Read what I like and do not like about the Janoel 12 Incubator. I share a few tips I have used to help this incubator work for me.
While I have used different incubators, I have found the Janoel 12 to be my go to incubator right now. To be open here, I have used the Incuview (plastic), and the Little Giant Styrofoam incubator with the addition of a fan. I have listened to others experiences with different incubators. Of course, the price has influenced my personal incubator purchases.
My flock of 3 heritage breeds consists of breeding pens made up of 1 or 2 roosters with 1 to 6 hens. To clarify I do not put one hen with 2 roosters. Due to the smaller pen sizes and my desire to track what chicks hatch from each pen, I like the incubators that hatch a smaller number of eggs. I share this to provide a picture of where I am coming from with my current goals.
Table of Contents
What I like about the Janoel 12 Incubator
1. Price
I find it hard to beat for the price of slightly over $50.00, based on what I see available on the market. This incubator has an auto turner, temperature settings can be modified and a display of real time temperature.
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Learn more by clicking the picture above.
2. Auto Turner
The auto turner provides room for 6 to 12 eggs. I say 6 because with larger eggs that is about all that fits on the turner. Given the fact I may only have 5 or 6 eggs from a specific breeding pair, this incubator serves an important purpose on CG Heartbeats Farm. I have found a way to place close to 30 eggs in the Janoel 12 incubator. See my Tips for the Janoel 12 Incubator in this post.
3. Bottom Half Cleans Easy
I love the how easy cleaning the bottom of this incubator is. To start I dump out the water and mess. I spray outside with a garden hose. Next, I put apple cider vinegar in the bottom and the amount varies based on how dirty it is. I fill almost to the top with water and allow it to soak for several hours. The mess simply does not stick to the sides or interior bottom. The tray takes a bit of scrubbing with a brush to get the stubborn stuff off. I wipe the legs of the hatching tray with a paper towel. I also wipe the bottom half inside and out to dry it.
4. I Hatch Chicks with the Janoel 12
Examples include a hatch that started with 14 eggs, 2 were not fertile, at lockdown there were 11 viable eggs and the end result was 9 chicks. In another (1 time) instance, all 10 eggs hatched. I generally have a decent hatch rate with this incubator. There are several factors that influence how well a hatch goes. I will share that the first couple times I used this incubator I was not successful. I needed to determine the right amount of water to add at lockdown and I share that later in this post.
5. 360 degree View
The sides provide a view all the way around the incubator.
6. Adjustable Spacing in the Janoel 12 Turner
The spacers in the turner allows the width of each row to be a custom fit.
7. Durable
The longer I use this incubator, the more I am impressed with its durability. I have hatched in my original incubator for 3 years, gaining multiple batches of chicks each year.
Purchase your own Janoel 12 Incubator by clicking the picture.
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What I do not like about the Janoel 12 Incubator
1. Cleaning Inside of the Top
Cleaning any part of the top requires a screw driver to remove parts. It is simple to take part and put together, but more time consuming due to needing to remove several screws. I do not clean the top every time.
2. Lack of Setting Options
While the temperature is displayed and can be changed, that is the only setting. This model does not provide other settings such as a count down to hatch day, or a setting based on current room temperatures. There is not a humidity reading or a way to automate humidity levels. I have experimented with how much water to add at lockdown, based on the climate here in northern Indiana.
3. Not made in America
I like to purchase products made in America. This incubator is not.
4. Harder to See
While there is a 360 view of the eggs, the durable plastic has a bit of smoky haze when looking through it or taking pictures. The view is not as clear compared to other incubators I have used or seen used. I have noticed after several hatches the plastic becomes scratched, clouding the view.
Tips for Using Janoel 12
How to fit 20 plus eggs in the Janoel 12 Incubator
If I remove the tray the turner sets on and place in the hatching tray, the Janoel 12 holds 20 to 25 eggs. The eggs need to be hand turned. I try for 6 times a day, but fall short some days. This starts a larger group of eggs. Often when I use this method, I know that it is likely not all eggs will be fertile. If the number of fertile eggs drop low enough after a week, I begin to use the turner. If not, I am committed to hand turning the eggs until lockdown. Either way, I end up with a higher number of chicks compared to only using the turner from day one.
Adding Water at Lockdown
I have found the best hatch results by adding ½ cup to ¾ cup of water at lockdown. The room humidly plays a part in my determination. To date, I use the dry hatch method. I may add a ¼ cup water on day 17 depending on the size of the air cells when I candle. If I do, I would only add ¼ cup to ½ cup more at lock down.
Maintaining a Hatch
The eggs often become bunched when using the auto turner. Maybe I do not have the spaces set correctly? I am not sure if that is the cause. I check the eggs once a day when they are on the turner and place them in a better spot.
“I like this incubator so well I have three.”
Maria Graber
NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
In Conclusion
The Janoel 12 has been my go to incubator this year. I even purchased a second one in April, to hatch out different batches in. As I said, knowing the chicks correct parentage ranks high for me and the Janoel 12 helps me meet this goal. Is it a perfect incubator? No, but when I consider the small amount I invested in each one and all the ways it serves my purposes. I am excited to use the Janoel 12. I would love to hear your experience with the Janoel 12. Please reach out using the form below to send me an email with your questions or leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
Hi– I have a small backyard flock of Svart Hona and a pair of Lavender Orpingtons. I have only ever used this incubator and LOVE it. I have no reason to ever use anything else. Small batches are all I need to hatch. Once you ‘catch on’ to regulating the humidity…and have an extra dependable gauge set for that and temp—it’s a go, go situation!! Happy hatching!!
Great to hear how well the Janoel 12 has worked for you too. I am pleased with mine since I desire to keep my hatches apart and often have small numbers to hatch.