Best Egg Incubators Australia: A Guide for Backyard Chicken Keeper

Hatching your own chicks is one of the most exciting parts of keeping chickens.

But if you've started searching for the best egg incubator in Australia, you've probably already discovered there are a lot of choices.

Some incubators cost under $200, while more automated models can cost $700 or more. So what are you actually paying for, and which features really matter?

Here’s our simple guide.

What to Look for in an Egg Incubator

Stable temperature

Reliable temperature control is one of the most important features of any incubator.

Before adding fertile eggs, run the incubator first and make sure it is holding a stable temperature.

Automatic egg turning

You can turn eggs manually, but automatic turning makes life much easier and removes one more thing to remember several times a day.

Humidity monitoring

There is a difference between an incubator that shows humidity and one that automatically controls humidity.

Automatic humidity control generally comes with more expensive machines.

External water filling

This is a feature we really value.

Being able to add water without opening the incubator helps keep conditions more stable, particularly as hatch day approaches.

A good viewing window

From our own experience, opening the incubator lid can cause the humidity to drop dramatically.

This is particularly important during hatch, when chicks that have already pipped need humidity to stay high enough to prevent the membranes around them drying too quickly.

So once hatch begins, resist the urge to keep opening the lid.

A large clear viewing window lets you watch everything happening without disturbing the environment inside.

And if you're hatching with kids, trust us, you'll be very glad you have one.

Egg Incubators Available in Australia Compared

Prices checked September 2026 and may change.

Janoel 24S

Around $187 | 24 eggs

The Janoel 24S is one of the more affordable options and includes automatic turning, fan-forced air circulation and external water filling.

Humidity is managed manually, but for an occasional backyard hatch it offers plenty of useful features without a huge price tag.

Best suited to: beginners and occasional hatchers.

Origin 18

Around $238 | 18 eggs

The Origin 18 includes automatic turning and temperature control, while humidity is managed manually.

It also has Australian support and replacement parts available, which is worth considering when comparing cheaper imported models.

Best suited to: backyard chicken keepers wanting a straightforward incubator with local support.

Nurture Right 360

Around $355 | 22 eggs

The Nurture Right 360 has automatic turning, a digital temperature and humidity display and excellent 360-degree visibility.

That large clear viewing area is one of its strongest features in our opinion, because you can watch hatch day without repeatedly opening the incubator.

Best suited to: first-time hatchers and families.

Rcom King Suro 20

Around $420 | Up to 24 eggs

The King Suro steps things up with automatic turning and automatic humidity management using an external pump.

This means less hands-on adjustment during incubation.

Best suited to: people hatching more regularly who want greater automation.

Brinsea Maxi 24 EX

Around $700 | 24 eggs

The Brinsea Maxi 24 EX sits at the premium end of the market with automatic turning, automatic humidity control and more sophisticated temperature management.

You aren't necessarily paying for more egg capacity. You're paying for greater automation and control.

Best suited to: frequent hatchers, breeders or anyone incubating valuable fertile eggs.

Do You Need an Expensive Incubator?

Not necessarily.

For most backyard chicken keepers, a reliable incubator with automatic turning, stable temperature control and accurate humidity monitoring may be all you need.

More expensive incubators mainly give you greater automation.

If you're hatching once or twice a year, you may never need a $700 machine.

If you're hatching regularly or buying expensive fertile eggs, automatic humidity control and stronger support may be worth the extra cost.

What About Cheap Incubators Online?

Cheap incubators from online marketplaces can absolutely hatch chicks.

Before buying one, we'd check:

• Is it suitable for Australian power?

• Does it automatically turn the eggs?

• Can you accurately monitor temperature and humidity?

• Can you add water without opening the lid?

• Can you see inside clearly?

• Are replacement parts available?

• Is there Australian warranty or support?

Price isn't everything when there are developing chicks relying on the machine.

Planning Your First Hatch?

Choosing your incubator is only the beginning.

If you're new to incubation, our Hatch to Hen House: A Beginner's Guide to Incubation takes you through the process from setting your fertile eggs through to hatch day.

It covers the basics without making incubation more complicated than it needs to be.

Grab a copy of Hatch to Hen House from the Mother Clucker Trading Co website.

And Once They Hatch...

Getting your chicks safely out of the egg is only the beginning.

Next comes keeping them warm.

And we've been working on something very special for exactly that stage.

The Mother Clucker Heated Hen Is Coming

A thoroughly researched and tested, one-of-a-kind surrogate mother designed to give newly hatched chicks the warmth, darkness and security they naturally seek from a broody hen.

There really isn't anything else quite like her on the market, and after a very long development journey, we're getting closer to introducing her.

Want to meet her first? Subscribe to the Mother Clucker Trading Co email list for Heated Hen updates and launch news.

The next best thing to mumma is coming.

Prices and specifications were checked in September 2026 and may change. Always confirm current information with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing.