Debating...make a hatcher or buy one?

[yellowflower]

I have silkies in my incubator. The first set is due to hatch around the 1st of April. The second set I just set yesterday and today. I think instead of doing a staggered hatch I should either make a hatcher or buy a cheap incubator just for hatching. I've been looking at the Hovabator 1602. And maybe add a fan to it.

But I have a cooler and a lamp kit. But reading how to put it together is giving me a headache! LOL

Do you think the hova 1602 w/fan is good for a hatcher? I have a 1588 and love love love it. But cannot afford to buy one at this time.

Help me decide! Please!

 

[youngbiddy]

Depending on how big of a one you need, it's pretty easy to set up a box with a lightbulb, some wet sponges, and eggs set in the right spot for enough warmth. If you've got an old lamp and a box/cooler you can rig up something that'll work.

Now, if you've got 3 dozen expensive eggs to hatch you'll want to buy an incubator to use as a hatcher unless you're really handy with thingamajigs.

 

[yellowflower]

I have a dozen shipped eggs in there but the ones I put in before them are my own. So that's why I want another inc to hatch those in so I can let the shipped eggs stay in the 1588.

I'm still looking at making one since I have the cooler. Or maybe one of the hens will go broody, I just broke 2 of them but with silkies there's always another right in line LOL.

 

[galanie]

Look at my page for an easy to read wiring chart. Then go to rebelcowboy's site and watch the second video on the page. The links are both below. Then you'll get an understanding of what you're trying to do. At least that is what helped me. I am very handy but the written instructions just had me confused. Once I figured it out I had to hit myself, it was so easy.

 

[yellowflower]

Thanks a bunch! That looks super easy. Good to know about the placement of the t stat.So did you do good with hatching in yours?

I heard that a wafer t stat was better but alot of people seem to do fine with the water heater one. This inc will only be used for hatching though.

 

[galanie]

I did great with mine. They were shipped eggs so the rate was only around 60% but that wasn't the fault of the incubator. People do say a wafer stat is 'better' but seriously, if you get almost no variance with the hot water heater one, what could be 'better?'

 

[kera!]

Look On Ebay And Post On Wanted Craigs List You Would Be Suprised Some Go For Sheap Good Luck!!