problems with homemade incubator

[QCFChicks]

Thank you galanie! The second link in you signature is exactly what I needed

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

I have the thermostat close to where the eggs will be. My thinking in this is that is where it is important to know the temp. The light and computer fan is on the opposite side of the Bator

Though this would appear to be good logic, there is a problem in that by the time the heat moves to the thermostat at the eggs and heats it up enoug to kick off the power to the bulbs the air near the bulb has already gone past the ideal temperature and there is a great deal of stored heat in the bulbs themselves. Then once the bulbs kick off the temperature at the eggs will continue to rise as the overall temperature evens out. Puting the thermostat closer to the heat source is effectivly anticipating this effect kicking off the heat sooner to avoid the temperature overshoot.

One other thing you can do is add closed containers of water to the incubator, these will act to store heat and even out any temperature fluctuations and slow down the cycling. Rocks or metal work too but are not as good at storing heat as water.​

 

[Shiloh Acres]

Thanks for the info! I was wondering exactly those things -- especially about the idea of storing water in the cabinet so as to lessen temp fluctuations.

My first attemp at an emergency homemade incubator (my goose decided she'd had enough mid-development) is probably a dismal failure -- especially with goose eggs. I've tossed about half of what I started with. But I had to use what I had on hand.

Since it looks like I'm not going to be able to beg, borrow, or buy an incubator, looks like it's time to get serious and build one. For the next batch of eggs, at least. And I'm still desperately wanting to add muscovies, Rouens, and turkeys this year so I hope it's not TOO late already.

Wish that tax refund would hurry up and get here!

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

I would not be so quick to blame the frugal nature of the incubator on the hatch problems, you don't need a big $$$ dollar commercial unit to have good results.

the one part I might change is your thermostat, the water heater stats can have quite a bit of variability in cut on and off temps, also they are massive leading to slow temperature response and temperature overshoots.

 

[valley ranch]

Greetings, Just read your post. I have a setup much like yours. My thermostat is just above the light with the fan blowing across the two. The temp does not vary. Good luck with your hatch.

 

[QCFChicks]

Quote:
Though this would appear to be good logic, there is a problem in that by the time the heat moves to the thermostat at the eggs and heats it up enoug to kick off the power to the bulbs the air near the bulb has already gone past the ideal temperature and there is a great deal of stored heat in the bulbs themselves. Then once the bulbs kick off the temperature at the eggs will continue to rise as the overall temperature evens out. Puting the thermostat closer to the heat source is effectivly anticipating this effect kicking off the heat sooner to avoid the temperature overshoot.

One other thing you can do is add closed containers of water to the incubator, these will act to store heat and even out any temperature fluctuations and slow down the cycling. Rocks or metal work too but are not as good at storing heat as water.

That makes sence I was pretty frustrated with it I thought I had tried everything but thanks to you guys I have new knowledge today I will test it and if I can get it to hold steady I will be putting my first batch of eggs in the Bator I'm really excited thank you so much!

 

[QCFChicks]

Quote:
I agree I had most everything at home all I had to buy was the hot water heater thermostat $10 and a hydrometer/thermometer combo from wall mart $8 the only thing I can say about doing it this way is that you can't just plug it in and expect it to work you will(as in my case) have to play with it and move stuff around to get it right