To buy or to build...thoughts?

[LulaBell]

My husband and I are interested in incubation and have been doing some research. We are considering trying to hatch some chicks in the coming year and want to be set up and have the info needed to do it properly. What are your thoughts on building vs. buying an incubator? What in the process of hatching has been successful for you and what has failed? What are your "don't forget" tidbits of info we should keep in mind or think about before starting this journey?

 

[Cyprus]

I built both of my incubators and prefer them over store bought incubators as they can be customized.

I made two fatal mistakes with one hatch. I forgot to turn every day and I had wire mesh on the bottom. I also have hotspots too high to set eggs in with my smaller bator.

 

[LulaBell]

I built both of my incubators and prefer them over store bought incubators as they can be customized.

I made two fatal mistakes with one hatch. I forgot to turn every day and I had wire mesh on the bottom. I also have hotspots too high to set eggs in with my smaller bator.

How did you build yours...did you find plans online or buy a book?

 

[Cyprus]

How did you build yours...did you find plans online or buy a book?

I built both of them from scratch/my head.
One from styrofoam and one from wood.

 

[RosieR]

I built mine but it was a ton of trial and error as I was a total beginner.
I couldn’t justify the cost of buying one but I’m sure it would have been easier to start with.
I’m quite happy with my DIY now that it’s working though!
Mine is made from a plastic cooler, thermostat, lightbulb and a computer fan.
I got ideas from this site and changed it a bit to suit my needs.