DIY styrofoam incubator

[Jessshan8]

I third that as well.

 

[Fred's Hens]

In his early videos, he used an adapted hot water heater, but as the years went by, he went to better and better thermostats.

Some videos he taped outside and it's hard to listen to with all the crowing. Some are taped inside and it is easier to focus.

All that said, his choices are occasionally pricey. For example, his choice of socket is somewhat odd. Nothing wrong with what he uses, but money can be saved with other sockets. He's also a fan of RTV where I prefer Gorilla glue for most of those applications. I also prefer to mount little plastic wall anchors, using Gorilla glue into styrofoam. Let sit over night and you have a strong anchor to mount the screws on various things.

 

[Fred's Hens]

This little $15 thermostat from incubator warehouse is a performer. Way better than hot water thermostats, but not as good as a $24-$50 wafer style. Just depends on what you want and how much you're willing to spend.

Also I find a package of the soft ear plugs that wear when using the chainsaw or operating loud equipment make wonderful plus for the vent holes. Just another little tip, FWIW

 

[SilverDuck284]

Where can I find more info on that thermostat? I've never seen one like that before.

 

[nayeli]

Thank you two! My husband who is much better at science than I am will be helping me and so will these vids =)

 

[Fred's Hens]

Where can I find more info on that thermostat? I've never seen one like that before.

It is available at Incubator Warehouse. They have it plain or for two bucks, you get a knob (that won't fit in many applications) and a nifty plastic miniature screwdriver. I am not sure it the "kit" version also has the leads and the plain one does not. Memory fades.

 

[lazy gardener]

We made an incubator last spring, using the same thermostat shown in above post by Fred's Hens. First hatch yielded 5/6 with one quitter (most likely in 1st week). It is a fun project, and inexpensive. I recommend use of a fan, and wouldn't spend the time making an incubator without a thermostat. Styrofoam boxes can be picked up at pet stores (fish and plants are shipped in them) and at pharmacies (Vaccines and medications are shipped in them) Sizes on freebies not quite as big, but, free is free! Also, helpful: Sponge and aquarium tubing attached to a syringe for humidity regulation. Waffle type shelf liner to go over the wire on the bottom. Helps with clean up and makes a softer surface for hatchlings. If you want to build a nice big incubator, I'd recommend using plywood and 1" Styrofoam for a custom sized bator. I like the water bottles or rocks for heat retention.

 

[nayeli]

Thank you all, when I can get my husband to agree to it then I will post the incubator and results.

 

[jaxchic]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/829830/homeade-incubator-worked-first-time#post_12325272

This is the styrofoam incubator I made. I have never once had an issue with temperature spiking. Its small, but that is because it is all I need.

 

[HereInOz]

Rush Lane Poultry.

This guy has made 6 videos or more on building egg incubators. You can find them on YouTube or on his own website. Rush Lane Poultry.

I've watched all six of them. After awhile, he makes tweaks and improvements. Highly recommend watching all of them. You'll be proficient and confident. He has done this successfully for years and I can tell you it is a fun project to build. The cost is about 20 cents on the dollar and you can absolutely build as good an incubator as you can buy. Really, it isn't rocket science or building a super collider, LOL

Anyhow, Rush Lane Poultry's own website (easier in some ways) or YouTube.

You'll have a bachelor's degree in building incubators when you've finished his course.

I found the Rush Lane Poultry videos a couple of years ago and built one of his designs using an old plastic cooler with a GQF wafer thermostat and an old computer fan. It was inexpensive, simple to build and works great! I have only one regret...I should have installed two light bulbs in case one burns out, as was recommended. I was so sure that if I installed a new bulb with each hatch, that it wouldn't be an issue. It has worked out great until today...I woke up this morning to find the light bulb burned out (yes, it was a brand new bulb) and the temp had dropped to 76 degrees! My quail eggs are on Day 9 and were developing nicely when I candled them yesterday. So now I get to sit on "pins and needles" until Hatch Day to see if at least a few survived. :-( As soon as this hatch is done, I'm modifying my incubator with a second lower-watt bulb to ensure I don't have to go through this again. Good luck building your own incubator, nayeli, I agree with Fred's Hens, you can't go wrong with the Rush Lane Poultry videos!