homemade hatcher/brooder construction advice needed

[babsbag]

I followed the step by step directions that Miss Prissy gave in the link below. I usually let DH do the wiring, but this one I did on my own. Her directions gave me courage

So go for it, you can do it...I did, thanks to Miss Prissy. And it seems to be working


https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=8510

 

[TheBigRedOne]

Ok i have :
the wire, $0
old ceramic cieling light socket, $0
large restaraunt sized can to mount the light socket in, $0
brackets to hold the can to the interior wall, $0
my hot water heater thermostat, $0
plastic soda bottle to cut the thermostat gaurd out of, $0.75 (walmart brand two liter)
a wiring diagram and adjustment instructions for the thermostat, $0
fan and fan controls switch from electric heater, $0
water pan, $0
hinges and picture frames for access door and viewing window, $3.00 (all from the same junk shop)
hardware clothe for use as fan shroud, $0
three printing press plates (2Ft by 3Ft) to make the fan mount out of and handle any modifications that creep into my plan, $1.00
thermometer from kitchen wall $0

total spent so far $4.75


I suppose i am ready to start putting this together unless you folks see something i am missing. My major hurdle now is where do i mount this thermostat? Do i mount it on the outside of the light can assembly or do i mount it somewhere on the incubator wall? Also do i need to add a second light with an external swith for viewing in case the thermostat has the heating light cut off?

 

[babsbag]

I think you could do the 2nd light, but mine doesn't stay off long enough to worry. I would be concerned that you might forget to turn if off after viewing. I know I would

Mount the thermostat with the back of it about 3/4 -1 inch from the light. It needs to have good circulation around it and it needs to reigster the change quickly. I tried drilling holes in one per the instructions found on BYC and not having the right tools (they were in the cold, dark shed at the time), I managed to break the thermostat, the drill bit, and drill through my finger...ouch!! Bought a new thermostat and mounted it on the wire cage that I built around my light bulb. It now stays right on temp. Just placed the eggs today.

I posted pictures in the incubator thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=307016

The only other thing you might need is a hygrometer to check the humidity. They are about 8.00 at Walmart. ( I know, over budget) If you get one make sure you calibrate it first before you trust it.

Good luck, and ask lots of questions if you need to.

 

[Daidohead]

Looks like you are good to go. I have a little different take on thermostat placement. I think it should be mounted in an area more representive of the air temperature in the incubator. Mounting close to the heat source is fine if you keep the incubator in an area that has no tempurature change( such as a heated room ) but if it's in an area (like a shed)that has large temperature swings a thermostat mounted next to a heat source will only see the heat from the source and not react to air temperature changes in the environment. I mounted mine on the wall of my incubator, spaced about 3/8" away from the wall to allow air flow behind it. I keep my incubator in a non heated room that sees a 30 degree temp swing every day. my incubator has a 2 degree temperature swing.

Hope that made sense, It's been a long day. Best of luck to you, Mark

 

[babsbag]

I keep my incubator in my ktichen

so the temp fluctuation in the room is minimal. I originally tried mounting the thermostat on the wall on the end of the incubator opposite the light source. I too mounted it away from the wall, but the temp closer to the light was getting way to hot before it would click off, even with the fan. I didn't want to cook the eggs, just hatch them. I thought about adding another fan, maybe I should have.
That is why I tried drilling the holes in the thermostat. That might have worked, IF I had been able to do it without breaking it. But for me moving it worked out well. I know that in theory I agree with Daidohead. It just didn't work for me the way that I originally thought that it would. So my advice it to mount it where you think it should be, and then be able to change it if you need to.

 

[chickbird]

hangin'witthepeeps :

I have a new hot water heater thermostat and a small PC fan that I could send to you, FREE of charge if you are in the USA. I believe I have an adapter for the PC fan that you cut and splice the wires for. I also have a large styrofoam box, but shipping would cost me an arm and leg for that one. If you live close to me, you could pick them up. I'm near Athens, GA.

ETA: I have a bottle lamp kit also (free for pick up). I have all of these things because I was going to make another incubator, but husband says no more hatching this year and I decided to let my silkies hatch for me that way I'm not responsible. Blame the silkies.

what a nice person you are....how much do you think it would cost to ship,, if they can't pick it up...if not over $10.00 i will send you that. just pm me.​

 

[TheBigRedOne]

Ok one small speed bump here ... the thermostat that i got free from Dad is a 220 volt model. Now i have to find a 110 volt model but at least i have three sources i can ask before having to stoop so low as to buy one. I would much rather trade for one, stuff i have, cash is a bit scarce tho.

I am thinking of makeing a pan shaped floor out of a printing press plate this would allow for ease of cleaning as i could just slide it out and hose it off outside, and i could then mount the thermostat onto the edge of that floor so it will have thermostat to metal contact just like in the hot water heater and it will represent the temperature where the eggs/chicks are.

I could put a thing on the back of the thermostat that would allow it to slide down onto the side of the floor along the same lines as a belt clip on a tape measure. Yes, i am aware that there would have to be a shielded cover to avoid wiring contact, but i think that will be a simple task once i get it started.

Just a thought .... what would happen if i used the 220 volt thermostat in a 110 volt circuit ?? I can see it not going well ... i can also see me trying it if i was ten years younger .... i used to do a LOT of stupid stuff.

 

[Daidohead]

Was wondering how the construction was going ?

 

[TheBigRedOne]

Ok the incubator is fully assembled and has come up to temp, but there is one small problem. With a brand new hot water heater thermostat in place the light does go off and come back on now but it is holding steady at 106 degrees to 108 degrees. how do i get the temp down those last few degrees? I mounted the thermostat on the wall at egg level first and it held those temps for a whole day once it got warmed up, so I moved the thermostat into a sardine can and hung it as close to the light bulb as possible (about an inch maybe an inch and a quarter away). It still holds the same temps as before. Should i just use a lower watt bulb and no thermostat, remove the fan, or find some way for the fan to pull outside air in there.

I am at a loss as to how to get the temperature down those last few degrees. Also I am wondering if maybee the temp is right and the thermometer is just off slightly but that thermometer is the only one i have that is large enough for me to read. Diabetes has hit my eye hard the last few years.

 

[Daidohead]

Sounds like you just about have it licked. There should be an adjustment screw on the front of the thermostat. Where is it adjusted to ? if you turn it counter clockwise just a little bit it should lower the temp. It takes a few tries to get it just right .