Finally finished my incubator...

[BoTime]

I started this project last year! But, then again, I had the time. I am currently living in an apt. So it's fine. anyways, I've completed the task, it has been running all night & all day & holding steady. I can make adjustments & it recovers quickly. I think it is time for a test run.
Just need some last minute pointers before I launch into hatching some eggs (& giving away the chicks- the whole apt deal)
It is a still air incubator I made out of a cooler. Not a Styrofoam cooler. I put a (closed) jar of water on one side to keep temps pretty even throughout. I have two large vents, I am planning on keeping one open throughout incubation & opening the other after hatching. I'm running around 30% humidity WITHOUT adding water. When I add the water, it climbs and holds at 60%. The temp in the bator holds at 101°, & the temp in my makeshift water wiggler holds at 99°.
So what say you? Am I ready?

Also, I want to make sure I thank each and every one of you for the plethora of excellent information on this site. Without you, this would not have happened. I also wouldn't have such grand plans for the future. So thank you so very much!

 

[lazy gardener]

You might want to double check both the accuracy of your thermometer(s) and hygrometer. Then, double check the protocol for still air. I think you could tweak up an other .5* to get internal temp up to 99.5. But, without researching it, I'm just throwing it out as something to check before committing eggs. Are you using a thermostat? If not, you'll have to keep your apartment temp rock steady, or be around to tweak your bator temp. I love the home made incubator concept. Why spend lots of money to buy one, when you can build it yourself for a fraction of the cost, and have the frustration that goes with tweaking the whole system to get it just right, followed by the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself! If you haven't already read it, check out the learning center for the excellent articles in "Hatching eggs 101".

 

[BoTime]

You might want to double check both the accuracy of your thermometer(s) and hygrometer.  Then, double check the protocol for still air.  I think you could tweak up an other .5* to get internal temp up to 99.5.  But, without researching it, I'm just throwing it out as something to check before committing eggs.  Are you using a thermostat?  If not, you'll have to keep your apartment temp rock steady, or be around to tweak your bator temp.  I love the home made incubator concept.  Why spend lots of money to buy one, when you can build it yourself for a fraction of the cost, and have the frustration that goes with tweaking the whole system to get it just right, followed by the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself!  If you haven't already read it, check out the learning center for the excellent articles in "Hatching eggs 101".

Yes, I do have a thermostat. Probably something I should have mentioned! I spent an indecent amount of time tweaking it last night. (That sounds.. bad. But you know what I mean lol) My meat thermometer does not show the .5. It will show whole numbers only. It could be 99.5°. Haha it could also be 99.2, 99.3, 99.8... I will just have to go on good faith on that one.

 

[BoTime]

I agree about making it yourself. My DH pressured me a bit to give in & just buy an incubator off the TSC shelf. I won't lie. I thought about it. At the time I was a bit frustrated. But I refused, & I'm glad I did. I haven't even hatched anything yet and I am pretty pleased with myself