Off grid solar power coolerbator?

[Rgocha]

My wife is wanting to make a coolerbator and I am wondering if anyone has thoughts or even done a solar powered coolerbator?

 

[Beer can]

My wife is wanting to make a coolerbator and I am wondering if anyone has thoughts or even done a solar powered coolerbator?

No but I'm sure someone has. Lehman's non-electric has a incubator that uses a kerosene lamp. Super expensive though. Says it uses 5gal of kero per hatch.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw2OrFoFpgiX89QIg1G48UJA

 

[HatchCraft]

I have not made one but it sounds doable if you keep it small. A cooler with 12volt system, battery and solar panel. It would require a alternative method of charging the battery if the sun don't shine for an extended period.

 

[Rgocha]

No but I'm sure someone has. Lehman's non-electric has a incubator that uses a kerosene lamp. Super expensive though. Says it uses 5gal of kero per hatch.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw2OrFoFpgiX89QIg1G48UJA

I will check it out. Thank you!

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Have you considered getting a couple of broodies? They're the best .

 

[tristan_in_maine]

Just FYI, I've done this on my offgrid solar system for several years now. Island Breeze cooler from wally world, a can of spray foam insulation, STC-1000 temp controller w/thermostat, ceramic heat lamp, computer fan and some old junk laying around The incubator can use upwards of 50 amp hours a day during chilly weather, which always seems to coincide with clouds (bad for solar!), but that's out in the sunroom where things get chilly overnight. Indoors would be easier on power usage. Halfway decent hatch rates on ducks and chickens thus far!

 

[tristan_in_maine]

A few pictures of the very basic setup. I took out the handmade egg turner as it jostled the eggs a bit too much - easier and safer to just turn them by hand while checking humidity level.

Here in New England, I only need added humidity if the weather is really really dry or I'm hatching duck eggs, and even then I just use wet sponges. The coolerbator fits apx 28 chicken eggs comfortably, 21 duck eggs.

I also cover the incubator with blankets to help keep the power consumption down during spring and early summer when the ambient temps are a little lower.

These photos were taken in 2020 before I gave up on the egg turner