Well, I wanted to raise my own ducks, although I know I could have bought them cheaper and easier, this seemed important parental step for some reason. So Here is my Ghetto Incubator.
After searching for a cooler, I gave up and did the insulation ducktape project. Inside my insulation box I have a basket with a good layer of vermiculite. What you dont plant eggs you say? Well vermiculite is soft cushy and an incredible incubator. Plus helps maintain humidity levels. I currently have 3 temperature / humidity gauges in there. Why, well, I put one in, thought I better check it and the second was different, so I added a 3rd. All 3 are less than degree apart, but still.
The heating system is a light bulb. I am testing this in terracotta pots, the idea was to add some thermal mass, thereby giving off heat more consistently, but it appears the temperature controller does a better job of it. Next to this I have a small bowel of water and a sponge for humidity. This I put into a clear container, to make it easier to carry and hold the wiring. Clear so I can keep an eye on the controller.
I bought a willhi temperature controller eventually on ebay. Its a popular choice for home brewing, home incubators and other home temperature projects. Wiring this things was ... lets say not as straight forward as it could. Note to their marketing department, why prewire this thing? Its set up to switch the light-bulb on when the temperature on top of the vermiculite gets less than 37 degrees and switch it off at 38 degrees Celsius. The ideal temperature for incubation being 37.5. The vermiculite should hardly change temps at all. I do need to open this to turn the eggs, but considering putting them in a eggbox and being able to do this in seconds. I think I may need a blanket over the top or something for a extra layer of insulation, at the same time, turning eggs needs to be quick and efficient. Baring power failure, I think I am on the right track.
The weather is really looking up. 6 degrees in forecast for tomorrow and then dropping again but back up on the weekend. we should hopefully get to season positive on a daily basis after that. It be much needed as I have some plants by then to plant out in the cold frame.
Post Note. OK the thermal mass is in the wrong place. I switched things a little adding a PC fan to improve circulation and removed the ceramic pots that bulb is in. Then added a brick under the eggs for thermal mass and trying again.
This worked really well and my temperature is now maintained within 1 degree. Again, thermal mass (aka bricks) under the eggs and away from the heat. Fan near the heat source (bulb) and away from the mass. The heat source bulb is much lower wattage worked better as well. No insulation around the eggs. A bowel with a sponge for humidity. I did have to arrange the temperature probe to be near the eggs and at about the same height or level. On 3 different thermometers this combination kept the temp within 1 degree Celsius. Even when opening it briefly to "turn the eggs". I guess, the principal here was trust the Wilhi temperature controller to maintain the temp at the source. dont add thermal mass near it. This is opposite of what you do in winter to warm coop.
Post Note. OK the thermal mass is in the wrong place. I switched things a little adding a PC fan to improve circulation and removed the ceramic pots that bulb is in. Then added a brick under the eggs for thermal mass and trying again.
This worked really well and my temperature is now maintained within 1 degree. Again, thermal mass (aka bricks) under the eggs and away from the heat. Fan near the heat source (bulb) and away from the mass. The heat source bulb is much lower wattage worked better as well. No insulation around the eggs. A bowel with a sponge for humidity. I did have to arrange the temperature probe to be near the eggs and at about the same height or level. On 3 different thermometers this combination kept the temp within 1 degree Celsius. Even when opening it briefly to "turn the eggs". I guess, the principal here was trust the Wilhi temperature controller to maintain the temp at the source. dont add thermal mass near it. This is opposite of what you do in winter to warm coop.
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