Would like some advice in making an incubator

Since I am hoping for a clutch of eggs this year, it's really about time to think about making an incubator.

I have a big cooler that I plan on using for it.. and I'm planning on buying a helix thermostat to control the heat tape.

Aside from flexwatt.. what else do I need? How do I set it up? What are good containers for the eggs, and what's the best incubation medium?

Help! :eek:

I cant say its the best but it is what i will make mine out of someday. I'm sure someone else with experience with this can look it over and give an objective view on it. I would like to know if its a good plan or not. I'm curious about the water bottles in the bottom for retaining the heat.

April,

Check out the DIY instructions on my site. Worked PERFECTLY! http://www.glassreptiles.com/articles/incubator.asp

Feel free to ask questions...

Seems like there is a heat source missing in your recipe...aquarium heater goes in the water with it's own thermostat...temp probe goes into vermiculate with it's own thermostat - to what heat source?

The aquarium heater is the only heat source. It warms the water to the proper temperature which heats the air around and in the incubation container. There is just a thermometer probe in the incubation chamber, not a thermostat. Hope that makes sense. Not only do you get a perfect temp but 100% humidity.

great idea! I like it so much, and I have an extra submersible heater and thermometer...so I may just go make my own right now! :)

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Not only do you get a perfect temp but 100% humidity.

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Did you air it out from time to time? I gathered that too much humidity could rot the eggs.

Once a week I opened the cooler and pulled off the glass lid for about a minute. Thats it. No mold, no denting in the eggs. Absolutely perfect eggs until they started to collapse the day they pipped. It really did the job and I will use it again for sure!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JBallPython

great idea! I like it so much, and I have an extra submersible heater and thermometer...so I may just go make my own right now! :)

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thing!

The only thing I would say is use a quality aquarium heater (I am partial to Ebo Jaegers after a long time working with fish) and a good thermostat. Good luck and feel free to get in touch if you need any

Thanks Jamie that helped a lot.

Anytime april! Its not for large amounts of clutches but for 1-3 it does the job!

Just one this year. Hopefully.

From wich snake April?

My california kingsnake pair. (albino stripe and normal)

Good luck April! You have locking up yet?

No they are still being warmed back up. I'll feed them two times each, then put them together.

Oh yeah..Forgot about kings and the whole brumation process.

Yep. They were chillin' in the basement for a couple months. They're up to about 78-80 degrees now. Gotta get my order in for a Helix (lookout, Matt!)

Nice! I'm still lovin the Herpstats. Dont want to get Adam all riled up though so...Helix is THE BEST! :)

I figure.. it's what.. a $10 difference? I'm going to use it for years, so might as well spring for the best.

It used to be $25. I guess one got more expensive or the other got cheaper. Either way, it works!

Eh whatever.. $25 is no big deal.

True enough!