Converting a mini fridge into an incubator, need some advice!

[happyhens]

Hello all, I recently got a mini fridge through Craigslist that doesn't work. I am starting the process of turning it into an incubator, but I'm not really sure how to configure it. I'm using an STC-1000 thermostat and a light fixture that holds 2 light bulbs to heat it. I also have a double computer fan. I have looked at many different homemade incubators on here, but I can't find one that shows the best way to configure it. Seems like they are all different! So maybe its not as important as I think haha. Anyway, would it be best to put the light bulbs at the top, bottom, or somewhere in the middle, and which way should the fan blow to best circulate the heat? Here's a picture to show the size of the fridge and the lights. And would it be better to leave it upright or take the racks out and put the fridge on its back? Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[Bailey1204]

I've had that idea myself, it sounds like an awesome idea. I'd say put the fan on a short end and then have hole right next to it, also a hole on opposite end, so that you get circular air flow. As for the lamp it doesn't really matter as long as it isn't over or under heating the eggs.

 

[lazy gardener]

I also have a mini-fridge sitting in the garage, waiting for the "time" to tackle the project. I'll be using the same thermostat. Rush Lane Poultry has some excellent tutorials. I believe that WalnutHill has a bator of similar size that she's using successfully. She's posted her design. I'm thinking about putting a bulb in both the top and bottom, with a fan drawing in from both top and bottom. Or, I could put both bulbs in the top, with fans angling to blow air diagonally to right and left, with an other small fan at bottom center to return air back up through the center. I think that I'll get the box prepared, get the window installed, and then play around with light and fan positions before I commit to mounting them. I'm also planning to make semi automatic egg turners. They will either tip up and down from a central pivot point, or they will be racks that set on top of a stationary platform and pull to the right and the left to roll the eggs 1/2 revolution at a time.