Concerns about incubator - What should I do?

[Chkadii]

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.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

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.

Well how about this as an option, build your own that will be as good as a commercial incubator.

All the electrical component can be purchased from professional which means it i will be as safe as any commercial incubator you will find on the market.

You can get the heat tape wired to your spec at reptile basics and you can get an AC computer fan like so you do not have to wire it yourself http://www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-LS...c+computer+fan

This is what I did since I am not electrically inclined either.

All you have to have in addition to this is a large cooler or fridge or anything that is well insulated, a reliable thermostat and a dimmer switch for the fan http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-TT-300N...immer+switches

[Tcarver]

I am in the process of building an incubator now and purchased four fans that already had the speed control wired in. Just plug into a 110 outlet and adjust. The only reason I purchased four instead of two is for redundancy. I purchased a herpstat controller and some heat tape. Hope to complete it in the next couple of weeks. I fissure I can build a nice one for about half the price of a new one and customize to my needs.

[TheSnakeEye]

Or you can go with Hot Box. They are solid incubators... If you want to stick with the one you have. I'd definitely hook it up to a better thermostat, this will eliminate the temp fluctuations. Other than that, the only thing I'd be concerned about is the heating element failing.

[Albert Clark]

I saw that Reptipro 6000 also and was considering it until i read the bad reviews. It looked solid and professional and the makers touted it as a " set it and forget it" type of product. With the squared off mini fridge plus a window look almost got me! I decided to grab a zoo med reptibator which is relatively inexpensive but widely used in zoos and some veterinary institutions. Along with the " hovabator" which also has some good reviews and several different models attractive to the small time and closet breeders. I am with you guys and just don't have the incentive right now to build my own. Stay in peace and not pieces.

[DennisM]

I had the repti pro; disaster! Temp fluctuations of 5-6 degrees in either direction in short periods of time to boot. Useless.

[OhhWatALoser]

electrical components can all come plug and play, there no reason to worry about burning down your place. I never really gave a thought toward the pre-made incubators, but now that i am reading reviews about some of them and the forum posts above, I can't believe the common ones are made that terribly. My home made one doesn't even vary half a degree, how do you screw up heating a sealed box and throwing some air around?

[Chkadii]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I knew you wouldn't let me down! Having the electrical components pre-built never occurred to me.

electrical components can all come plug and play, there no reason to worry about burning down your place. I never really gave a thought toward the pre-made incubators, but now that i am reading reviews about some of them and the forum posts above, I can't believe the common ones are made that terribly. My home made one doesn't even vary half a degree, how do you screw up heating a sealed box and throwing some air around?

It almost makes things worse for pleading my case about building one - if the "pros" can't do it correctly, what chance would I have? Electricity runs somewhere between magnets and voodoo on my "chalk it up to dark magic" scale of ignorance.

I'll look into plug and play components, that sounds so much better than what I was originally planning.

[grcforce327]

Concerns about incubator - What should I do?

Address your issues using "common sense",then move on.

[OhhWatALoser]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I knew you wouldn't let me down! Having the electrical components pre-built never occurred to me.

It almost makes things worse for pleading my case about building one - if the "pros" can't do it correctly, what chance would I have? Electricity runs somewhere between magnets and voodoo on my "chalk it up to dark magic" scale of ignorance.

I'll look into plug and play components, that sounds so much better than what I was originally planning.

If this idiot can make it work, I'm sure you can also. I don't know what the "pros" problem is, perhaps it's the crazy idea of building one with a quality thermostat.