So... I want to make a Crock Pot Incubator...

[cavemanrich]

I'm just worried about how a crock pot is not going to overheat and shut off in 3 weeks

First,,,, the crock pot is not going full bore the 3 weeks time. It warms up to 100°F and turns off for a period.
During winter I use 4 mini Crock pots in my winter housing for chickens. They are connected to a dimmer switch circuit. I keep the water at (about finger temperature , guessing 60° to 70°F ).. so it does not freeze. December to March each year. Have not burned out any crock pots yet.
I use these mini ones. I like the way the inserts come out for ez cleaning.

 

[yakitori]

THIS IS SO FRICKING COOL. I'm just worried about how a crock pot is not going to overheat and shut off in 3 weeks

It only switches on for about 30 seconds at a time, then sits in off mode for 1/2 hr to 45mins. The water helps hold the temperature longer. Crock pots are designed to heat for extended periods of time, so being constantly on shouldn’t be an issue.

my major concern is whether it’s too hot. I read that heat kills more easily...

It’s funny, because when I started this, I searched for “chick crock pot”... and well...lets just say it wasnt what I was looking for

 

[yakitori]

I use 4 mini Crock pots in my winter housing for chickens.

What a great idea! I bring out water twice a day for my chickens... lol

 

[cavemanrich]

What a great idea! I bring out water twice a day for my chickens... lol

If you want to know more ,,,,, just ask. I can instruct you to make your own dimmer control, that is safe, and works. Have been using this method for centuries,,, well, not exactly,, but have been keeping chickens as pets over 20 years now. Technically,,,,, used in 20th century and 21st Century

I made a same control device that I use on my large crock pot on my kitchen counter when I make cheese from milk. Milk needs to be at about 90°F+ to sour, and then I curdle it. (next day) and of course strain it thru a cheese cloth.
I make Queso Fresco,, if you are wondering about cheese.

 

[yakitori]

If you want to know more ,,,,, just ask. I can instruct you to make your own dimmer control, that is safe, and works. Have been using this method for centuries,,, well, not exactly,, but have been keeping chickens as pets over 20 years now. Technically,,,,, used in 20th century and 21st Century

I made a same control device that I use on my large crock pot on my kitchen counter when I make cheese from milk. Milk needs to be at about 90°F+ to sour, and then I curdle it. (next day) and of course strain it thru a cheese cloth.
I make Queso Fresco,, if you are wondering about cheese.

Oooh, I have kefir and I’ve made cheese from that before. Goat cheese actually. It all started when i got half a gallon of goat milk and wanted to make goat kefir.... bad idea, the vilest tasting thing ever. So out came the cheese cloth, and I started straining it to make goat cheese. It took a month (forgot about it, lol) but it was delicious on some home made sour dough!

having a temp controller is going to open up so many culinary possibilities, this baby is going to stay busy after this crockpot gig!

 

[yakitori]

If you want to know more ,,,,, just ask. I can instruct you to make your own dimmer control, that is safe, and works.

oh no, it’s 3am and my brain is purusing crazy ideas again. What do you think about an aquarium heater in the chicken waterers for winter?

 

[cavemanrich]

oh no, it’s 3am and my brain is purusing crazy ideas again. What do you think about an aquarium heater in the chicken waterers for winter?

I'm going to hit the hay also....
Aquarium heater would also work, but needs to be usually in an insulated container with horizontal drinking nipples. Vertical nipples usually freeze up in winter.
My method is more versatile, and trouble free. I picked up a handful of the mini crock-pots used for about $4 each.

 

[yakitori]

I'm going to hit the hay also....
Aquarium heater would also work, but needs to be usually in an insulated container with horizontal drinking nipples. Vertical nipples usually freeze up in winter.
My method is more versatile, and trouble free. I picked up a handful of the mini crock-pots used for about $4 each.

darn it, you beat me. I got my 2qt one for $5 Gnite!

 

[yakitori]

4/8 are looking to be infertile...
one with what I believe to have been a meat spot is probably fairly dead.

that leaves 3

I’ll leave the others in there for a few days more, but I’m not hopeful. These eggs are not very dark, and I should be able to see veins by now

 

[Weeg]

4/8 are looking to be infertile...
one with what I believe to have been a meat spot is probably fairly dead.

that leaves 3

I’ll leave the others in there for a few days more, but I’m not hopeful. These eggs are not very dark, and I should be able to see veins by now

Don't give up! I had 2 eggs like that in my bator, (weak looking pale veins,) and they'er doing great now. Strong clear veins with lots of movement. Maybe they'll pull through.