What type of incubator should i get?

[BackYardQuail]

What type of incubator should I get to hatch cot. Eggs? My budget is between $100 and $150. I almost bought a Farm Innovators one from TSC until I read the reviews... So what do you guys think?

 

[Quail Jailer]

You can build a better unit at home for 50 bucks than you could buy for 100

All you really need is a couple light bulbs I use 15 or 25 watt either will work fine

wired through a GQF wafer thermostat 25 bucks

A old computer fan, and a 12 volt dc output ac adapter (back of your closet)

and a cooler, I like the real thick ones they ship frozen foods in.

watch a few homemade incubator videos

put all that crap together in nearly any configuration

get some water and some sponges and hatch chicks.

This of course is a little over simplified, but not much.

look at my post about how to calibrate a cheap thermometer.

and use the rest of your money to buy eggs, preferably from me.

 

[BackYardQuail]

You can build a better unit at home for 50 bucks than you could buy for 100

All you really need is a couple light bulbs I use 15 or 25 watt either will work fine

wired through a GQF wafer thermostat 25 bucks

A old computer fan, and a 12 volt dc output ac adapter  (back of your closet)

and a cooler, I like the real thick ones they ship frozen foods in.

watch a few  homemade incubator videos

put all that crap together in nearly any configuration

get some water and some sponges and  hatch chicks.

This of course is a little over simplified, but not much.

look at my post about how to calibrate a cheap thermometer.

and use the rest of your money to buy eggs, preferably from me.

I wanted to make my own but I got a little scared, I don't want to spend $50 on a home made incubator that either won't work, will have spikes in the temp/humidity, or will have a horrible hatch rate...

 

[Quail Jailer]

Dont be afraid, thats what the thermostat is for. Dont waste money on anything else get a GQF wafer thermostat and that thing will hold temp

inside 1 degree. what part of the world do you live?

 

[BackYardQuail]

I live in Florida USA. Could you PM me with a list of stuff I need to make one? Also how do you turn your eggs?

 

[Quail Jailer]

We're neighbors, I'm in Georgia. I used to live in Florida while I was attending flight school.

Yes we'll get in touch and I'll try to help you.

I'm a little busy just now but I'll make it a priority.

 

[BackYardQuail]

Alright, thanks! I'm in no hurry so you can take your time.

 

[Quail Jailer]

You know, I just thought if I take you through it step by step right here, others will be able to refer to it, you game?

First think about how large a machine you want to build, consider space requirements for eggs and at least one vessel of water (I use scissors and trim a soda can so that i can stand a sponge in it with about 1/3 of the sponge protruding from top)

Also youll want room for a couple thermometers, so plan on some extra space.

Obtain a vessel, Coolers are easiest, and recommended because after you see how well this one works you'll want something different
and rebuild it to suit you better. I like the thick ones they ship frozen foods in.

Meanwhile be scrounging anything that you think you can use hardware cloth, (in case you want a wire floor or covers to keep chicks out of the spinning bits and such)

Either a double light fixture if you're handy enough to modify it or two standard sockets from the hardware store, probably 2.50 - 3.00 each.

(use two in case you have a bulb failure while you're away)

a good heavy power cord, old toaster oven, space heater, blow dryer etc

computer fan AC adapter with as close to 12 volts DC output as you can get (most fans are 12 volt some are 24 or different you may have to adjust adapter needs as necessary)

Google wafer thermostat and order one from somewhere, sometimes you can find them cheaper than direct from Georgia quail farm, but maybe not.
We can work on the rest while its coming

if you want a window find some plexiglass, or better yet if your box has it already.

Get some of this together starting with the vessel (cooler) and yell at me here and tell me what you have.

Don't just sit there...Go!

 

[BackYardQuail]

Thanks, I'll start building it some time this upcoming week. Will be very busy for several days. How much will this finished project cost?

 

[BackYardQuail]

Okay so I went out right now (I got a couple hours to waste) and bought a huge 46 quart cooler, 2 computer fans since the cooler is so big, plexiglass for a viewing window,a turkey tray with some shelf liner to make a bottom like this guy did (skip to like 8:20 to see what I'm talking about), a light bulb socket, and 2, 30 watt light bulbs. Would you lead me through the process of making it? also how do I connect the fans to a power source?