window screen in home made incubator? And front glass window instead of top?

[8isenuff]

I'm making my first jncubator...quite nervous about the whole thing...but my current question, is: if i have a metal support grate over the water reservoir, can i wrap it in window screen material? So the chicks can't fall through... will that allow enough air flow?

ALSO: Will a front/side window work? All the ones I have seen are on the top...but this will be up on a countertop and my little kids will want to see in....ALL the time I'm sure, so I'm thinking about putting a window on the front of the ice chest...so they can just walk up and be eye level with it...any reason why this won't work? Can I do both or will that allow too much heat to escape? I could do two small windows instead of one medium sized one?

 

[dheltzel]

Most incubators use 1/4 inch hardware cloth. You can get it at most hardware stores. It allows plenty of circulation and is stiffer/stronger than window screen. The eggs and chicks weigh more that screen can handle in some cases, depending on how your 'grate" is set up.

 

[8isenuff]

I have some, but it has 1/2" holes and that just seems to big.....?

 

[dheltzel]

I have some, but it has 1/2" holes and that just seems to big.....?

Agreed. The local hardware stores around here sell it by the foot. That will solve the issue nicely. Even the $1000 commercial incubators usually use that. Tried and true.

 

[8isenuff]

ALSO: Will a front/side window work? All the ones I have seen are on the top...but this will be up on a countertop and my little kids will want to see in....ALL the time I'm sure, so I'm thinking about putting a window on the front of the ice chest...so they can just walk up and be eye level with it...any reason why this won't work? Can I do both or will that allow too much heat to escape? I could do two small windows instead of one medium sized one?

 

[dheltzel]

As you mentioned, the downside of windows is less insulating value. If you use double panes, or add a piece of movable insulation, that will help, or just size the heater a bit more and accept the slightly higher electric costs. I've thought about building a "hatcher" incubator (for just the last 3 days of lockdown) in an old aquarium, placing foam insulation around it that I can remove as I wish. Maybe even a foam box I can put over it most of the time and remove it when I'm there and looking at it. Still thinking on that.

 

[lghrnlvr]

I have built 2 incubator out of Styrofoam coolers and both had side windows. I have to keep my incubator up high, out of my dogs reach, so a side window was my best option. I didn't have any issues with the temp.

 

[8isenuff]

Thanks, both of you, and good ideas. I have some foam board i can cut to size to fill in when not viewing...

 

[donrae]

I was watching some great you tube videos about building a home made incubator--this guy has it down to a science! I noticed some of his had two smaller windows. They were both on top, but I can't imagine having one on the side would make any difference. I think it's a great idea--keep kids from climbing up on the counter to see in the top!

 

[8isenuff]

What about a deflector in front if the light? Necessary for light or heat control?