How to make an inCUEbator

[cueball]

Some people have asked me about the cost of putting together this type of incubator. These are some pretty rough numbers but should be close

Mini fridge $0-$150 depending on used or new

Heat tape with cord and connectors $10
Flourescent light with inline switch $10
Aluminum tape $5
Cleaner $2
Plexiglass $5 each
Egg box $5 each
Lid $5 each
Perlite $8
Egg grate $10

Thermostat $60-$140 depending on the brand

So for as little as $135 you can have an incubator that works great!

The end result is priceless

[Subzero]

No fan? I have the same setup, except im using a wine cooler, I was told I need to wire in a fan.

[cueball]

No fan? I have the same setup, except im using a wine cooler, I was told I need to wire in a fan.

I did add a mini computer fan in the trial stages. This incubator was too small and the circulation of air(even on a dimmer) was causing the egg boxes to dry faster than I would like. Also it forced all the hot air out of the incubator every time I opened the door. I think if you had a taller incubator with lots of egg boxes a fan would be key. However with a short incubator and only one or two boxes the tempurature gradient is not much. With the fan it kept an even temp at the lower and upper shelf. Without the fan the temp difference was less than .50 of a degree as measured with a temp gun.

[cueball]

You forgot the pix of you wearing the safety goggles!

Boooooya!!! ColdCaseStyle

[Subzero]

I did add a mini computer fan in the trial stages. This incubator was too small and the circulation of air(even on a dimmer) was causing the egg boxes to dry faster than I would like. Also it forced all the hot air out of the incubator every time I opened the door. I think if you had a taller incubator with lots of egg boxes a fan would be key. However with a short incubator and only one or two boxes the tempurature gradient is not much. With the fan it kept an even temp at the lower and upper shelf. Without the fan the temp difference was less than .50 of a degree as measured with a temp gun.

Cool, man thanks. That was worrying me, only one egg box atm so with the probe in the egg box I should not have any issues.

[MeMe]

Boooooya!!! ColdCaseStyle

errrr...uhmm...LOGS.

[cueball]

Cool, man thanks. That was worrying me, only one egg box atm so with the probe in the egg box I should not have any issues.

With one egg box you should be fine. However, it's a bad idea to put the probe inside the egg box. The inside of the incubator will overcompensate with heat till the egg box is up to temp causing the egg box too eventually get too hot. Also at the end of the incubation process the eggs will generate their own extra heat and the incubator will stay too cool.

[Laooda]

Boooooya!!! ColdCaseStyle

You are completely my hero...

[muddoc]

Excellent work as always. What about if I need to incubate 40 clutches of eggs? How many fridges will it take? When are you going to do the "monsterbator" tutorial?

[cassandra]

I likey the inCUEbator! Just need the sequel, inCUEbator with weggcam!