How do you build a styrafoam incubator?

[babsbag]

Directions for wiring the PC fan.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=259483

You could also try the little battery personal fans, they sell them at Walmart right now in the seasonal section. You might be able to mount one in the wall so that you can change the batteries from the outside. It depends on how they open. But if you go battery, they need to last the 3-5 days during lockdown without you opening the 'bator to change batteries.

I followed MissPrissys directions and had a great hatch rate for my first time. 9 hatched out of the 10 that developed.

I put my eggs in cartons until lockdown. I made an egg turner so I didn't have to open to turn. I cut holes in the sides of the incubator and ran 1/2 " PVC pipe through it and then used wire ties to fasten the cartons to the pipe. Then at lockdown, I just cut the wire ties and pulled the pipes out the side of the incubator and put aluminum tape over the holes until next time.

 

[catwalk]

Okay, I've been thinking about this: what if you could put your hands in the bator and mess with the eggs without opening the lid!?!?! You know how scientists have gloves attatched to the wall of a cabinet, so they can handle specimens without contaminating them? Someone needs to give it a try, with sturdy kitchen gloves or something. Then all the little babies can be handled during lockdown, bottom-pipped eggs can be turned over, etc. There will need to be an access lid, to keep heat in while not in use, but I think it's an awesome idea for those of us who can't keep our paws off!

And if you don't have a separation between the light source and the chick area, babies can and do find way to get wedged in and burned.

Also, I am working on (in my head) a way to make a turner out of heavy plastic egg flats, cut into strips, and clock works. I will post as soon as I figure it out. That way, one can make a turner to fit any size incubator, as well as have an extra turner outside the incubator for eggs waiting to go in.