This is going to be a REALLY stupid question....

[Barbeque]

and I'll realize it after I post it. But as for now, I am perplexed.
Why (for a chicken egg incubator) can't I have a high-wattage light bulb(gets up to 99.5 degrees or w/e is needed for chicks) and a small cup of water in a container that is sealed, along with a thermometer that reads temp and humidity, rotate the eggs 3 times a day myself, and watch them carefully? Why will this not work? Would it? xD

 

[sourland]

It will work if you are able to maintain the proper temperature and humidity; however, it is almost an impossibility. Homemade incubators work on the same principle. Do a search, there are several threads on the topic.

 

[klf73]

can't be sealed, needs fresh oxygen

 

[Barbeque]

Ahh, okay!
Will a standard light bulb work?

 

[fishfarmer]

If you mean incandescent, then yes, it will work. Those newer spiral fluorescent don't produce enough heat.

 

[bigdaddyabc]

I built a bator last night and have eggs in it today. Foam cooler, cut out and latex caulk a picture frame to see in. small fan to move the air. THERMOSTAT AND HYGROMETER!! A GOOD ONE!! small bowl of water, and a DIMMER screw in socket to adjust heat. I have kept it between 99.2 and 99.9 really easy all day. started with a 60 w, but only need a 25 at about 1/2 power to get the heat right. Had to add a sponge to get the humidity right. It has held temp for over 48 hours now, and no problems. I will let you know how it hatches though! It is my first time!! I just made something I understood afte reading about the diff plans on the forum.

Rob

 

[rebecky1305]

And by the way, on this forum there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you don't ask, you don't learn!

 

[Backyard Farm]

well... that is basically what you need.
just getting the elements of heat and humidity to be consistant can be ..shall we say.. challenging. Also, most inexpensive digital thermometers and hygrometers are pretty inaccurate.

 

[mrbstephens]

Here's mine:

I used this as a model:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1996-chic-chick-bator

And I made an egg turner. I'm on lockdown with my first hatch!

 

[Barbeque]

I just can't afford everything.
Or anything, it seems. ):
I can't convince my mom to let me get eggs. she says 7 chicks is plenty for now!