Hova-bator or homemade?

[Lolo76]

Now that Toby & Mona seem to be getting busy, I need to think about incubation for the eggs (I have at least a few months, though - right?). Since I'm only breeding one pair this year, and my funds are somewhat limited, I will probably go with a hova-bator or something homemade. Which option would you suggest? And is there another cheap (under $100) incubator besides the hova-bator?

In case it matters, I live in a very cool and temperate climate... we get more fog than rain here, but it can be cold & moist ALL year long. TIA for any advice!

[Hulihzack]

Homemade. I've heard that hovabators work.. but usually after suffering losses trying to get it dialed in. If you are only getting one shot, I'd say it's not worth the risk.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Homemade. Price, quality, customization. Hands down.

-JonV

[nevohraalnavnoj]

And is there another cheap (under $100) incubator besides the hova-bator?

In case it matters, I live in a very cool and temperate climate...

A good proportional thermostat will run you almost $100 or more. That, a cooler, some egg boxes and substrate for the eggs...and you are looking at over $100. More if you want a backup thermostat (recommended). If you want your eggs to hatch it's worth it.

JonV

[Lolo76]

A good proportional thermostat will run you almost $100 or more. That, a cooler, some egg boxes and substrate for the eggs...and you are looking at over $100. More if you want a backup thermostat (recommended). If you want your eggs to hatch it's worth it.

JonV

Oh, for sure. I was just talking about the unit itself, as far as being under $100. But, can't I connect the incubator to my rack's thermostat? I have a herpstat with only 4 heat strips plugged into it now, so there should be room for another... or would that not maintain the right temps?

[snakesRkewl]

But, can't I connect the incubator to my rack's thermostat? I have a herpstat with only 4 heat strips plugged into it now, so there should be room for another... or would that not maintain the right temps?

You need a separate t-stat.
Mini fridges work great and will hold 2 6qt sterilites easily.
I used one this year and had perfect eggs and babies.
Held perfect 90 degrees once I stuck it in a closet.
Temps will go up and down without a proportional, which is why the closet worked great, much more stable.
This is pre-usage...

[ReptileGirlsofCanada]

Is there any good tutorials that show how to make one like this?

I have been just using a hovebator and doing doing breeding projects with a close friend... but eventually I would like to use the old bar fridge technique...

[FIEND_FO_LYFE]

homemade.
seriously id trust a hova... about as much as id trust a lawyer. rofl

[Wh00h0069]

Is there any good tutorials that show how to make one like this?

I have been just using a hovebator and doing doing breeding projects with a close friend... but eventually I would like to use the old bar fridge technique...

Yes: http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/incubator.shtml

[MAballs]

I was able to hatch 8 perfect eggs last season with a hovabator but i had it connected to it's own Helix. Do not.... I repeat DO NOT try to incubate your BP eggs in a Hovabator using the built in thermostat.
Maybe you can find a used ranco somewhere on the cheap and use that on your rack while you connect the Hovabator to your Helix.