quick advise on incubator set-up

[rosco]

the interior dimensions of the cooler are 21"x15.5"x10" (l x w x h).

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/44938_dscf2209.jpg

Ii've got the egg basket to the right, with the water/sponge under them.
a 60W bulb in the center with "hot water heater thermostat" over the wiring portion of the bulb and a fan blowing directly onto the bulb, in the direction of the thermostat.

my question is whether this set up is optimal for the dimensions of the bator.

1). is the sponge under the eggs and far from the heat okay?
2). is the fan blowing on the bulb cool?
3). is the thermostat behind the bulb in the direction of the fan cool?

THX!

 

[rosco]

K.

here is the system in place. now, where do i Put the water? I've placed it on the wall closest to me when i took the picture in the middle of the incubator. will post photo in next reply


Top View:

side view:

THX to all who give a shout from experience!

Rosco

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

Have you tested and adjusted the temps yet? That is what I would do first. Then try different size containers in different areas until you get the humidity like you want it. It would be easier to take care of the temps, then work on getting your humidity right.

In my homemade incubator I use one container during incubation to keep the humidity at about 50%, then I put a slightly larger container the last 3 days(at lock-down) to raise the humidity to 60% for hatching.

 

[deerman]

Water surface control the % of humidity not where you place it in a incubator with a fan...... larger the area of water surface, higher the humdity.

 

[Billy7871]

I think you did a great job on you bator. I wouldn't change anything. I would make sure your thermometer is accurate by checking it with others. place water anywhere you wish. I got some 3/4 inch hose and ran it in to my bowl so I could fill it with having to open the bator.

 

[rosco]

Here is finised bator. it is warming up. Boy, that was quick.

TOP VIEW:

SIDE VIEW:

If anyone experienced in DIY Bators has a suggestiion, let me know.

I've a question: Incubate with large end up or on their sides (as in a natural nest)?

 

[rosco]

ALL -

Hey, thanks.

the thermostat will be set to the wall thermometer. the wall thermometer is standardized with human thermometer through side port at egg level.

i use the sponge in the bowl to keep ~55% RH and then take it out at day 16-17 to increase it to ~80RH.

yeah, i'm too anxious of a person to open the bator during incubation so i put the same two gadget is to alleviate any opening of the bator. a drinking straw to feed the water bow and that "wire/paint stirrer/object" to turn the eggs.

this is my second hatch. I upsized the incubator so it can serve as a place for them to stay the first few days post "eggdom." the smaller one was easier to maintain conditions. or i imagine it will.

Thanks again all.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

I used a stryoform cooler as well but I put a wire floor about an 1 1/2 off the bottom and put my light bulb and fan on one end. Under the floor I use a pan to hold the water and use a tube through the side wall to add water without opening the bator. The more surface area you have the higher humidity you can reach. I have since switched to a plactic pan because the cheap aluminum pan rusted after one use.

 

[Daidohead]

Looks great. The only thing I see that may be an issue is not haveing a heat shield on your bulb. the radiant heat can cause your thermostat to get a little squirrelly. The thermostat being that close to the heat source reacts to the radiant heat more than the air temp. A heat shield of some type will fix that if you find it's a problem.

 

[rosco]

4-H CHicken Mom,

Have you used the bator before and had success?

i had a wire floor in the last bator. THis time i took the old hardware cloth and made a cage around the fan and heat source.

- r