Alternative to buying expensive incubator?

[FaerieChicken]

I would like to try hatching a couple of suspected fertile eggs. I do not have a broody girl yet and really can't afford to purchase an incubator. Also I am not planning on hatching more than maybe 6 eggs!
Any ideas?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

My Little Giant was cheap and it gets the job done. The last time I was in TSC, they were running a sale on the incubators and automatic turners since they're in the midst of chick days

 

[FaerieChicken]

Trying to avoid spending any money if at all possible! I have heat lamps and a styrofoam ice chest! Maybe a cooling rack or something to keep the eggs in place!
When a hen broods the eggs, doesn't she turn them more often than 6 days?

 

[nate1the1great1]

U could take styrofoam and put a heat lamp in it and if it is to hot move it up and if its cold move it down

 

[lazy gardener]

You might have success if you had a dimmer switch to attach to your light... but ONLY if your household temperature NEVER varies by more than 2 degrees. Otherwise, your best bet is to spend the $17 to buy a bimetal thermostat. Or you can do it cheaper with a modified water heater thermostat, but you won't have the same amount of control. If you spend the money up front now for the thermostat, you'll have a serviceable incubator that you can use every year. The broody hen turns her eggs many times every day while she is incubating.

 

[FaerieChicken]

Sounds like it will be a lot of work to build one. Maybe I can find a used small incubator for like 6-10 eggs. It is just going to be a nice little experiment and educational fun time for the girls! I am not in the market for chicks, lol. I might try to get them into 4H but that is a ways away yet with a 6 year old and a 2 year old. It would be nice having more space as well.

I was really hoping to hatch some cute spring chicks, and with our funny mix of a flock, it could be interesting to see what a Bantam Naked Neck Barred Rock hen with a White Silkie rooster!

 

[FaerieChicken]

Oh and also, we have a Frizzled Sizzle, I think he is called a Blue, he has dark gray feathers. He has been caught mating with our White Americana and our Bantam Naked Neck Buff girl.