genius inventor wanted to test this idea

Your link doesn't work.

 

Here you go: http://www.lehmans.com/store/Tools_...t___Kerosene_Powered_Incubator___344462?Args=

 

Or look for ITEM# 344462

I've posted this before too when there were all kinds of power outages. There have also been people who are completely, or almost completely off the electric grid too. It's a pretty expensive item, but very ingenious too. I love Lehman's!! Going there is like stepping back in time, well, sort of. They have 'modern' stuff too, but the old timey stuff is great. I live close enough to go there once in a while, far enough that it takes some planning ahead though.

They have lots of soap making stuff too! Great gift ideas, and just an all around fun place to go. They're not TOO far from Meyer's Hatchery either!

 

Ok I checked this Incubator out and have one main concern is that knowing full well how a kerosine latern works, this thing has no filter ventilation that seperates the hazardous fumes emitted from the burning of this fuel. If you have ever burned a lamp like this it takes pratice to get a soot free flame to provide enough light, let alone enough heat to keep this bator going. At $299.00 it is expensive and really to be honest a shot in the dark on hatch rates, Having built this years winning BYC bator contest, I can't see this as a viable option to electric.

AL

 

Those used to be quite common, many antique ones of them around. Not sure how well it would work, but if it runs like the old ones - a power outtage proof incubator could be a godsend in some places.

 

They work. There are numerous Mennonite folk who work there at the store, and some former Amish too. I asked a couple people there about it and while I know religion is no proof against liars, I honestly don’t think there were any lies involved in their responses. No one claimed 100% hatch rates, but supposedly if it is watched almost constantly, it can be as good as modern means. There is no actual air exchanged into the box, if you look, the hood is not actually vented INTO it, there are copper pipes that run through the hood, the lady and gentleman I spoke to wasn’t sure what or if anything was IN the pipe, but it isn’t venting air right into it.

They don’t actually carry them in the store, they’re ordered from the makers directly… but they’ve had one in a few times for various reasons, and they seem to think they’re quite well made. I’m not vouching for them exactly, just that I asked something of the same questions.

I’d guess the biggest reason they were ever effective, is they were first used in houses that had many people willing and able to monitor them 99.9% of the time. Either a grandparent who didn’t get around much, several younger children who get made responsible, or a wife/mother/sister/aunt who is in the house a lot. Normally Amish families have 3 or 4 generations in or near to share all the work, and a granny may take much satisfaction in keeping an eye on such things. Now in a modern house, with so many distractions and all, I think it’d be more than a little iffy… not to mention the fire hazard involved.

 

I don't know whow they were set up, but a lot of old incubators use to be kerosene. There are still some around, and some have been converted to electricity.