DIY incubator Help

[JMoriarty111012]

So, we built an incubator last night. I'm have problems with huge temperature fluctuations though. It's going up to 113° before the bulb shuts off and dropping to 83.7° before it turns on. The hot water thermostat I bought is a low end one with what's supposed to be a low of 90°. I've built one before but it's been almost 10 years. I'm not sure what's wrong with it.

There is a screen that'll go over everything, but it's a pain to remove and replace until I get it regulated.

 

[cavemanrich]

I believe your problem is in the thermostat. It has a too large kick in to kick off span. Also know as temperature differential. I did heating and air many years ago. Only thing I can suggest is get a different type of temperature control. You may consider a simple dimmer switch, and once you have incubator running in a stable ambient, the one setting should maintain the temperature steady. That Is what I would try first. JMO.
WISHING YOU BEST and

 

[JMoriarty111012]

Thank you for the advice and welcome. I think you're right. I used the same thing way back when, but I'd like something easier to use anyways. With the dimmer switch, I would I keep the 'Bator from getting to hot though?

 

[Mak24456]

I highly, highly recommend the STC 1000. They are relatively easy to wire and I can recommend a YouTube video that tells you everything if you decide to go with it. I got mine off eBay for less than 10 dollars.
I used it in my homemade incubator, it maintained the temperature right between 99 and 100 for the entire time.
I will admit I only had 4/18 hatch with one deformed, but I truly believe it wasn't a temperature problem because the eggs were shipped and the temp never spiked and stayed steady the entire time.

 

[cavemanrich]

The STC1000 definatly THE BEST SOLUTION/OPTION...

 

[JMoriarty111012]

Definitely gonna have to check it out. Thanks all! Now I need to figure out where to get my eggs from lol. It's harder to find them than I thought it'd be.

 

[cavemanrich]

Post in your state thread that you need some fertile eggs for your incubator. Local peeps are your best choice. Shipped eggs have a lower hatch rate than those you can pick up from near.
Here is the largest Texas thread. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/44/texas

 

[JMoriarty111012]

Thanks! I've been reading about the shipped eggs and it's rather discouraging. I've only ever hatched local chicken and duck eggs, but that was a long time ago (and 1200 miles ago lol).