Hova-bator or homemade?

Now that Toby & Mona seem to be getting busy, I need to think about incubation for the eggs (I have at least a few months, though - right?). Since I'm only breeding one pair this year, and my funds are somewhat limited, I will probably go with a hova-bator or something homemade. Which option would you suggest? And is there another cheap (under $100) incubator besides the hova-bator?

In case it matters, I live in a very cool and temperate climate... we get more fog than rain here, but it can be cold & moist ALL year long. :oops: TIA for any advice!

Homemade. I've heard that hovabators work.. but usually after suffering losses trying to get it dialed in. If you are only getting one shot, I'd say it's not worth the risk.

Homemade. Price, quality, customization. Hands down.

-JonV

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Originally Posted by Lolo76

And is there another cheap (under $100) incubator besides the hova-bator?

In case it matters, I live in a very cool and temperate climate...

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A good proportional thermostat will run you almost $100 or more. That, a cooler, some egg boxes and substrate for the eggs...and you are looking at over $100. More if you want a backup thermostat (recommended). If you want your eggs to hatch it's worth it.

JonV

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Originally Posted by nevohraalnavnoj

A good proportional thermostat will run you almost $100 or more. That, a cooler, some egg boxes and substrate for the eggs...and you are looking at over $100. More if you want a backup thermostat (recommended). If you want your eggs to hatch it's worth it.

JonV

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Oh, for sure. :D I was just talking about the unit itself, as far as being under $100. But, can't I connect the incubator to my rack's thermostat? I have a herpstat with only 4 heat strips plugged into it now, so there should be room for another... or would that not maintain the right temps?

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Originally Posted by Lolo76

But, can't I connect the incubator to my rack's thermostat? I have a herpstat with only 4 heat strips plugged into it now, so there should be room for another... or would that not maintain the right temps?

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You need a separate t-stat.
Mini fridges work great and will hold 2 6qt sterilites easily.
I used one this year and had perfect eggs and babies.
Held perfect 90 degrees once I stuck it in a closet.
Temps will go up and down without a proportional, which is why the closet worked great, much more stable.
This is pre-usage...
http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/a...l/PICT2110.jpg

Is there any good tutorials that show how to make one like this?

I have been just using a hovebator and doing doing breeding projects with a close friend... but eventually I would like to use the old bar fridge technique...

homemade.
seriously id trust a hova... about as much as id trust a lawyer. rofl:P

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Originally Posted by ReptileGirlsofCanada

Is there any good tutorials that show how to make one like this?

I have been just using a hovebator and doing doing breeding projects with a close friend... but eventually I would like to use the old bar fridge technique...

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Yes: http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/incubator.shtml

I was able to hatch 8 perfect eggs last season with a hovabator but i had it connected to it's own Helix. Do not.... I repeat DO NOT try to incubate your BP eggs in a Hovabator using the built in thermostat.
Maybe you can find a used ranco somewhere on the cheap and use that on your rack while you connect the Hovabator to your Helix.