If you’re like me, you’ve probably been pondering about starting your own backyard chicken flock. Not only are chickens fun and entertaining to watch, but they are a great way to get fresh eggs daily. And if you’re incubating your own eggs, you can hatch chicks all year long! In this post, I’m going to share with you how to build your very own chicken egg incubator for less than $15. Let’s get started!
How to Build a DIY Incubator
incubators are all the rage, and for good reason. They provide a fun and easy way to hatch your own run of chicks. But while they are certainly not cheap, they are also not hard to make. With a little bit of sweat equity, you can have your own DIY incubator up and running in no time at all. The most important thing to remember is that an incubator must be able to maintain a constant temperature. This can be achieved by using a variety of different materials, such as Styrofoam, cardboard, or even Wool. The key is to insulate the material well so that heat loss is minimized. In addition, the incubator must have a reliable source of heat, such as an electric bulb or a candle. Once these two requirements are met, the rest is simply a matter of construction. With a little bit of creativity, you can easily build an incubator that will serve you well for many years to come.
Materials:
- Styrofoam cooler
- Electric bulb
- Cord
- Thermostat
- Cardboard
- Tape
- Scissors
- Wool or other insulation material
Instructions:
1. Cut a hole in the top of the Styrofoam cooler for the electric bulb. The hole should be big enough to allow the bulb to screw in snugly.
2. Cut a second hole in the side of the cooler for the cord. This hole should be large enough to accommodate the cord without it being too tight.
3. Tape the edges of both holes with duct tape to create a seal. This will help to prevent heat loss from the incubator.
4. Place the electric bulb in the hole and screw it in.
5. Feed the cord through the hole and plug it into an outlet.
6. Place the thermostat on the side of the cooler and set it to the desired temperature.
7. Cover the inside of the cooler with cardboard. This will help to reflect heat back into the incubator and prevent eggs from rolling around.
8. Line the bottom of the cooler with wool or another insulation material. This will help to keep the temperature constant and prevent hot spots from forming.
9. Place your eggs in the incubator and wait for them to hatch!
Read More: How To Hatch Happy Chicks
Things to Remember:
1. The incubator must be able to maintain a constant temperature in order to be successful.
2. Use a variety of different materials to insulate the cooler, such as Styrofoam, cardboard, or wool.
3. Make sure the electric bulb is the correct size for the hole you have cut. Otherwise, heat loss will occur.
4. Be sure to set the thermostat to the correct temperature before adding your eggs.
5. Check on your eggs regularly to make sure they are not over-heating or drying out.
6. When your eggs hatch, remove them from the incubator and place them in a brooder box.
7. Keep an eye on the temperature and humidity of the brooder box to ensure your chicks are comfortable.
8. Provide your chicks with food and water, and watch them grow!
Troubleshooting
If you find that your eggs are not hatching, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure the temperature in the incubator is constant. Second, check the humidity level and make sure it is not too high or too low. Third, make sure your eggs are not rolling around inside the incubator. Fourth, check to see if the electric bulb is screwed in snugly. Fifth, make sure the cord is plugged in securely. If all of these things are checked and your eggs still are not hatching, it is possible that they were infertile to begin with. Try again with a new batch of eggs and see if you have more luck.
Hatching chicks is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple instructions, you can have your own DIY incubator up and running in no time at all. Good luck, and enjoy your new chicks!
Final Thought
Building your own incubator is a great way to save money, and it can be a fun project as well. With a little bit of creativity, you can easily build an incubator that will serve you well for many years to come. Good luck, and enjoy your new chicks!
