Incubating for the first time soon.

[NoNameHomestead]

Hello everyone! If this question has already been asked, I apologize. I am planning on incubating some eggs in the spring, probably 5 or 6 eggs. I am considering building an incubator and I am curious of the pros and cons of using a homemade incubator vs. store bought. Also, I am wondering if it is really easier on the pocket to do it this way, and what challenges I may face. Any advice will be helpful. Thanks!

 

[Welshies]

I am in the same process as well. I am building one for $20 or less right now. The good quality store bought incubators are $100-$800 depending on the size. I don't know about you, but for me, as a backyard hatching egg business, if I want to make profit I have to keep my costs down.
All you need for a home incubator (and they are easy to make) is a styrofoam (or plastic) cooler, a 25-60 watt bulb (depending on size), thermostat (optional, I opted out), thermometer and hydrometer (Digital is best), and a piece of glass or plastic to view the incubator's insides.
I am choosing a fairly small incubator as I want to hatch out quail, which are very tiny. I am using a 25 watt bulb first, and testing it out before my eggs go in. I want to make sure that the bulb isn't too hot or too cold for my incubator size. If it's too cold I can add a bulb or increase wattage. If too hot i can decrease wattage.
The bulb will be sealed in using a light socket that can be plugged into a wall. The digital hygrometer and thermometer will be at the lowest point, where my eggs will be. I'll place 3 small water bottles around my eggs to prevent hot or cold spots (this isn't necessary if you install a fan). I'll test this out before putting in eggs.
Walmart carries all my necessary supplies for $20 total or less.

 

[NoNameHomestead]

I am in the same process as well. I am building one for $20 or less right now. The good quality store bought incubators are $100-$800 depending on the size. I don't know about you, but for me, as a backyard hatching egg business, if I want to make profit I have to keep my costs down.
All you need for a home incubator (and they are easy to make) is a styrofoam (or plastic) cooler, a 25-60 watt bulb (depending on size), thermostat (optional, I opted out), thermometer and hydrometer (Digital is best), and a piece of glass or plastic to view the incubator's insides.
I am choosing a fairly small incubator as I want to hatch out quail, which are very tiny. I am using a 25 watt bulb first, and testing it out before my eggs go in. I want to make sure that the bulb isn't too hot or too cold for my incubator size. If it's too cold I can add a bulb or increase wattage. If too hot i can decrease wattage.
The bulb will be sealed in using a light socket that can be plugged into a wall. The digital hygrometer and thermometer will be at the lowest point, where my eggs will be. I'll place 3 small water bottles around my eggs to prevent hot or cold spots (this isn't necessary if you install a fan). I'll test this out before putting in eggs.
Walmart carries all my necessary supplies for $20 total or less.

The price is definitely my main reason for building one instead of buying. I'm concerned about success rate of the build. Thanks for your reply, why did you opt out of the thermostat? Also, you didn't mention a fan, are you not using one or was that an oversight?

 

[Welshies]

The price is definitely my main reason for building one instead of buying. I'm concerned about success rate of the build. Thanks for your reply, why did you opt out of the thermostat? Also, you didn't mention a fan, are you not using one or was that an oversight?

I opted out of the thermostat because I was not comfortable with wiring (I want everything to be plug-in-able) and the one suggested was $30... quite the price point for a $20 or less project. As long as I test my incubator and have it in a stable environment, using the correct wattage will let me prevent overheating or underheating instead of using an automatic thing (thermostat).
I opted out of using a fan too because yet agsin, I am not comfortable with wiring. It is also extra cost that I, a beginner, don't want to spend. I know forced air (using a fan) incubators are better, but still airs also work.

 

[NoNameHomestead]

I opted out of the thermostat because I was not comfortable with wiring (I want everything to be plug-in-able) and the one suggested was $30... quite the price point for a $20 or less project. As long as I test my incubator and have it in a stable environment, using the correct wattage will let me prevent overheating or underheating instead of using an automatic thing (thermostat).
I opted out of using a fan too because yet agsin, I am not comfortable with wiring. It is also extra cost that I, a beginner, don't want to spend. I know forced air (using a fan) incubators are better, but still airs also work.

Makes sense. I'm going to use a fan, but I can get one from the IT guys at work they have over 50 of them just lying in a box and they all work but wont ever be installed since we they aren't compatible with the computers we use.

 

[Welshies]

Makes sense. I'm going to use a fan, but I can get one from the IT guys at work they have over 50 of them just lying in a box and they all work but wont ever be installed since we they aren't compatible with the computers we use.

Yeah, you're lucky... I unfortunately don't have that option.