Making an incubator?

[AwesomeChickenGuy]

I never hatched chicks before and a friend just gave me some (probably) fertile eggs. So, I want to hatch some chicks, but I don't have an incubator, but I have a heat lamp. Is there a way I could make an incubator with the heat lamp?

 

[Redemption]

I never hatched chicks before and a friend just gave me some (probably) fertile eggs. So, I want to hatch some chicks, but I don't have an incubator, but I have a heat lamp. Is there a way I could make an incubator with the heat lamp?

Yes and no. Incubation needs three basic things (theres more to it but this is the basis), consistent temperatures within a safe range, rotation at regular intervals, and consistent humidity within a specific range.

So, to be successful you need an insulated container, that holds a heat source, water, circulation and a way to measure all of these things. Basic shopping list for this sort of endeavor:

Insulated container
cpu fan & power supply
Bulb outlet & power cord
65w bulb
tupperware to hold water
Thermostat controller unit


Only reason to do this is if you want to build something with increased capacity. I did so with a broken wine refrigerator. Cost to me was around $100 + my time You can pick up small capacity incubators from $50-$150

with varied results and a little research

 

[Mike WA]

I never hatched chicks before and a friend just gave me some (probably) fertile eggs. So, I want to hatch some chicks, but I don't have an incubator, but I have a heat lamp. Is there a way I could make an incubator with the heat lamp?

Using a heat lamp would not be a good thing to do, it would be a fire hazard. You could use a old or new cooler with a low wattage bulb, 45 or 60w. I would use a wafer thermostat, Wal Mart sales a temp gauge for about 6 -7 dollars, I think the name is temp rite. A bowl with a plastic lid you can make holes in it to control humidity. temp and humidity are important to hatching eggs. you must also turn them with a egg turner or by hand. There are several videos to watch on you tube about building incubators and hatching eggs.

 

[yakitori]

you will need a reliable temp controller of some kind to turn the heating source on and off as needed. Then you’ll need something to read humidity...

Once you have that, you’ll open up a lot of possibilities..

I’m currently trying to incubate in a crockpot, lol.

 

[Emelyn]

I’m currently trying to incubate in a crockpot, lol.

Did it work?

 

[yakitori]

Did it work?

yep, hatched 2/3 eggs the first time, 5/6 the second, and I’m currently testing out some quail eggs!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/crockpot-incubator-saga-iii-shipped-quails-eggs.1490437/