One of my incubators

Here is what I have used for the past 4 years. I dont know why everyone gets worked up over incubation so much? Its simple really..

Old freezer. with window cut in door..$ = 0 (trash picked it!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...5HYPOS0065.jpg

Heating . little space heater w/built in thermostat.. $ = $14.00
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...5HYPOS0066.jpg

in each bin I stick a little thermometer with a probe in and go from there.

Works for me lol! Outside of the box again ?

Since I like people who think outside the box what temps do YOU incubate at?

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Since I like people who think outside the box what temps do YOU incubate at?

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85-92

Me LIKIE! :gj:

Love the little space heater..Super cool!

Thank you for sharing.

That's a very practical set up. I like it.

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Originally Posted by dsirkle

That's a very practical set up. I like it.

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cheap too! LOL..

Are you not worried about a fire hazard with the heater confined like that?

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Originally Posted by blueapplepaste

Are you not worried about a fire hazard with the heater confined like that?

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confined? like what?

Interesting incubator you have there Jas. How long have you been using that "design?"

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Originally Posted by Rapture

Interesting incubator you have there Jas. How long have you been using that "design?"

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Here is what I have used for the past 4 years. I dont know why everyone gets worked up over incubation so much? Its simple really..

Thanks Rap..

I like it! Now tell us what you use for incubation substrate?

Oh - and the reason we get worked up about it? Because for me at least, it's my first year, and I have to have SOMETHING to obsess and wring my hands over! LOL

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Originally Posted by rabernet

I like it! Now tell us what you use for incubation substrate?

Oh - and the reason we get worked up about it? Because for me at least, it's my first year, and I have to have SOMETHING to obsess and wring my hands over! LOL

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cool, sweaty palms? LOL! I use a vermic/perilite mixture.

I'm going to use Hatchrite this year - I know Kara and Kevin use it exclusively now - and it seems pretty "idiot-proof" - perfect for me! :D

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Originally Posted by rabernet

I'm going to use Hatchrite this year - I know Kara and Kevin use it exclusively now - and it seems pretty "idiot-proof" - perfect for me! :D

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I wouldnt use that if it was given to me free!

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

I wouldnt use that if it was given to me free!

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Ah well! I'll let you know how it works out! ;)

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Ah well! I'll let you know how it works out! ;)

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OK~ I warned you though...:rolleyes:

Nice machine JAS, seems like it works for you.... with all them thar wicka wockas you hatch out! :)

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

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Here is what I have used for the past 4 years. I dont know why everyone gets worked up over incubation so much? Its simple really..

Thanks Rap..

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Great info, thanks! Is the thermostat on that space heater pretty accurate? What kind of temperature fluctuations do you notice? How's the heat distribution inside the incubator? I am wondering if it is the same, better, or worse than using heat tape with additional fans. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. :bow:

COOL INCUBATOR!!! NO MORE WIRING A HEAT TAPE OR DRILLING HOLES! ITS LITERALLY JUST A FRIDGE AND A HEATER! LOL. very nice jas!:gj::salute::banana::bow::D

Thats a brilliant idea thanks for shareing it.

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Originally Posted by Rapture

Great info, thanks! Is the thermostat on that space heater pretty accurate? What kind of temperature fluctuations do you notice? How's the heat distribution inside the incubator? I am wondering if it is the same, better, or worse than using heat tape with additional fans. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. :bow:

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Yeah, great idea...and something I've been looking for, since I have an old fridge, but dont have the skill or tools to drain, drill, wire it. :blahblah: :blahblah: :blahblah:

I HAVE one of those heaters. Is its fan enough to keep the heat circulating and even in the incubator, so the top isnt too cool (being farther from the heat..even tho heat rises), and all that?

Nice, Jas-ster! I use flexwatt and a helix.. but that heating setup is cool as well. It's getting the job done awesomely.. I would not change a thing.
I am using a, old fridge too (wine cooler.) Paid a little for it because it actually works and has a clear door and I wanted some aesthetics (I know.. I know..) I like simplicity..

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

I wouldnt use that if it was given to me free!

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He's right. It's garbage!

Hey John~
I need to pay attention to watts and amps and stuff since we're off the grid at the ranch. If I used your method, how much electricity does that draw for 24 hours a day and all those long incubating days?
Thanks so much!!

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Originally Posted by starmom

Hey John~
I need to pay attention to watts and amps and stuff since we're off the grid at the ranch. If I used your method, how much electricity does that draw for 24 hours a day and all those long incubating days?
Thanks so much!!

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Not sure exactly But its way less then flex watt. The thing may kick on 3-4 times a day. Helix run none stop!

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

Not sure exactly But its way less then flex watt. The thing may kick on 3-4 times a day. Helix run none stop!

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Thanks John. :)

Well we use a similar heater to ehat our room in wintertime. It provides a pretty nice heat.. and has a feature that, should it tip over, it shuts off. I believe that it will also shut off if it overheats for some reason. I am not sure how it would reset in the event of a power outage; that I would look into. Maybe add a backup t-stat?