Hova-bator... yes or no?

[Lolo76]

Pretty simple... yes or no on the hova-bator? I've read numerous threads about this incubator, with a variety of opinions, so thought it would be helpful to do a poll. I've been looking into other options, including making my own and buying something fancy - but I'm broke and not very handy, so the hova-bator seems like my best option ($55 on eBay right now). Everyone keeps saying to make my own, but knowing me I'd make one stupid mistake, and kill off my first clutches ever.

P.S. I still need a thermostat with the hova-bator, right? Would the repti-temp be sufficient? TIA!

[Jerhart]

Depending on the amount of clutches you will be incubating...the hovabator is a bit small.

But

I made my own incubator using the heating element from the hovabator plus a cooler. It worked out real well for me. Pretty simple to build...

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=81731

[LadyOhh]

I would say no if you have never incubated before. They are notoriously finiky, and will fluxuate a lot if you don't know what you are doing.

Here's the thing with a hovobator...

You buy it for $55, but you need a $100 thermostat to make sure it works...

[kjay]

no go to costco buy a 165 qt marine cooler 74 bucks a god aquarium heat 30 buck much better , also thermotat and your set for many clutches

[musicalKeyes]

I've used a hova-bator for a long time, but for chicks. You change the temperature by using a lever-type thing on top, and monitor with a thermometer inside. I suppose a thermostat would be really helpful, though. I've had my current one for about 5 years, and it works great for chicks, but I probably wouldn't use it for BP eggs. It does spike occasionally and does change with the temperature by a few degrees if it's close to a window, but it works well for chicks. If you do decide to use it, set it up at least a week beforehand to get the temps and humidity as correct as possible, and try to get the model with the fan, otherwise the heat sits at the top and the eggs stay a few degrees to cool.

[Lolo76]

Thanks for the replies! As of now, it looks like homemade is still the top recommendation... I'll go check out that link now.

[Lolo76]

Oh, and I'll only be incubating 2 BP clutches - maybe 3 at the most. Also planning to breed two of my female corns, but they'll most likely be on a later schedule.

[musicalKeyes]

Here's another good do-it-yourself:
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/incubator.shtml

[Lolo76]

Sooooo, I'm looking at the do-it-yourself with a mini fridge, which seems to be the chosen method. Already you're losing me with the drilling of holes, and having to remove freon etc. - especially where it says "you may want to get a certified professional," which around here means I'll be spending some dough. Might as well buy something fancy & pre-made, if I have to pay a pro to help me! And seeing as I live in California, I guarantee it's illegal to remove toxins yourself. Those are great how-to links, so no offense intended... it just reinforces my original thought that making one myself isn't realistic.

How about some info on making them with styrofoam coolers? Is that an easier and less (potentially) expensive method?

[bman123]

check out this site for incubators

http://www.jwexotics.com/home.html

Cheap priced but good quality. I will buy my incubator from here when I need it