My MEGA Homemade Incubator Build

[DMRippy]

I don't know. It is so big I would think it would need circulation to keep the temp right. I know nothing about still gators. Sorry I am no help.

 

[caj1985]

I don't know. It is so big I would think it would need circulation to keep the temp right. I know nothing about still gators. Sorry I am no help.

Donna,
I know enough to leave a still "gator" alone. LOL

 

[DMRippy]

Quote:
LOL.... my phone did that!

 

[christsavesall]

I LOVE this post!! It has encouraged me to make the jump and make my own cabinet incy! I found that a linear actuator would probably work better or me since it already goes up and down so no need to fuss with it much and the speed it perfectly set, it handles 225lbs AND it's cheaper than any motor I've found thus far. I've got all my stuff coming and can't wait to get started! I'll be converting my hubs gun cabinet for now since it has a glass door on the front and we don't need it for the guns, later I'm planning to do a mega bator like you have!

 

[DMRippy]

I LOVE this post!! It has encouraged me to make the jump and make my own cabinet incy! I found that a linear actuator would probably work better or me since it already goes up and down so no need to fuss with it much and the speed it perfectly set, it handles 225lbs AND it's cheaper than any motor I've found thus far. I've got all my stuff coming and can't wait to get started! I'll be converting my hubs gun cabinet for now since it has a glass door on the front and we don't need it for the guns, later I'm planning to do a mega bator like you have!

I would like to see the actuator and how you put that together.

 

[dheltzel]

You made this almost 4 years ago, are you still using the incubator? Have you changed anything after using it for a while?
I'm planning to build a large incubator and am curious about your current recommendations.

 

[DMRippy]

You made this almost 4 years ago, are you still using the incubator? Have you changed anything after using it for a while?
I'm planning to build a large incubator and am curious about your current recommendations.

Still using it! No major issues but my turner did break and I have never replaced it. I just turn them once a day by hand. I don't use any water except maybe in the winter when it gets really dry. It just requires some normal maintenance like tighten some bolts here and there. The flexwatt is still working fine. I have a light that adds some heat and I will change the wattage based on the temps to add more or less heat.

If I had to do it over I might add more insulation to hold temps better. Not a major issue by any means.

 

[Rod-T]

I LOVE this post!! It has encouraged me to make the jump and make my own cabinet incy! I found that a linear actuator would probably work better or me since it already goes up and down so no need to fuss with it much and the speed it perfectly set, it handles 225lbs AND it's cheaper than any motor I've found thus far. I've got all my stuff coming and can't wait to get started! I'll be converting my hubs gun cabinet for now since it has a glass door on the front and we don't need it for the guns, later I'm planning to do a mega bator like you have!

will the linear autuater pull down? I know it will lift.. but it needs to pull down too

 

[BBQJOE]

This thread has also inspired me some.

My birds are probably a few months from laying yet, but I do want to raise and sell chicks.
I have another small fridge wanting to be converted into something, and it might just be perfect!

 

[dheltzel]

will the linear autuater pull down? I know it will lift.. but it needs to pull down too

Yes, I have been looking at these. The 12v DC ones on Amazon and eBay all reverse by reversing the polarity of the current. There are electrical diagrams on the internet for how to do this. I'm looking at doing it under control of an Arduino or Raspberry Pi computer.