Help me build an incubator from an old mini-fridge! (Ventilation, light bulbs position etc.)

[drdn]

Hello!

I'm planning on bulding an incubator from an old fridge, but I have some questions before I begin and I thought this would be the best place to ask!

So, this is the fridge:

The dimensions are: (19" Width x 15.75" Depth x 12.6" Height) or (48.26 cm Width x 40 cm Depth x 32 cm Height)
Can somebody tell me where is better to put the light bulb(s), on top or on bottom of the fridge?

• Where to put light bulb(s), on the top or on bottom?
• How many holes to drill for ventilation and where?
• Where to put the fan(s) and in what direction should the air flow?

Any help you can give would be very appreciated!

 

[TurkeyTheQuail]

For the light bulb, I've always put mine on the top. and for the ventilation holes, I've found that 6 on the front or back and 3-4 on the sides works fine (mine is the same size except not as deep.)

 

[drdn]

For the light bulb, I've always put mine on the top. and for the ventilation holes, I've found that 6 on the front or back and 3-4 on the sides works fine (mine is the same size except not as deep.)

Thanks for replying!
What size should the holes be?

 

[drdn]

Hello again!

I'm surprised I didn't get much help on this, but anyway I tried my best to build my incubator and I must say it turned out to be a success story. Out of 50 eggs, 36 of them hatched (72% hatch rate).

Here is a picture of my cute little chicks:

Now, I want to help others if they ever want to build an incubator of this size. I drilled four 12mm (~1/2 inch) holes on top of the incubator, almost at the 4 edges. I placed 2 40 watt light bulbs and close to them I placed a fan blowing towards the top of the incubator.
Here is the picture so you can better understand:

The temperature was very stable almost every time, except when it was very hot on the room. I put aluminum foil on two sides after I had temperature spikes and it did the job, so next time I will cover all the sides with aluminum foil.

The temperature I used is: 37.5° (99.5 F)
Relative humidity first 18 days: 50% - 60%
Relative humidity last 3 days: 70% - 80%

P.S. Thanks again to @TurkeyTheQuail for trying to help.

 

[Painted Calls]

@The Moonshiner has a pretty nifty Pepsi fridge incubator that he made.

 

[TurkeyTheQuail]

Hello again!

I'm surprised I didn't get much help on this, but anyway I tried my best to build my incubator and I must say it turned out to be a success story. Out of 50 eggs, 36 of them hatched (72% hatch rate).

Here is a picture of my cute little chicks:
View attachment 2683509

Now, I want to help others if they ever want to build an incubator of this size. I drilled four 12mm (~1/2 inch) holes on top of the incubator, almost at the 4 edges. I placed 2 40 watt light bulbs and close to them I placed a fan blowing towards the top of the incubator.
Here is the picture so you can better understand:
View attachment 2683522

The temperature was very stable almost every time, except when it was very hot on the room. I put aluminum foil on two sides after I had temperature spikes and it did the job, so next time I will cover all the sides with aluminum foil.

The temperature I used is: 37.5° (99.5 F)
Relative humidity first 18 days: 50% - 60%
Relative humidity last 3 days: 70% - 80%

P.S. Thanks again to @TurkeyTheQuail for trying to help.

aa I'm so sorry! I haven't been active lately and didn't respond. I'm glad to see it worked out in the end though!

 

[drdn]

aa I'm so sorry! I haven't been active lately and didn't respond. I'm glad to see it worked out in the end though!

No worries! Thanks