Incubators Anonymous

[TNBEARCHICK]

wELL WE have some late hatchers that are chirping was worried that none were going to hatch, hopefully all are ok

, God bless those little guys. We have white orps and lavender orps we are adding in this hatch from Hinks

 

[DMRippy]

I like the flexwatt. I hold the temp just fine. It does not get it up to temp quick enough, it may not have ever gotten up to temp I can't remember so I use a light to make it faster.

Like Karen said... the temp was down because the lid was open. I only had a lame chick in the hatcher when I too the pics. Temp is the same in the hatcher and incubator.

 

[SewChaos]

I was thinking about using flexwatt to make homemade ecoglow brooders. It seems simple and cheap. Just need to convince the Mr. that I "need" more ecoglow brooders.

 

[DMRippy]

I was thinking about using flexwatt to make homemade ecoglow brooders. It seems simple and cheap. Just need to convince the Mr. that I "need" more ecoglow brooders.

I could not make them really work. I may try again. I have plenty left. They get on top and make a mess. might just need some plastic on top. Legs where another issue... I used bricks.

 

[SewChaos]

I was thinking I'd use a plastic storage box, cut openings on all 4 sides, but the flexwatt on top and cover it with foil tape or contact paper....

 

[DMRippy]

I was thinking I'd use a plastic storage box, cut openings on all 4 sides, but the flexwatt on top and cover it with foil tape or contact paper....

Flexwatt has to be mounted on a non flameable surface..... like tile and backer board. I put metal printing plates behind it in my hatcher. I think it would melt the plastic.... but maybe you could put the backer board in the plastic... that is a good idea..... might stop and see if they still have the Christmas totes on sale and try that.

 

[SewChaos]

Let me know if it works. I watched a youtube video on installing it for reptile use, and they didn't seem to have any problems putting it on plastic or wood. I can't remember where the video was... I was thinking I'd attach it to a dimmer switch, which would keep it at a lower temp. Do you still think it would melt?

 

[DMRippy]

Let me know if it works. I watched a youtube video on installing it for reptile use, and they didn't seem to have any problems putting it on plastic or wood. I can't remember where the video was... I was thinking I'd attach it to a dimmer switch, which would keep it at a lower temp. Do you still think it would melt?

I have seen that too.... the instructions tell you to mount it on a NON FLAMMABLE surface. They have been know to start fires. I like to follow the rules and be safe. Flexwatt can get up to 133 degrees. I would think that would be kinda hot for plastic. I just moved some babies in the BIG unheated shop and it is going to be 17 tonight so I might see if I can do this today. BTW the young ones have heat and can stay warm. I will take pictures. RED or GREEN?????? LOL

 

[ChickNmamma]

I was thinking I'd use a plastic storage box, cut openings on all 4 sides, but the flexwatt on top and cover it with foil tape or contact paper....

Hello all, I just purchased an old Sportsman 1202? (no tag) and I am reading thru this thread from the beginning. I am happy to say that, while I haven't been CURED of wanting to hatch eggs, at least I have been slowed down by the realization that If I fill that up I will have to make LOTS of pens, and I don't have space.. yet. I am taking it apart for re-painting, the original job was over rough wood and its much easier to clean something if the surface doesn't have ridges, so I will be sanding them all off and repainting. Its a rusty red color now, looks in great shape in the interior, but the exterior really needs painting. I tested it, the heaters/thermostats and turner all work, and somebody replaced the front wooden door with a solid huge piece of plexiglass.. I am happy!





I wanted to comment on the flexwat and making ecobrooders. I used a plant heating pad (waterproof and heat regulated to about 98 deg F) underneath a small oil pan, I wired it to the underside and cut holes for the chicks to go underneath. However, most of them preferred to roost ON TOP of it, so I am glad I put the pad underneath - much easier to clean that way and they can't damage the pad and get to the electrical wires. I don't think I would cover the flexwatt with anything, mostly because stickum doesn't last long in the heat, and the birds will be sitting on top of it. I ended up using a burlap sack on top of the oil pan, it was much easier to clean by just taking off the burlap and putting down a new piece and cleaning the dirty one.

 

[SewChaos]

I have seen that too.... the instructions tell you to mount it on a NON FLAMMABLE surface. They have been know to start fires. I like to follow the rules and be safe. Flexwatt can get up to 133 degrees. I would think that would be kinda hot for plastic. I just moved some babies in the BIG unheated shop and it is going to be 17 tonight so I might see if I can do this today. BTW the young ones have heat and can stay warm. I will take pictures. RED or GREEN?????? LOL

I hadn't looked at the instructions, I'll probably do the same thing then. If it's that cold, maybe just cut a door on one or two sides and poke some holes near the top for ventilation? Might help to keep the warm air in.

Love to see pictures! I'd pick green! It's more soothing.