Best Quail Cabinet Incubators: Top Choices for High Hatch Rates
Raising quail and want better control over your hatching process? A cabinet incubator is the most efficient way to hatch large batches of quail eggs with high success rates. In this guide, we’ll cover the best cabinet incubators for quail based on capacity, features, ease of use, and hatch consistency.
Why Use a Cabinet Incubator for Quail?
Cabinet incubators are designed to hatch large numbers of eggs with minimal supervision. They regulate temperature and humidity automatically, and most include egg turners to keep your hatch rates high. For small game birds like quail, consistency is key—and cabinet incubators deliver.
Planning a larger flock? Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to determine how much coop space you’ll need for your growing covey of quail.
Top 3 Best Cabinet Incubators for Quail
1. GQF 1502 Sportsman Cabinet Incubator
Capacity: Up to 1368 quail eggs with quail egg racks
Why It’s Great: High-capacity, reliable, and easy to use
- Digital temperature and humidity control
- Three automatic turning trays and one hatching tray
- Circulated air system ensures even temperature
- Works with optional quail-specific egg trays
Best For: Large-scale quail breeders or homesteaders who hatch regularly.
Don’t forget to plan your brooding and coop setup with the coop sizing tool.
2. Brinsea Ova-Easy 380 Advance EX
Capacity: Up to 1152 quail eggs (with optional trays)
Why It’s Great: Premium features with excellent precision
- Digital control system for temperature and humidity
- External water pump for accurate humidity levels
- Modular trays allow for multiple egg sizes
- Clear front panel for easy monitoring
Best For: Breeders looking for top-tier reliability and adjustability.
Bonus Tip: Use the chicken coop calculator for quail coops too—just input your species and flock size!
3. Hova-Bator 1500 Digital Sportsman
Capacity: Around 1320 quail eggs
Why It’s Great: Budget-friendly with strong performance
- Automatic turner (when equipped with quail trays)
- Digital temperature controls
- Fan-assisted airflow system
- Optional standalone hatcher (GQF 1550) for batch management
Best For: Beginners or hobbyists looking for commercial output without a high price tag.
Key Features to Look for in a Quail Cabinet Incubator
Here’s what matters most when selecting a cabinet incubator for quail:
- Adjustable Trays: Make sure the unit can accommodate smaller eggs like quail (often requires optional quail racks).
- Consistent Temperature: Aim for models with digital thermostats and fan circulation.
- Humidity Management: Humidity pumps or reservoirs help maintain the 45-55% range needed for quail.
- Easy Cleaning: Removable trays and modular parts make maintenance easier.
- View Panel: Helpful for checking progress without opening the unit.
Common Questions About Quail Egg Incubation
How long does it take to hatch quail eggs?
Quail eggs typically hatch in 17–18 days. Coturnix quail, one of the most popular types, hatch quickly and mature fast, making them ideal for small-scale meat or egg production.
What temperature and humidity settings do quail eggs need?
Keep your incubator set to 99.5°F (37.5°C) and 45–50% humidity for the first 14 days. Increase humidity to around 65–70% during the final 3 days of lockdown.
Can I mix quail and chicken eggs in the same cabinet incubator?
It’s possible, but not recommended unless your incubator has separate chambers. Quail eggs hatch faster and require slightly different conditions than chicken eggs, so it’s best to run them separately.
Conclusion: Which Cabinet Incubator Is Best for Your Quail Eggs?
All three incubators mentioned offer excellent results, but your choice depends on your goals and budget:
- Choose the GQF 1502 Sportsman if you want a reliable, high-capacity workhorse trusted by breeders.
- Pick the Brinsea Ova-Easy 380 if you’re after top-of-the-line features and precision.
- Go with the Hova-Bator 1500 if you want great value with solid performance.
Don’t forget—your hatch is only half the job. Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to plan and build the perfect living space for your new quail chicks.
Ready to hatch smarter and grow your covey? Choose the right cabinet incubator, follow best practices, and you’ll be raising healthy quail in no time.