Few Homemade Incubator questions

[aineheartsyou]

I am working on putting together a bator similar to this one:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1996-chic-chick-bator

I am thinking about making a few design changes and would like some opinions from those who have more experience

I am going to try to keep all of the wires and stuff going out the back of the cooler. I am thinking about putting the socked on the back of the cooler in the corner and the thermostat more towards the middle of the back near where the eggs will go. I was also thinking about putting the fan on the middle of the lid to circulate the hot air back down. Is this a good idea or should I put the fan near the light bulb?

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

That should work good, all but the thermostat. For best results you need the flat side of the thermostat turned facing the light an about 3 fingers or closer to the light. This will help. http://cmfarm.us/WHTincubator.html

 

[aineheartsyou]

Quote:
Thanks! that was very helpful. I am thinking about ordering some egg trays from Cutler's, they have wafer thermostats. should I shell out the bucks for the upgrade?

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

If you can afford one its worth it. But a water heater thermostat works if that's all you can afford.

 

[aineheartsyou]

I will order one along with the trays

Your website has great info on it! I enjoyed reading it

 

[aineheartsyou]

Where should I place the wafer thermostat?

 

[Shifty Joe]

I've played around a lot with the wafer and I've found it works best if it is on (or close) to the same level as the eggs. With a fan, the air should be about the same temp anywhere in the incubator. Another thing you might want to add is some heat syncs (bottles of water, blue ice, etc), they also help keep heat level.

 

[aineheartsyou]

Quote:
It seems that everyone likes different things for heat sinks. I have read about rocks, bricks, bottles of water. I picked up a bad of mexican beach pebbles that I am going to line the bottom of the bator with.

 

[aineheartsyou]

Should the dish of water for humidity go near the lightbulb or under the eggs?