how do you make a cheap but simple hatcher?

[Tsagirl]

I want to make a hatcher because I am not into buying another incubator when I have eggs due at different times.

Yes yes I know I have a fixation now...I am guilty!

What can I make a hatcher out of? What kind of light and how would I keep up the humidity?

Sorry to take up anyones time....I hope you all have done one and can tell me the do's and don'ts of making a good hatcher. LOL

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Tsagirl]

anyone? bump...

 

[hinkjc]

DH built mine, so I can't be much help, but here is what the search brought up. See if this helps at all. If not, I am sure someone will come along soon.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/search.php?search_id=1722992046

Jody

 

[countryboy]

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

 

[hart31]

Almost any of the homemade incubators found on this site would make decent hatchers. You just don't need any turning mechanism. And a suface that the chicks can easily walk on would be good. It should also be easy to clean.

Light bulbs are the most common heat source. The size depends on your hatcher or bator size, room temp, insulation and a few other factors. Some type of water reservoir is usually used for humidity. If your house is very dry you will need a reservoir with more surface area or maybe some wicks drawing moisture up from the water. Some people buy wafer thermostats from incubator parts suppliers. Some people have good luck with electric water heater thermostats. I use a control unit from an electric frying pan. It's a little touchy to get set but seems to hold the temperature well

 

[rosyposyosy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=134

 

[mcamden]

I built mine for less then $25 and I got 100% hatch for my first try! I used an Omaha steaks foam cooler, put a 40watt oven bulb into a ceramic sockit and stuck it through the foam wall, bought a thermostat for a hot water heater ($14), and put a piece of that square wire mesh on the bottom. I also cut a square out of the lid and put the glass out of an old picture frame into it for viewing. I then hooked the light and thermostat up to an old extension cord for power. Since the box is foam I could just stick the thermometer through the wll at the right hight.

I seriously spent...the $14 for the thermostat...and the digital thermomer for $10. Total of $24.

SO EASY!