how to build an incubator?

[your_only_nightmare]

hey there, i was wondering, can anyone here tell me how to build and incubator, and what it takes to keep the eggs nice and healthy. also a rough price guide. i think my eggs will be due in a month, since most website say they will lay between 1-2 months, so i think ill have a month, thanx for any help you give
!!

 

[vanderkm]

While some people incubate in their snake room if the room temperature averages 82-85 degrees, we use a basic cooler, with water in the bottom, heated by an aquarium heater. A shelf made of 'egg crate' (plastic ceiling tile cut to size) is supported above the water and the egg boxes are placed on that.

We use a no-substrate method of incubation - just set the eggs in ziplock containers on a peice of egg crate. There is some damp vermiculite below the eggs, but they do not sit in the substrate.

The water at the bottom keeps the temperture stable at 83 degrees and the humidity is saturated. Works very well with great hatch rates. We just run a temp probe into the egg boxes to monitor temperature.

cooler with thermometer and heater cord going in

inside - heater is submerged at front, 4 egg boxes on raised egg crate

Cost is about $40 for the largest size cooler, $50 for the heater and $5 for a sheet of egg crate from the local hardware

mary v.

 

[your_only_nightmare]

thanks for that, it was alot of help, seems quite simple to set up aswell

 

[MooreSnakes]

You could order a HovaBator incubator, which i have heard work pretty well, but i don't know anything distributors in London . . .
:twoguns: :madeuce:

 

[your_only_nightmare]

i know livefoods sell them but im just loooking if i could make one for cheaper, so that i have more oney for the hatchlings. but if i cant make one for cheaper theni will get one :crazy02:

 

[Sedda]

what do you use to heat up the incubator (cooler)?

 

[french6]

what do you use to heat up the incubator (cooler)?

aquarium heater

 

[ickle_moose]

What does 'the humidity is saturated' mean? You don't have to mist inside the eggboxes? I've read there's meant to be a light fog on the top of the boxes, with your incubator does that just take care of itself?

 

[vanderkm]

As long as the lid of the cooler is closed, the temperature of the water is warm enough that all the air in the cooler is saturated with water - the egg boxes have holes in them and so the air within them is virtually saturated as well. There is a fine mist on the surfaces when you open the box. This can be an issue for python eggs that may be damaged by water drops on them, but seems to work fine for corns. I never have to mist in the egg box, I do occasionally have to top up the waer in the cooler, but rarely open the cooler except near hatch time,

mary v.

 

[Gintha]

Do you have the electrical component of the heater submerged in the water?

 

[vanderkm]

Yes it is, these Ebo Jager heaters are not recommended by the manufacturer for full submersion, but everyone I have spoken to has indicated that they can be fully submerged. I have done it for several years now with no problems, but I always unplug the heater before putting my hands (or anything else) into the water. Beware that I do not recommend that anyone else submerge these!! If you choose to do so, it is at your own risk - at the very least it will void your warranty on the heater. I would perfer to have them upright, but the cooler structure is not high enough. There are other heater brands that are fully submersible, but I don't find any others are as accurate for temperature control.

mary v.

 

[Porky]

Heres my ghetto free incubator I made for the unexpected leo eggs

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Oh ya, does the brown stuff on them mean mold? Does that mean they are dead? First time incubator

 

[idontknow]

well here some i saw on a members site a while back. it in the DIY section. but heres the direct link

 

[darkpilatus]

Incubator troubleshooting

The incubator that vanderkim uses is a good one the only thing you need to be aware of is the electrical cords going into the cooler itself. Many people dont know this but electricity should be treated in much the same way as a water in a hose, DO NOT CRIMP THE ELECTRICAL WIRE. Becareful closing the lid on the cord this can become a hazard. Another good setup is using all the same equipment but using large styrofoam coolers. Anyway hope that helps a little more.