Home made incubator VS. Little Giant $40 bator

[BantyHugger]

I have been considering getting an incubator for a long time. Just recently i discovered that it may be cheaper to just make one. However some questions have come up. Can i make an equal or better quality machine as i can buy? Do homemade bators work well with both chicken and duck eggs or just Chicken? (thats all i normally see people hatching) Are cheap $40 incubators a rip off? Why?
Thanks
Mariah

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

I am a BIG advocate of learning on the LG Styrobator. They may be a bit tempermental, but if you can master the LG, you can incubate anything.

 

[BantyHugger]

I'm guessing the "LG Styrobator" is the home made Styrofoam incubators everyone makes here?

 

[gabrielle1976]

I think they are refering to the Little giant incubator you can get one many places includeing tractor supply online for starting at about 40 bucks .

 

[jay1995]

To make one you are looking at about a thirty dollar project not including the cooler and some other accessories. I would just go with the LG thats what I have and it works great. Just go for the LG. Goodluck, -Jay

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
LG Styorobator is my "word" or Little Giant Styrofoam Incubator...

 

[KattyKillFish]

i've been building incubators and testing them for some time now. you can build an equivalent, or better incubator for much cheaper. there are plenty of ideas and designs out there.

there are some great ideas right here on BYC!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/chicken-coop-incubator.html

 

[warmfuzzies]

I have a little giant and It seems to maintaint the temps very well. I like it. I looked into building one and decided it would not be much more to buy this one. Plus DH diddnt want to build one, so we just went with the LG.

But, you need to plan on getting another thermometer, the one that comes with it isnt so great. You can get a Springfield thermometer/hygrometer at walmart for about $7.

 

[BantyHugger]

Quote:
Lol Yes i saw that post. In fact thats the very thing that got my broody gears going again.

I think, since i'm a beginner, I'm gonna go with the Little Giant. At least that way if the babes don't make it i won't be afraid that its because of my poor craftsmanship.
Thanks all,
Mariah

 

[Solace]

I have an LG and a Brinsea and once I got the hang of the LG Styro it's a whiz. Mine holds almost rock solid temps with very little swings. I do drape a towel over the top of mine and I'm sure that helps keep the temps constant.