Fridge-like Incubators

Hey guys,

I am a looong way away from doing this, but I want to know if I need to keep an eye out for different options.

When we are able to start breeding bp's, I plan on making our own incubator out of a wine chiller, (mini) fridge, etc. I currently have a mini fridge, only a year or so old. Will the fact that we may end up wanting to use it as a fridge again sometime mean we should not use it for an incubator? As far as I know, you dont need to tear the thing apart to use it as an incubator, just taking advantage of the already in-place insulation. With that said, would there be any effects of using the fridge as an incubator that would ruin the fridge for human food/drinks etc?

Also, would you recommend sticking to something small, like a mini fridge (the tiny cube kind), or perhaps go with something a little bigger, such as a small fridge ( not the tiny cube kinds, usually about 3 feet high or so) or a wine chiller to be ready to expand after a few years?

Thanks

I myself am on the lookout for wine cooler or dorm fridge aprox 3ft tall I think that would hold probably hold 6-9 clutches I think, which is plenty big enough

I have a 1.7 cubic foot mini already on hand, which are the box type. The compact fridges are ~3 ft tall and 3.3 cubic feet. I am betting the little fridge is going to hold a maximum of like 4 clutches...probably only three unless I destroy the little freezer compartment.

With that said, I would assume it would be better to spring for the bigger fridge, wine cooler, etc, if I happen to come across one?

You could always build one. :D

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/IMG_1058.jpg

Actually I was wondering how one would remove the motor safely from one. Is there a way or do most people just leave the motor on and not bother with that?

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Originally Posted by Oxylepy

Actually I was wondering how one would remove the motor safely from one. Is there a way or do most people just leave the motor on and not bother with that?

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Unless weight is a problem just leave it all in there...there in no risk of leaving the motor and compressor in the unit.

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

You could always build one. :D

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/IMG_1058.jpg

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That does not look very well insulated....correct me if I am wrong.

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Originally Posted by ThyTempest

That does not look very well insulated....correct me if I am wrong.

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It is 3/4 Melamine it hold heat to a tenth of a degree. 2 seasons in use and spot on. I have a small fan that moves the air around and can fit about 18 clutches in it (pray someday I actually get that many)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

You could always build one. :D

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/IMG_1058.jpg

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Nice Job. I like it. Where did you buy the stuff for the shelving?

It is very illegal to remove a compressor without recovering the refrigerant. Yes my husband is certified in refrigeration by the epa. He takes that very seriously. So the best bet is to just leave the compressor alone. Besides the fact that most refrigerants are oxygen depleting meaning no oxygen for you to breathe. So please if even not for the enviroment please don't for your own safety.