Incubator tips

[Mrs.brown]

Does anyone have incubator tips? I am building a styrofoam incubator. I have had unsuccessful hatches the last two times I did it in a cardboard box incubator. I would really like to get it right this time.

 

[wowmanacat]

I just had my first hatch rate at 11/13 and I might still have the 2. I used a old plastic cooler added a light, some vent holes, a thermostat (that don't work) and pine shaving with paper towel over it and just layed the eggs on there side, Turned them three times a day.
My temp was 92 to 110 and my humidity was 25% to 80%. For my first time I think I did ok.

There are pictures of my incubator on my blog that is listed below.

 

[Mrs.brown]

What watt are you using?

 

[Rbl4life]

I bulit a styrofaom incubator out of a styrofoam cooler. I used a 25 watt bulb through the top, wire mesh that sits about 2 inches off bottom, and vents holes. I am in day 12 and 12/12 eggs are coming along nicely. The way I control my temp, is by letting it run for a while, than checking the temp and if its too hot i make more holes, if its too cold i cover some up. With the holes it seems to stay at a even temp.

 

[Mrs.brown]

Quote:
Great! let me know the results. I just built my incubator. It has a 15 watt lightbulb a fan and a plate of water under the hardware cloth. I am seeing if the incubator will stay steady now.

 

[Batty about Banties]

Quote:
How r u controlling humidity?

 

[Mrs.brown]

Does anyone know how to dry incubate? I have heard it improve your hatch rate.

 

[CCourson05]

Just don't add water. That's what I do. Lol. Then, on day 18... SPIKE IT like crazy! Like 65-70

 

[Mrs.brown]

Quote:

I've heard you have to keep the humidity at 25% and then add a few drops. Is that true?

 

[Arielle]

As I'm trying to build an incubator from a plastic cooler I already have, I'm very interested in this thread. I just finished reading 2 other threads addressing dry incubating vs adding water. SOme good questions came up; asking about the ambient humidity. THis varies considerably place to place. Many seemed to think 25% days 1-18, then over 50% for lock down.

Does the fan help the temp stay more even through out the incubator?