Homemade Incubator

Just thought I'd share this link I stumbled across today. It's from Damon at Degei. I'm not clear on exactly what size the incubator pictured is so I've emailed Damon to find out if it's a 100 qt or a 120 qt (I'm thinking a 100 myself). Anyways, nice job Damon!

http://www.eyehit.com/degei/supportf.../inc/index.htm

Except for the color it looks like the following cooler to me http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=3512888

Sure goes Deb. Thanks! Nice price too for something that, with some work, can hold 4 clutches. :)

I've bookmarked the link, thank you! Also, for those that don't know - Jamie has a write up on his cooler incubator and how to here:


http://www.glassreptiles.com/articles/incubator.html

Jamie's the homemade incubator King! LOL Which reminds me!

Mr. Glass might you add your directions and pictures of how to build the incubator you did this year out of that white closet thingy (VERY technical term isn't it) to your website along with the cooler incubator. Please, please....:)

The cooler incubator I used a couple years ago is hardly as high tech as what Damon put together! :) However, it gets the job done for 1 or 2 clutches on the cheap (or inexpensive since we hate that c word)

I am working on a new website so that article will definitely go up. I have to get the info together on all the supplies I purchased to make the one I am using this year. All I can say is it has worked perfectly! Next year I will probably have to use a closet as an incubator though...

Oh can't wait to see the new site Jamie and the plans for that new bator you built this year. It sounds great and would fit perfectly in our snake room. How many clutches can it handle tops?

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Oh can't wait to see the new site Jamie and the plans for that new bator you built this year. It sounds great and would fit perfectly in our snake room. How many clutches can it handle tops?

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Thanks! Its being worked on as we speak..

As far as the incubator, it depends on what size tubs you use. I like the 18qt Rubbermaid tubs. With those you can fit 2 per shelf and I got 4 shelves in the unit plus the floor so 10 is the max. If you use a tub with a smaller footprint you could prob fit 15 clutches.

That is a nice one. We built ours a little cheaper by using a styro cooler; but that is an ultra-deluxe incubator for a homebuilt, IMO. Cool!

I have the same thing, except my cooler is white, and i didnt cut holes in it.
I put 50 water bottles in it, and my egg bins never fluctuate.

Damon's going to get back to me on the actual size of that cooler but he did want me to pass along a note that the fan itself generates heat so you need to be mindful of that.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Damon's going to get back to me on the actual size of that cooler but he did want me to pass along a note that the fan itself generates heat so you need to be mindful of that.

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Does the fan constantly run or does it shut off periodically?

Just a thought what about turning the cooler on end so it opens like a fridge. You could then install a small metal racking system to support the egg tubs.


Anyone ever tried this? I have been thinking about it for awhile (since I cannot locate a wine cooler locally (and can't figure out how to get one from Joe in Ohio yet :D )

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

Just a thought what about turning the cooler on end so it opens like a fridge. You could then install a small metal racking system to support the egg tubs.


Anyone ever tried this? I have been thinking about it for awhile (since I cannot locate a wine cooler locally (and can't figure out how to get one from Joe in Ohio yet :D )

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I suppose you could, but you would need to make/find something to affix to the bottom because its not flat and would fall over.

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Originally Posted by jamesw

I suppose you could, but you would need to make/find something to affix to the bottom because its not flat and would fall over.

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Very true...my idea behind it is that when opened you wouldn't lose the heat as fast as when you open it with the top up.

Hello folks. I'm finally back in the USA and have the time to post.

First off, this is what I came home from Bermuda to find in my incubator last night. (day 55) :rockon: They pipped on their own. Yes this clutch ran a bit hot because of weather and my travel on several occaisions. There were many times when it was as high as 92. My preferred temp is 88.8.
But I'm not complaining. I've hatched ball pythons and green tree pythons in this incubator and it works great.

http://www.eyehit.com/images/temp/berthaclutch1.jpg

Normals it seems, was trying a strange male with white spots on his sides. Anyways...
About the fan, it came from Radio shack and it does run all the time. When the room is hot (78 or above) i will unplug it.
The fan is not necessary, but I do believe that it's circulation does heat the incubator more evenly.
If i'm not mistaken, the cooler is the same size as the white one from walmart that was posted. There is a bigger size than the one I used and honestly, when I make another, I will get the bigger one. There are no markings on mine, but the exterior dimensions are roughly 36x18x18 (inches).
The cost of the setup is half in supplies and half in the thermostat. (herpstat 1) Total was about ~ $225 if I had to guess. If you don't want the windows, that cuts the price a bit because the 1/4 inch plexi is not too cheap.
Any other questions, just let me know.
-damon