Huge Egg Dilemma. An all or nothing sorta issue...

[Grillmaster33]

Wow. THanks everyone.
The replies are so mixed, Im not really sure what to do!

:-/

Im a wreck!??!?!

 

[WriterofWords]

My class made hatchers out of styrofoam coolers by cutting the side out and putting in glass from a cheap frame at the $$ store. Then we put in a light socket from Wal Mart, put water in plastic cups and used 25 watt bulbs (it was cooler weather) now we use the 15 watt and it's fine here in S. NM. Keeps the humidity up and if you need to let some heat out you can prop a pencil top eraser under the edge of the top.

 

[Grillmaster33]

Thanks.
Worth a try.

Styrofoam cooler.
15-watt light.
glass of water
Thermometer.
picture frame.
Got it.

 

[Grillmaster33]

I did it!
I've created an incubator/brooder.

I will make a video and post it on youtube later, feel free to check it out.

Right now, I am checking the temperature and humidity levels. Keep your fingers crossed. This baby just might be alright!

 

[Grillmaster33]

I installed a light in a styrofoam cooler, used wire to separate water dish from the rest of the unit and to separate chick/egg from light. I cut a hole in the top and fixed in a piece of glass for viewing. I have a temporary fan to keep air circulating. The temperature is at 101 this instant.
I have filled the pan with water and am waiting for the right humidity.

Someone give me an easy way to up the humidity.
Can't wait to post the video of the project.
Thanks.

 

[MissPrissy]

With the fan circulating the air back down on the temp to 100. You want to stay in the 99.5 - 100.5 range.

Increasing the water surface area will increase the humidity. A wide shallow dish is better than a deep one. You can use a thick clean sock soaked in warm water.

 

[Grillmaster33]

Thanks for that.


The temporary fan is off for it requires batteries and may die after a few hours. With the fan off the temperature inside soared as high as 105 degrees (The egg isn't in yet).

Any suggestions?

 

[jimnjay]

Can you put in a lower watt bulb in the light? You can also buy a dimmer switch. I have one that is like an extension cord that you just plug the light into and then plug the dimmer cord into the socket. You adjust with a slide. I have used it for just what you are doing many times. The only other thing I can think of is raising the light somehow. Not sure how you placed your light but if you can move it up the temp on the eggs should drop some.

 

[Grillmaster33]

I like the idea of a dimmer switch.

Where might I find one? Im using a 25 watt bulb at the moment. Any lamp can be plugged into a dimmer switch to lower wattage?

Thanks so much folks!!!

 

[Grillmaster33]

I will post a link to the video later tonight. But here is a snapshot.

The Guardian.