6 Best Hova-Bator Setter Trays For Chickens That Boost Hatch Rates

You’ve meticulously collected the perfect eggs, calibrated your Hova-Bator to a tenth of a degree, and marked your calendar for lockdown day. Yet, 21 days later, you’re met with a disappointing number of unpipped shells. The culprit is often not the temperature or humidity, but the simple, mechanical act of turning the eggs—a task best left to a reliable setter tray.

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Why Setter Trays Are Key for Hova-Bator Success

An automatic turner, or setter tray, is the single biggest upgrade you can make to a still-air or basic fan-assisted incubator like the Hova-Bator. Its job is to mimic the mother hen, who instinctively and constantly shifts her eggs. This isn’t just fidgeting; it’s critical for survival.

Consistent turning, typically a slow, gentle rock back and forth, accomplishes two vital things. First, it prevents the developing embryo from sticking to the inside of the shell membrane. If it sticks, its development is halted, and the hatch will fail. Second, it ensures every part of the egg is exposed to uniform heat, preventing hot or cold spots that can cripple or kill the embryo.

Hand-turning is an option, but it’s fraught with risk. Every time you open the incubator, you cause a massive fluctuation in heat and humidity that stresses the embryos. You also risk forgetting a turn or being inconsistent. An automatic turner eliminates human error and provides the stable environment chicks need to thrive.

GQF 1610N: The Classic Hova-Bator Turner Tray

If you have a Hova-Bator, this is the turner it was designed for. Made by GQF, the same company that makes the incubator, the 1610N is the original and most common setter tray you’ll find. It’s a simple, robust design that holds 41 standard-sized chicken eggs in individual plastic rails.

The beauty of the 1610N is its perfect integration. It drops right into the incubator base with no fuss, and the motor plugs directly into the incubator’s power source. It just works. For anyone hatching standard breeds like Plymouth Rocks, Orpingtons, or Wyandottes, this is the most straightforward and reliable choice.

The major limitation, however, is its specificity. The rails are molded for a "large" chicken egg. This tray is not suitable for bantam eggs, which will slide around and fail to turn properly. Likewise, very large jumbo eggs from Marans or some dual-purpose strains may fit too snugly, risking cracks as the tray rotates.

GQF 1611 Universal Racks for Mixed Egg Sizes

The GQF 1611 is the solution for the hobbyist with a diverse flock. Instead of fixed rails, this turner uses a set of six universal racks with adjustable dividers. This simple change makes it incredibly versatile. You can configure the spacing to securely hold anything from tiny bantam eggs up to larger duck or turkey eggs.

This flexibility is a game-changer for anyone keeping multiple breeds. You can finally run a mixed hatch of your Silkies and your Australorps at the same time, knowing each egg is being turned correctly. The racks pop out for easy cleaning, which is a significant advantage over the one-piece 1610N design.

The tradeoff for this versatility is a slightly lower capacity for standard chicken eggs compared to the dedicated 1610N. You also need to take a moment to set the dividers correctly. If they are too loose, small eggs can slip and stop turning; if too tight, they can get pinched. It requires a bit more attention, but the payoff is the ability to hatch nearly any egg you have.

Little Giant 6300 Turner: A Reliable Alternative

The Little Giant 6300 is another workhorse automatic turner that fits perfectly in most Hova-Bator models. It’s functionally identical to the GQF 1610N, holding 41 standard chicken eggs and turning them with a slow, reliable motor. It’s often easier to find in local farm and fleet stores, making it a convenient and popular choice.

There is very little difference in performance between the Little Giant 6300 and the GQF 1610N. Both are made from durable plastic and use dependable motors. The decision between them often comes down to price and availability. If you find a Little Giant on sale, there’s no reason not to choose it for your Hova-Bator.

Like the GQF classic, this turner is designed exclusively for standard chicken eggs. It shares the same limitations when it comes to bantam or jumbo eggs. It’s a specialist tool, and it does its one job exceptionally well.

Farm Innovators 4250 for Consistent Turning

Farm Innovators is another trusted name in poultry supplies, and their Model 4250 automatic egg turner is a direct competitor to the GQF and Little Giant models. It also holds 41 standard eggs and is designed to fit in most tabletop incubators, including the Hova-Bator. Its reputation is built on the consistency of its turning motor.

When you’re looking at these three standard turners—GQF, Little Giant, and Farm Innovators—the choice is less about technical specifications and more about brand trust and what’s accessible to you. They all perform the same essential function. Some farmers swear by the durability of one brand’s motor over another, but all are generally reliable for many hatches.

The key takeaway is that having any of these automatic turners is vastly superior to hand-turning. They provide the stability and consistency that directly translates to higher hatch rates. Don’t get bogged down in minor brand differences; focus on getting a turner that fits your incubator and your eggs.

Incubator Warehouse Racks for High Capacity

For the homesteader looking to maximize every hatch, Incubator Warehouse offers an interesting alternative. They sell universal-style rack sets that can sometimes be configured to squeeze a few more eggs into the Hova-Bator’s footprint. Instead of being locked into 41 slots, you might be able to arrange smaller standard eggs to fit 45 or more.

This approach is for the experienced user. Increasing egg density can impact airflow, which is already a critical factor in a small incubator. You’ll need to be more vigilant about monitoring for hot and cold spots, perhaps even adding a second thermometer to check different areas of the incubator.

The benefit is clear: higher output without investing in a larger, more expensive cabinet incubator. If you’re selling chicks or trying to grow your flock quickly, those extra few eggs per hatch add up. Just be aware that you’re pushing the equipment to its limits and must compensate with more careful management.

KEBONNIXS 12/15 Turner for Smaller Batches

Not every hatch needs to be a full-capacity run. Sometimes you’re just setting a dozen eggs from a specific breeding pen or testing the fertility of a new rooster. For these situations, a smaller turner like those from KEBONNIXS, which typically hold 12 to 15 eggs, can be an excellent tool to use inside your Hova-Bator.

Using a small turner for a small batch is more efficient. You don’t have a large, mostly empty tray running, and it’s easy to clean and handle. This is perfect for targeted breeding projects where you want to keep a small group of valuable eggs separate and ensure they get perfect turning.

The obvious tradeoff is the low capacity. This isn’t the tray for your main flock incubation. However, its small size can be an asset. For those running larger cabinet incubators, these little turners can even be placed inside to isolate a specific batch of eggs from the main group.

Matching Turner Trays to Your Chicken Breeds

The "best" setter tray isn’t a single product; it’s the one that matches your flock. Making the right choice is one of the easiest ways to improve your hatch rates before you even set the first egg.

Here’s a simple framework:

• For Standard Breeds (Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks): Stick with the classics. The GQF 1610N, Little Giant 6300, or Farm Innovators 4250 are designed precisely for these eggs. They are reliable and foolproof.
• For Bantam Breeds (Silkies, Sebrights, d’Uccles): You absolutely need a universal tray. The GQF 1611 Universal Racks are essential. Using a standard tray will lead to failed hatches as the tiny eggs slide instead of turn.
• For a Mixed Flock (A little of everything): Flexibility is key. The GQF 1611 is again the top choice, allowing you to mix egg sizes in a single hatch. High-capacity racks from places like Incubator Warehouse also offer this versatility.
• For Small, Special-Purpose Hatches: A dedicated small turner like the KEBONNIXS 12 saves space and focuses your efforts, making it ideal for high-value eggs from a specific breeding pair.

Ultimately, look at the eggs you plan to hatch first, then choose the tray. A tray that securely holds and gently rotates each egg is the foundation of a successful hatch, turning potential frustration into the rewarding sight of newly hatched chicks.

Investing in the right setter tray is less of an expense and more of a down payment on a successful hatch. It automates the most critical task, eliminates human error, and provides the stable environment your future flock needs. Choose the tray that fits your eggs, and you’ll be well on your way to a brooder full of healthy, peeping chicks.