Incubator woes

[NWReptiles]

The most recent 3 of my 23 clutches so far this year, have had one or more hatchlings
with dorsal kinking.

I've heard people say this is genetic, but that would not explain why three clutches in
a row, all sired by different males, are affected.

There must have been an unexplained (and missed) spike or drop in temps. Maybe a
hot spot in the incubator.

I only have two clutches left this year, but as soon as both are out, the incubator will
be getting an overhaul. First and foremost, a low voltage fan or two for air circulation.

I'd like to hear ideas other have for keeping their incubators stable.

[snakesRkewl]

Fans, you said it, air flow helps keep the temps stable.
You should have Jason show you our big inc and how he set it up

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

I just got my incubator together last week. I used a wine cooler with a glass door.

I only plan on 3-4 clutches this year, so it should do me well for now. Mine had a light inside, so it already had 120v and I just left the light installed. I put a small power strip mounted to the bottom where the compressor was removed. I got myself a small 120v AC to 12v DC wall inverter. They are like $20 and will handle a few 120mm DC fans easily.... like this:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXL353&P=7

I cut the alligator clips off and wired the striped wire (+) to a rheostat. Just wire the (-) wire to the (-) on your 12v DC fan(s), and the (+) wire from your fan(s) to the output of the rheostat. I only needed one 120mm fan, but if you have a large incubator two may be nice. Get some nice liquid ball bearing fans like these.... they are very quiet and reliable. I have had 4 of them running on a rheostat in my computer for over 5 years 24/7/365. Scythe is one of the best names in cooling fans. Get fans rated for more than you think you will need. That way you can slow them down with the rheostat if you determine you have too much airflow.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185150

Now.... I have a Herpstat 1 with a cheap Zilla as a failsafe. I also have a remote thermometer/hygrometer sensor inside. The sensor is one shelf lower than the Herpstat sensor and is within ~1F, so I consider that pretty good. Herpstat 88.5F, remote sensor 87.4F/73% RH. Tubs have condensation inside so I'm sure they are good. I used a mix of equal parts of Perlite, fine Vermiculite and coarse Vermiculite with a light diffuser supported by 1/2" PVC couplers.

All AC components are plugged into the powerstrip, which is then plugged into a battery backup power supply in the event of a power failure. The battery backup should run the incubator for several hours in the event of a power outage. My Flexwatt is only about 60w and the fan is ~3w where I have it set with the rheostat. I know I have a battery backup for my computer which draws ~400w and it will run that for about 2 hours of internet surfing.... no games or heavy graphics.

There you have it!!

The rheostat is mounted on the far bottom left in the first photo. You can see the power strip with all AC components and the adapter linked above plugged in to power the DC fan.



Fan mounted inside- running at about 1/2 speed for me.

[rubenjames]

What's a dorsel kink?

[Anna.Sitarski]

hey Corey what type of battery back up did you use? I love the idea... winter here is not kind on the power.

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

hey Corey what type of battery back up did you use? I love the idea... winter here is not kind on the power.

CyberPower is the best I've have found. If it's stable enough for a computer, it's good enough for an incubator. Shop around- you can find refurbs that just had the battery replaced. Mine was $149 new at Office Depot. Mine is a CyberPower 1285AVR. The higher the VA rating the better, but you don't need much for an incubator.

One refurb on Amazon for $99

http://www.amazon.com/Cyberpower-CP1.../dp/B000FBNWM2

[satomi325]

What's a dorsel kink?

A kinked or deformed spine.

[rubenjames]

I know it's a deformity but what do they look like are they easy to spot?

[BWyant]

I know it's a deformity but what do they look like are they easy to spot?

If it happens, you'll know it happened.

Just google "BP dorsal kink" and you should find some pictures.

[NWReptiles]

Fans, you said it, air flow helps keep the temps stable.
You should have Jason show you our big inc and how he set it up

Hey there Jerry!

I may have to. I've been to your place but only before you moved. I've never been to Jason's, nor have you ever made it over here.

I just added a 6" 12V computer fan. I assume that should not give off too much heat. While I was in there I pulled out a hatchling with the worst kinking so far. A woma... (female I think, but hard to tell with that much kinking, not that it matters, he/she should never be bred) This one may not survive it's first BM, the body is still fused together just before the vent too.

8 hatchlings, in 3 clutches! This is killing me!

At least the queen bee wasn't affected, nor was it's sibling bumble bee. (A smoking hot bumble bee with blushing that I've never seen before) yet 3 of their clutchmates were affected.