Incubator or mother nature

I am new to breeding and plan on doing so next year's breeding season but my question is should I really invest in an incubator or should/could i leave the eggs with the snake if I don't exactly catch 'em in time?

Trying to get an idea as to what would be easier/cheaper. But don't get me wrong I DO want everything to be succesful.

We actually just had a very long discussion about this here: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33496

**Can...opening...worms everywhere!**

:bolt:

K~

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Originally Posted by KLG

**Can...opening...worms everywhere!**

:bolt:

K~

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Bahahaahahah! Dont you know it! :rolleyes:

How 'bout spinach.... I've heard that works great.

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Originally Posted by ddbjdealer

How 'bout spinach.... I've heard that works great.

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Incubating on a bed of Spinach? Sounds good to me! :P

Hang on....they make BEDS out of spinach now?!! How 'bout pillows? 'cause I always chew on mine, and it tastes like feet.....:D

-Evan

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Originally Posted by Evan Jamison

Hang on....they make BEDS out of spinach now?!! How 'bout pillows? 'cause I always chew on mine, and it tastes like feet.....:D

-Evan

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I noticed a feet aroma all around you at Daytona. Thanks for clarifying! :weirdface

alright never mind that question... I saw the other thread.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

I noticed a feet aroma all around you at Daytona. Thanks for clarifying! :weirdface

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Oh, that was just my body spray, Eau de Pied. It's quite entracing really.

-Evan

how much does a cheaper incubator cost...They seem kinda pricey

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Originally Posted by djslurp1200

how much does a cheaper incubator cost...They seem kinda pricey

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You have used the word cheap twice now in this thread. There is nothing cheap about breeding and properly caring for Ball Pythons. If you can't afford to do it the right way, I would suggest you don't do it.

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Originally Posted by djslurp1200

how much does a cheaper incubator cost...They seem kinda pricey

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I picked up a college-dorm sized refrigerator for ~$40.

ok how about a more "inexpensive" incubator or method of incubating. I definetly want to breed so whatever is the easiest/inexpensive method let me know. Obviously its going to cost me money but let me know...I REALLY WANT TO BREED:sunny:

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Originally Posted by djslurp1200

ok how about a more "inexpensive" incubator or method of incubating. I definetly want to breed so whatever is the easiest/inexpensive method let me know. Obviously its going to cost me money but let me know...I REALLY WANT TO BREED:sunny:

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Are you kidding? He suggests something for $40 and that is too expensive? How are you planning on feeding and housing a bunch of hatchlings?

A cardboard box for the eggs and a case of crickets for the hatchlings will suffice.

Some search results

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...earchid=106250

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ight=incubator
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ight=incubator

I'm not saying that $40 is too much.. thats nothing. I would be able to deal with that no problem. i was just saying as far as an actual incubator you buy at the store. Something already configured. I've been looking at differen't ones online...

Any commercially available incubators are going to run anywhere from $300-400 to thousands of dollars for larger ones.

I wouldn't even consider using a Hovabator for ball eggs.

The *cheapest* way to an incubator is building your own.

that glass front incubator (mini fridge) is actually kinda hot.

I think I'm gonna go ahead and try to get one of those...I like the thought of being able to view the eggs without having to open the door. Now after getting one is it an absolute must to take out the freon in the back? (saw it on one of the links) Just wondering...

Removing the cooling stuff from the back will substancially reduce the weight of the incubator. Doing that will require you to remove the freon, unless you're cool with it leaking out and mutating your firstborn children....

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

I wouldn't even consider using a Hovabator for ball eggs..

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is that because they have to incubate at such a high temp??

Because the heating element and wafer style thermostats are crap.

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

Removing the cooling stuff from the back will substancially reduce the weight of the incubator. Doing that will require you to remove the freon, unless you're cool with it leaking out and mutating your firstborn children....

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Awesome!! :)

It all made sense when I found out that Glass grew up in a house underneath a row of power lines...

I incubated my first clutch of BP eggs in a hovabator-type incubator. The temps never fluctuated more than 1 degree, and they did just fine. That being said, a custom incubator with a proportional T-stat and a small fan is going to be MUCH more reliable. I would suggest spending the money (150-200 dollars)on building a reliable one over taking your chances with a hovabator.

-Evan

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

It all made sense when I found out that Glass grew up in a house underneath a row of power lines...

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I did..I also munched paint chips by the pound!

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Originally Posted by djslurp1200

that glass front incubator (mini fridge) is actually kinda hot.

I think I'm gonna go ahead and try to get one of those...I like the thought of being able to view the eggs without having to open the door. Now after getting one is it an absolute must to take out the freon in the back? (saw it on one of the links) Just wondering...

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use a lineman's pliers or bolt cutters and cut the lines!

warning get away quick, very quickly!!

just make a small slit or cut and let it leak out slowly, do this in a well ventilated place or outdoors. and don't breathe the vapors!!!

do this at your own risk and if you are not confident, don't do it.


vaughn

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Originally Posted by kavmon

use a lineman's pliers or bolt cutters and cut the lines!

warning get away quick, very quickly!!

just make a small slit or cut and let it leak out slowly, do this in a well ventilated place or outdoors. and don't breathe the vapors!!!

do this at your own risk and if you are not confident, don't do it.


vaughn

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Straight from the mouth of Mr. Heat/Cool! :rolleye2: