building incubator temp.flux. Miss Prissy plans.

[bumblebeehillschickenfarm]

i built a new incubator today went by MISS PRISSY plans.i had a styrofoam fish container it is kinda big but free. it is 24LX20WX18H the foam is 2 1/2 in. thick. My problem i cannot get temps right. I bought the same thermostat and have a acurite thermometer with the cord inside the bator.My temps. range from 91 degrees to 103.5 i could not find a water wiggler. My question is, is this a good range for hatching eggs does your incubator work this way I had to go to a 75w bulb also thanks for help. GREAT PLANS TO WORK WITH THANKS MISS PRISSY.

 

[AK-Bird-brain]

I cant tell you anything new about the "allowable" range for hatching, I let my lovely wife do all of the constant worrying about temp changes. I will however recommend some thermal mass in your incubator (if you havent done it already). Try adding some old floor tiles, rocks or jars of warm water (with lids) or anything else that will absorb heat and hold it longer. This will help take out some of the temperature swing.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Did you have a 40 watt bulb in there before? The temperature swings a lot more when the 'bator is empty, so if you're testing it, put some jars of warm water in there, add the water for humidity, get it as close to actual incubating that you can. The first time I did it, I got it stabilized (i.e. 97-102°F swings) and thought "woo hoo! I'm there!"... then I filled it with eggs, and it was totally different. Get it close before you add eggs, then adjust after the first 24 hours. Start low and add heat... better than starting too high and cooking the eggs. I think a 75w bulb may be too hot, but I'm not sure. I started with a 25w but had to bump it to the 40w to get it right.

As for a water wiggler, I used ziplock baggies in a yogurt container. Half-fill one baggie with warm water, then seal it in another baggie. Fold it in half and tape it that way. Slide it into a small yogurt container, stick the probe in the fold in the baggie, and let it stabilize. I have one going right now where the air temps range between 98 and 102, but the "wiggler" temp never leaves 99°F. It works really well.

Don't be afraid to let it sit and stabilize for several hours... it takes time to get it in range. But then you're home free.

Good luck!!!