How to get the most cost-effectiveness out of 1 rack?

Daydreaming about how I could expand with a potential to breed and how I could optimize the cost-effectiveness of 1 rack (e.g. 1 expensive thermostat, and limited space). I was thinking I'd get something like the Animal Plastics economy 10 shelf system, and that the best way to use the space would be to use 4 of the full bays for 1.3 adults, leaving the remaining 6 bays available for 12 x 15 quart tubs to handle up to 12 eggs.

It seems to me that even if 3 females laid eggs, it's likely that they would not produce more than on average 4 viable babies on average, especially if these are younger females which they would be. For example, maybe a whole clutches goes bad or one doesn't even get pregnant.

Is this good snake math? Any better ways to do it?

:snake:

They cheapest way is to build your own rack, if you're handy. Built myself a seven tub rack for about 50 bucks. Not including thermostat, heat tap, and tubs.

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Originally Posted by JaYdEd

They cheapest way is to build your own rack, if you're handy. Built myself a seven tub rack for about 50 bucks. Not including thermostat, heat tap, and tubs.

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Yep, I made mine to hold 18 26 qt tubs with tstat and heat tape for about $300

Viol8r was that two columns of 9? What were dimensions if you don't mind saying.

I don't know about the snake math....One female could give you 8-10 eggs, or none. Last season I bred 6 females and only 3 produced clutches. You never know with mother nature;)

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Originally Posted by MS2

I don't know about the snake math....One female could give you 8-10 eggs, or none. Last season I bred 6 females and only 3 produced clutches. You never know with mother nature;)

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I agree, the thing about " snake math " is the numbers never add up.
Just when you think you have it figured out something changes the equation!

numbers I have gotten from a big breeder

Average clutch size: 5 eggs
Average females to lay with ultrasound: 75%
Average females to lay without ultrasound: 50%

I see nothing wrong with using averages to plan as long as you know they could drastically change one way or another. Don't think 1 rack is the only option.

I have not heard of anyone using their rack to double as an incubator. Is that a better alternative to getting a separate incubator?

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Originally Posted by jplehmann

Viol8r was that two columns of 9? What were dimensions if you don't mind saying.

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3' x 2' about 6' tall. I used the rack in this video and made a few adjustments to fit my needs. I have since added another rack to give my breeders some extra room. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EYC-UE2qsg