Incubator temps keep flucuating

[JennH07]

My DH and I made an incubator using a hot water thermostat. The temp goes up to 100 and then drops down to 95 and back up again. It's been doing this now for 24 hrs and I can not get it to settle. I can not put eggs in here can I?

 

[chicmom]

I wouldn't do it......

 

[paddock36]

How fast does it do that? Mine flucuates some too but it has never been a problem.

 

[JennH07]

I'm not sure exactly, I'll time it. How often does your flucuate?

 

[sixshooter60]

if you will drill two holes in the back of the housing to let the air in better it will solve your problem

 

[paddock36]

Quote:
I've never time it. It used to be dead on and then a friend borrowed my incubator and it's been a little off ever since. I've never worried about it as long as the hottest temp doesn't get too hot.

 

[fishman65]

you have a couple of choices, first get the temp stable before ever setting eggs. To help fix the thermostat you can drill a couple of small holes in the black bakelite plastic to allow a little better airflow over the metal disc. That usually works but not the best, a better way is to change to a wafer thermostat which you can get quick on ebay. Or even better get a zoo med repti-temp 500 thermostat on the internet for about $30. they are very accurate. However you do it get the temps stable before you set eggs.