Suggestions for ICU incubator?

[Sheriloo3]

Hi all!

I have had a couple situations where a baby is not doing great but the incubator is currently housing siblings or other eggs so its not the best environment for a sick baby. I have been thinking it would be a good idea to have an ICU incubator on hand for future emergencies.

I've been looking at ICU incubators and wanted to get some suggestions. The Brinsea cabinet style models are what I'm thinking but I don't want to sped Brinsea money if its not needed. I have 2 dome style incubators already but wanted to get something a little bigger, in case I have a bigger chick that needs more space or a chick thats gonna be in there for a while.

What are collective thoughts on something like a reptile incubator? Still a cabinet style with a glass door but for a fraction of the price of a Brinsea. They seem to be similar but I'm not sure about ventilation? I have read about a ton of different ones but none of them say anything about air exchange. Do reptiles need air when they are incubating? I have to assume so but I have no idea.

Anyway, if some of you wouldn't mind chiming in and letting my know your thoughts on ICU incubator/brooders, that would be awesome. Just one of those things that has been on my mind.

I've lost a couple chicks that I could possibly have saved, had I had the right tools. Maybe not, but at least if I had the right stuff, I would feel better about my efforts. Its one of those "knowledge versus tools" situations. I have the know how to help but I don't have the tools to carry it out. Here are some pics of the style I'm looking at but if you think something would be better, let me know!

 

[Rooster G]

I like gqf: http://www.gqfmfg.com/brooders/0534-universal-box-brooder/

 

[333113]

I use a clear plastic box (file box or larger--I use a 24x18x15 inch high storage box), take the lid off, line with paper towels, put a piece of wire over the top (a necessary feature in my household, because I have cats), and set a brooder light at one end. Add water and food. Can also put a thermometer in to monitor temperature, but be aware that the battery-operated thermometers will absorb radiant heat and give a falsely high reading. This makes a great emergency brooder or "hospital" brooder. Older chicks may not need the light, just a quiet place to rest and recuperate.

 

[Sheriloo3]

I use a clear plastic box (file box or larger--I use a 24x18x15 inch high storage box), take the lid off, line with paper towels, put a piece of wire over the top (a necessary feature in my household, because I have cats), and set a brooder light at one end. Add water and food. Can also put a thermometer in to monitor temperature, but be aware that the battery-operated thermometers will absorb radiant heat and give a falsely high reading. This makes a great emergency brooder or "hospital" brooder. Older chicks may not need the light, just a quiet place to rest and recuperate.
View attachment 2338401

I like this idea. Less of an incubator and more of an individual brooder. I like the heat plates better than the light though, so I might see about investing in another smaller heat plate for my smaller brooder.
Thank you for the idea!

 

[333113]

I like this idea. Less of an incubator and more of an individual brooder. I like the heat plates better than the light though, so I might see about investing in another smaller heat plate for my smaller brooder.
Thank you for the idea!

Yes, I have used a small heater plate (Brinsea) also. I like that better than the light, too. But I have to replace the cord, due to an unnamed puppy (she knows she was wrong! And, thankfully, has now outgrown chewing stage...I hope!)