Warming "Cooler" as an incubator

[sbarab]

Has anyone ever attempted to convert one of these warming "coolers" into a bator?

http://houston.craigslist.org/grd/1593578189.html

I know that the description says it heats 110 degrees, but maybe the thermostat could be regulated?

 

[CoopCrazy]

I havent heard of it .. But would love to see how it turns out.. Also if you add a fan it may make it stay a lil cooler..

 

[Keri78]

You will need your heat source to come from the top(like a Mama hen) this way the chicks can get out from under it too if they need a break. This cooler is also divided into sections which wouldn't work. A rubbermaid storage tote and a heat lamp will do the trick...if they are indoors with no drafts you may be able to use a reg light bulb and get the temp to 95degrees. Someone on here just told me to buy a "Heat Emitter" bulb used for reptiles...they give off heat but not light so your babies can sleep at night and wake in the morning with natural lighting rather than sleeping under a ligthbulb! I LOVE this tip!!! I'm going to be putting my brooder together this week and I'm going to petsmart to pick up my new bulb! Blessings, Keri

 

[sbarab]

I didn't think about the heat issue. I happened to see this item on CL and was curious if anyone had tried. I didn't buy the cooler.

 

[ParadisePoultry]

Keri, I think the OP was talking about turning the cooler into an incubator, not a brooder...

 

[ParadisePoultry]

IDK, I think if you were going to spend 80 dollars on something, you'd be better off making your own bator. I guess it would work if you could figure out how to regulate the thermostat.

 

[deek248]

i'm using one just like it right now!But I yanked the heating/cooling element out after a week of trying to get it to hold temp steady. Added a 30w light bulb, computer fan, and a Velleman temp. controller. holding rock steady now @ 99.5

link to the Velleman controller from a very crafty guy across the pond:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=33362

 

[sbarab]

Sounds like it would be just as good to use an oldstyle cooler. Thanks for the feedback!