 56 or Procon 48 is good. They are affordable and easy to use.
Summary: Which Incubator Should You Buy?
Choose a manual styrofoam incubator if:
You are a beginner on a tight budget.
You are hatching as a one-off project.
You have time to turn eggs manually.
You are teaching children about life cycles.
Choose a semi-automatic incubator if:
You hatch regularly but not in huge volumes.
You want better results than styrofoam.
You have a small budget but want automatic turning.
You are a small-scale farmer.
Choose a fully automatic incubator if:
You want the best hatch rates.
You do not want to manually turn eggs.
You are willing to invest in quality.
You hatch multiple batches per year.
Choose a digital cabinet incubator if:
You are a medium-scale commercial farmer.
You need capacity of 500 eggs or more.
You want professional-grade equipment.
You have reliable electricity.
Choose an industrial incubator if:
You are running a commercial hatchery.
You need to hatch thousands of eggs at a time.
You have the budget and space.
You require maximum efficiency.
Choose a quail incubator if:
You specialise in quail.
You need quail-specific trays.
You are a quail farmer.
Choose an ostrich incubator if:
You are in the ostrich industry.
You need heavy-duty equipment.
You are hatching valuable ostrich eggs.
Choose a reptile incubator if:
You breed reptiles.
You need precise temperature control.
You are a reptile enthusiast.
Final Warning: Hatching Is Not Guaranteed
An incubator is a tool, not a magic box. Success depends on:
Fertile eggs from healthy stock.
Proper temperature and humidity throughout.
Clean conditions.
Good quality incubator.
Your attention and care.
Even with the best incubator, some eggs will not hatch. Do not be discouraged. Learn from each batch and improve your process.
Official Resources:
South African Poultry Association: www.sapoultry.co.za
Department of Agriculture: www.dalrrd.gov.za
Agricultural Research Council: www.arc.agric.za
This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Incubator prices, features, and availability are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information with retailers and manufacturers before purchasing.