Chic Chick 'Bator *UPDATED*

[Guitartists]

The thermometer I got for the incubator has a hydrometer built into it and I have one for reptiles also.

 

[friedchicken]

Hi all;

Please excuse the name .... that could have come from an unsuccessful attempt to hatch eggs . I have been monitoring this thread and have built an incubator and possibly solved the turning challange. I also incorporated a water tube and pan so that once the eggs are in, you won't have to open the lid except to candle the babies.

I used some welding rods and waterproof electrical tape to make the cranks and let the eggs ride against slick rods so they will turn. I haven't used the system yet because I have been working out the humidity. As of right now, I think I am ready for another try at hatching eggs. I hope this helps.

 

[MrsCountryChick]

Quote:
Sorry but I don't understand the concept. Do you turn the metal welding rods -outside- the box & the eggs turn -inside- then without opening the bator? Curious how this will work out, please post on how well this works whenever you try it, Very interrested

 

[friedchicken]

Hey there Country Chick!

I have treid out the little cranks. It takes about 10 turns to completely roll the egg one revolution, 5 turns to go a half. This incubator will hatch 22 eggs at a time. You just lay the eggs on the rods four in a line. The last row will only hold 2 because of the fan. I will be getting 12 Dominekors, 6 Black Sex-Links and ^ Buff oringtons in the next couple of days. I will start Incubating as soon as I get them. Ya'll can grade my spelling if you like .. I can take it! I will keep up this post untill they hatch... this will be fun.

 

[peruvian_princess]

Oh i see! Good luck with that let us know how it goes for you!

 

[MissPrissy]

What are your plans for hatching? The chicks will need a more solid and stable bottom to stand on and will fall through your turning rods.

 

[friedchicken]

Hi MissPrissy;

Can't they just roost on the rods?

.... hey, wait a minute, they're just babies . If you look close at the pictures you will notice 2 rods running the opposite direction of the cranks. These rods support a piece of hardware cloth suspended about 1/4" inch below the turning rods. I am supposed to get my egglings in the next day or so. I do value your suggestions and help MissPrissy. Please stay with me through this hatch!

 

[MissPrissy]

On day 18 when you stop turning put the hardware cloth covered with a piece of non-slip shelf liner over those bars or you will have chicks with leg problems. 1/4 inch is alot for a new hatchling.

 

[NoSpringChick]

Oh my....I can't believe I made my own incubator (Just like Miss Prissy's) except I didn't have a single pole water heater themometer.........

So I tested it out without the above and the temperature got up to 113 degrees F....yikes....now I know I need one.

I hope I can regulate the temperature and humidity once I purchase one.....my first eggs are on the way and I've got to get this right.

Also, not knowing what a water wiggler was, I liked the idea someone gave about the ziplock baggies filled with warm water in yogurt cups....to mimmick the inside temperature of an egg.....now it's making sense.

I've read pages 1, 4 & 5....but does anyone have any pictures of chicks that hatched using this type of homemade incubator? I need some hope that this will work out!

Terri

 

[equus2]

QUESTION -

I just HAVE to try this and just happen to have tomorrow off, with nothing to do but house and yard work! So, in lieu of such tedium......I'm gonna build the Miss-Prissa-bator. Thanks Miss Prissy!

As for the turner idea (egg carton base on a screened frame, attached to a length of pvc):

1) Is there a collar or some such thing that "seals" the holes in the bator walls (that the PVC runs through)?

2) Does the styro break down.....or do you somehow reinforce the styro (where you drilled out the holes for the pvc pipe?)

Wiring is my nemesis......but my hubby is looking over my shoulder, shaking his head.....knows whats coming!!!

Dang, how I wish we'd saved the Omaha steaks containers!