Would like some advice in making an incubator

[Shelby]

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:

[Stings]

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.

[jglass38]

April,

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

Feel free to ask questions...

[cassandra]

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?

[jglass38]

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.

[jknudson]

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!

[adizziedoll]

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

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

[jglass38]

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!

[jglass38]

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!

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

[Shelby]

Thanks Jamie that helped a lot.