Major ice chest/cooler score!

[chickintexas]

I've been an avid reader of this part of BYC for a few days now. The information I've been getting is incredible! I wanted to share with others that are considering building their own incubators my little score. Someone suggested going to the pet store for the ice chest and when I visited our little family owned store, I hit ice chest pay dirt! They keep every single one they get in because "you never know!!!" I left with two different sizes and it's nice to know that if I happen to screw something up, I can go back for more.

I'm collecting the items I need for my incubator at the moment. I've got the water heater thermostat and the light fixture. So far I have spent $13 and change. I'm trying to get the rest of my items for free (PC fan from a dead computer, picture frame glass, leftover hardware cloth from neighbor). I think the only item left over that I will have to buy is the thermometer/hydrometer and I will get a good one

My aim is to spend no more than $20. We'll see....

 

[oldno7ranch]

Hi there im getting my hubby to build me one (he dosen't know it yet..lol) I am collecting things also and not to far from you do you mind me asking what store you went to. Thanks

 

[happyhensny]

Sounds like fun. I love putting stuff together. Pictures please.

 

[Shifty Joe]

If I may suggest, you might check on the local pricing of a wafer thermostat.. I've used both a water heater and wafer thermostat, with the wafer being much more stable than the water heater, though with appropriate water heat syncs (water bottles) you can balance the water heater out. Just a thought.

 

[babsbag]

My hot water heater one worked well, but I kept the incubator in my kitchen so the room temps didn't fluctuate much. I think that helped. I also mounted my thermostat 3/4 inch from the light so it registered changes quickly. But I did have to adjust it every few days. It seemed to drift. I put a little hole right abouve the adjustment screw and attached a little screwdriver to a dowel, that way I could adjust it without opening the incubator. Especially important during lockdown.

I want a Brinsea.

 

[chickintexas]

Quote:
I wish you lived closer to me so I can share my chicken addiction with someone else! Spring Branch is 20 miles north of San Antonio, though. But if you happen to be in my area, I went to Bird Dog & Cat Fish off of HWY 46.

 

[chickintexas]

Quote:
I'm considering doing a step by step photo montage. I never seem to get enough of checking out others build-alongs so I'm thinking one more won't hurt.

 

[Doc Henry]

Howdy folks! if you need styrofoam ice chests stop at any vet clinic, they'll give them away any chance they get. We stack them up at the front door with free signs on them every day. Will be waiting for pics.

 

[chickintexas]

Quote:
I forgot all about vets and I used to work for a couple.

And they also usually get in the thicker sided ones as well...at least that's what they would get in for the vax when I was with them years ago. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[sunket77]

oooo... I may have to go by that store sometime I live in San Marcos and visit my sister in SA ...do you think Petsmart would have them?