DIY Fridge incubator advice

[Aycchicks]

Hi guys first time poster, long time reader.
During lockdown I found an old fridge in my fathers barn and put a space heater in with a thermostat, turning it with a brick underneath each side every day and managed to hatch one chick, however a few eggs were fully formed but did not pip. I only ever managed a max of 35% humidity ( I live in the Uk currently spring time). I’ve put it down to lack of oxygen as only one wire size vent in the fridge (although the door seal only covers 80% so I thought this would be sufficient, probably not large enough)
I have since added three air holes. One at the bottom with an air in fan to circulate fresh air behind the heater and an exhaust fan at the top to remove (not sure if this is needed) and made an egg turner for my egg tray.
My question is, any improvements I can make? Looking to get some quail eggs this time to see if I can get a better hatch rate.
thanks in advance

 

[SamuelMcF]

Good call on the ventilation. Is the space heater connected to a thermostat of some kind or was it just running all the time?

To increase the humidity you will need to increase wet surface area. You can put in some dishes of water or wet sponges and that will do the trick.

I would also put something in front of the racks so that a newly hatched chick cannot walk off the edge. In the picture it looks like that is possible but maybe I didn't see it right.

 

[Aycchicks]

Thanks, yea it’s on a thermostat. I have a separate tray I put in for hatching time. I’m going to get it up and running for a few days and then purchase some eggs.

 

[SamuelMcF]

good luck and happy hatching!!