Chic Chick 'Bator *UPDATED*

[vicki2x2]

Quote:
Are you talking about me???

I turn 40 this year, married, have kids ranging from 19-4 and definitely never have enough time or hands to get all the jobs done and done well!!

I knew I fit in well here, just as crazy as the next person!!

 

[MissPrissy]

Quote:
Oh Vicki, we are in the same boat.

I was talking about gopherboy wanting to be like me LOL

 

[seismic wonder2]

I've been thinking about the auto egg turner thing.
I was thinking of using a rotisserie from my BBQ grill.
BUT
I've never seen an auto turner in action...
Do they go all the way round? 360deg circle?
or do they just go like 45deg or something like that?

Would it be better to have one of those lizzard hot rocks or lizzard heat coil things for heat?
Does the light bother the new chicks when they hatch?

I'm still a little iffy about hatching chicks because what would I do with any roos?
I AM thinking about doing quail though.
Think my two silkies would adopt baby quail?

 

[Wolf-Kim]

What type of thermostat did you use that cost $8? How accurate is your thermostat(how much fluctuation once you find the right temp).

Thanks
-Kim

 

[equus2]

I'm NO expert, but I'm playing with an idea for a turner. We're calling it dial-a-chick.

I found a set of round grates that fit perfectly in the bator. I have NO idea what they are, and they look alot like a turner grid in a TX.

One will be stationary in the floor of the bator. The other is soldered onto the end of an all-thread. I dremiled a hole through the plexi-window for the all-thread. A washer and wing nut keep it in place (to keep you from lifting it out of place, and to limit the air exchange through the hole.) A cork serves as the knob on the all thread, and you simply turn it 180-degrees three times a day.

Can't wait to share pics!!!!

 

[seismic wonder2]

OK, I got mine built but one question. The temp swinge between 105 and 90 (approx) is that too much for quail?


OH and I DID find the right thremostat at home depot for around 8 bucks. Cince I found that I ran around and got everything else!

I'll load the pics later when I get the temp stable.

Then I'll order some quail eggs!! wahoo!

 

[MissPrissy]

It needs to run a couple days and see if the temps level out. The fan blowing over the water keeps the temps stable. You also may need some jars of hot water for a heat sink. Your temp swing is way too big right now.

 

[turtle1173]

This is really a great thread. Very enjoyable, even though extrememly long

I'm still a ways off from doing any incubating BUT I like to plan ahead, LOL.

My question is concerning using a thermostat/ Bulb combo Vs. using a bulb with a dimmer switch.

Now this is just my own reasoning but in my thinking it seems like a bulb dimmed to a certain level that stays on all the time would produce a more constant temperature than a thermostat.

Like I say, I have no experience with this so I'm just wondering out loud as I plan for the future. Anyone have any comparitive experience with this?

You all keep up the great work!!

Shane

 

[MissPrissy]

There are people who have made it using a dimmer switch. You have to find the combo that works for you and your environment.

 

[Davaroo]

Prissy is right. So are you.

It used to be done as you suggest with the old lamp bators, back before electricity was commonplace. These units used an oil-fired wick flame, much like the familiar kerosene lantern we know. This provided a heated air draft which was ducted into the egg chamber and regulated with a both wick control and proper venting.
Another way to "skin the cat," so to speak.

With a constant source of heat as you suggest, the way to control heat is by increasing/decreasing the heat source and using normal convection loss - heat escaping through the vents.
'Trouble is, this can be quite random without some careful calculation aforehand. It will take much experimentation and constant attention on your part to get he dimmer and vent losses working together. Thank goodness you dont have to also trim lamp wicks three time a day!

Most bators use a thermosat as a concession to convenience-thru-technology. An air mass, once stable and buffered in an insulated chamber, is near self regulating. Using low wattage heaters, forced air fans and thermostatic control of electrical current, we finally got what we needed for incubators - useful control with near adjust-and-forget convenience. We were "set," so to speak.

You can do it the way you suggest and for a low budget alternative it will work. I'd suggest, though, that you do your darndest to incorporate a thermo and fan. Good results will be more easily achieved.