Making an Incubator ?

This next breeding season I am going to attempt to breed 3 of my females. So I need an incubator. I have a small freezer that I am wanting to convert into one. I LOVE making things....

I found this link that pretty much explains everything....

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

I know that I need some type of thermostat for it. In the reading it talks about using a ZooMed Repti-Temp 500R. However I have heard both good / bad things about them. So I am a bit nervous.

What my main question is....what would be an awesome thermostat for this incubator. I was looking into the Ranco ETC-111000

If you need a pic of the freezer that will be converted please let me know

Thank you

I would recommend Herpstat or Helix. Both are high end thermostats and are proportional. A proportional thermostat will maintain a much more steady temp. I'm personally using Herpstat. Obviously, for an incubator, you don't need the night drop feature!!!

Steve

I currently use a Helix for my rack system but wasn't sure about the incubator. I love the Helix so I think I will go that direction for the eggs. Deffinantly don't want anything to happen to the little beauties.

Thank you so much... :sunny:

I think when I breed I'm gonna let nature do what it does best, and let mama incubate the eggs, just my opinion but you can do what ever you'd like..
EDIT
sorry lol i didn't even read the question, I would use a herpstat, I love mine :D
END EDIT

Sorry to highjack the thread but do any breeders let mama take care of the eggs?

Yeah, having steady temperatures with no spikes is SO important for eggs, go with a reliable proportional thermostat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brimstone111888

Sorry to highjack the thread but do any breeders let mama take care of the eggs?

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Not generally... the survival rate is much higher with artificial incubation vs. maternal incubation, and since lots of babies is the goal... well, I'll let you put the pieces together. :-D

Can't beat a Herpstat pro!!! It's a bargain considering it's really 4 stats in one. Run 3 racks and a bator on it if you want.

That link was awsomely helpful :rockon: I had been looking for something to explain how to make an incubator out of a fridge cause I have a 3ft mini fridge that has no general use and I was wanting to make it into an incubator by time the next season came around.If I do breed I probably wouldnt have more than 3 clutches so that'd be perfect if I can get that thing going by then, Now I needto find some heat tape and a thermo.

If you need a good source for heat tape and a ranco go to reptilebasics.com. Rich took good care of me, I ordered flexwatt and connections and he pre-wired everything for free, and the ranco could be pre-wired also. I almost have my incubator finished, all that is left is wiring the computer fan and fabricating a bracket I can hang it from the top near the ceiling. I have a herpstat pro but i bought the ranco to use as a backup. I put everything into a Pepsi cooler with a glass door. If anyone would like pics then PM me and I can send some out. It is going to be fairly inexpensive in comparison to others made out there.

I forgot to mention I ordered on Tuesday at 3:00 PM and everything was on my door the next day by noon.