trying to build a incubator but still have questions

[taprock]

I've read all I could and looked at lots of pictures so now I'm going to try and build my own. My few questions

Do I need a thermostat if I regulate the temp through the size of the light and vents? Or is it a must.
For those that hand turn the eggs, is the heat loss of opening the incubator up a problem?
Can I collect eggs from outside- cold- this time of year, will they hatch after being cold?
Any idea on putting in Guinea eggs? I have never seen incubation temp and days for them?

Thanks for any advice. We want to hatch some specific breed chicks this spring and this will be a test run of some hopefully cute mutts.

 

[Robo]

A thermostat will make your life a lot easier and it will be more reliable. Guinea eggs incubate at 99.5* and take 28 days. The auto turner will save you a lot of time and temperature loss is a big problem if the fan blows the air out. I had to change my design because of it. They will still hatch if cold.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Quote:
Good info- I 2nd what he said!

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
Its been done for years without thermostats.

Quote:
Only if you leave it open for longer than 24 hours. The internal temperature of the egg isn't going to change much in the 30 seconds that you have the incubator open to roll the eggs over. This is the reason why you wait 24 hours before counting your first day when setting eggs.

Quote:
Set them on the counter, pointy side down, and allow them to return to room temperature before setting them in the incubator.

Quote:
Click Here

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Quote:
Yes an no.... If you have a home that the temp never changes then you can build a incubator without a thermostat but it will take constant watching. If the house temp changes any you need a thermostat. If it changes more than 5 degrees then you also need a fan.