Last year my boyfriend bought me a Reptipro 6000 since I was getting into the idea of breeding. At the time, I had done some research and it was looking like the best incubator on the market that fit my size and budget needs. Now that my one female has visible follicles (I don't think she's ovulated and she hasn't shed), I have been double checking information to have a well developed incubation/hatchling plan. During this research, I saw all the negative comments about Reptipro and my heart just sank.

I have the following questions and thoughts that I'd like your advice on:

First, I know you ball python hipsters (and I mean this affectionately) will suggest building one. My boyfriend is super uncomfortable with the idea because he doesn't trust the final product to be electrically sound. He would rather buy one any day of the week. We have other animals, and he's worried about it starting a fire in the apartment.

So. My options boil down to: use the incubator with as many fail-safes as I can tack on, buy a new one (which frankly, isn't my favorite option), or give maternal incubation a shot.

Using the incubator - the problems listed were that the incubator sometimes randomly dies altogether, overheats, and/or has a wider temp fluctuation than advertised. I was always planning to use it with a thermostat (to clarify - in addition to the one built-in). Would that compensate for the temp fluctuations and overheating? As far as it dying on me, I'll have water bottles in the bottom to give me a bit of wiggle room, but I'd still be s...traight out of luck. At that point, it'd have to be maternal incubation - is that even possible, to go back?

Buying another incubator - The obvious downside is the unexpected and not-insignificant cost. Again, I appreciate the DIY options, but my boyfriend is kind enough to tolerate my hobby, and I don't want to make him uncomfortable. Going with store-bought, it looks like hot box incubators are the closest option for me in price and size (I'm currently in an apartment). Any other suggestions?

Maternal incubation - This is my first breeding season, and I'm fretting. I'm nervous about being able to provide consistent adequate humidity while she's on her eggs, and I'm not crazy about her potentially being off feed for another two months. That said, recent maternal incubation write ups have been promising, and she's a reptile - I'm sure she'll know better than me how to take care of her eggs.

I do have a second female that has been locking, but I can't tell how big her follicles are or if they're even still developing. I'd use the same method for both clutches - not sure if this might change any advice you have.

Thanks! I really appreciate the expert advice on this forum.