large scale diy incubator

[AmyLM]

My hubby and I need a new incubator. Our chain of table toppers are having more issues than they are worth. We need to be able to hatch aprox 300 to 500 eggs at a time. We would like to convert a refrigerator or chest freezer and have turners and digital displays. My husband is an electrical engineer so that part wont be difficult but neither of us has much in the way of skill with tools (though I can recruit neighbor help if needed).

Does anyone have any designs? Is it worth the diy or should we just bite the bullet and try to save up for one of those pricy cabinet style ones? (Dont have the money now).

 

[chiques chicks]

I made one capable of 150 out of a small fridge. Thermostat, light bulbs, fan.

You will definitely need fans to keep the site circulating.

Look at the coolerbators and scale up. It should work. You may need to put in several heat sources and fans to maintain a stable temperature throughout.

 

[AmyLM]

Ok i will look at those and yes i was thinking the same thing about temp and humidty control over a larger area.

Edit: talked to hubby. He said we will save up and buy one. He said after looking into it building one will likely be as problematic over the long term as patching up our table top ones. Hes looking into a cabinet style one. Knowing him he will find one for a bargin. Hes good at that. Lol

 

[gpop1]

To be honest larger is easier than smaller. As a electrical engineer your husband should have no problem especially as he will be considering back ups to back ups. The larger size allows for easier control as the changes in temperature are slower reducing any over run. A ptc heater would be a good option.
What kind of incubator you build is really based on how you plan to turn the eggs. The space required for the turners will pretty much dictate the size of the unit you require.
The problem you may face is during lockdown as 500 will require more space to hatch. Even if you buy a large incubator you may have to use something else for a hatcher.

 

[AmyLM]

To be honest larger is easier than smaller. As a electrical engineer your husband should have no problem especially as he will be considering back ups to back ups. The larger size allows for easier control as the changes in temperature are slower reducing any over run. A ptc heater would be a good option.
What kind of incubator you build is really based on how you plan to turn the eggs. The space required for the turners will pretty much dictate the size of the unit you require.
The problem you may face is during lockdown as 500 will require more space to hatch. Even if you buy a large incubator you may have to use something else for a hatcher.

Thats exactly what he said too. I previously improvised a large rubermaid container style with insulation inside and it worked ok. Im not opposed to have multiple set ups but my husband wants a more stable system thats less likely to breakdown on us like my tablet one did a few months ago. Like you said... back up systems for backup systems. Lol

 

[gpop1]

ask you husband to take a look at the one I built https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/976303/building-a-incubator-from-a-wine-cooler