Incubators

[Wyland2222]

  I am sure this topic has already been talked about but I just can't find it...........I have for the first time tried my hand at breeding, bad timing for me, healthwise, won't go into that........however, I have for sure had a lock between my normal and my cinny, at least 1 for sure, maybe more that I missed. So now I need an incubator, I have had advice on making one from a fridge, coolers etc. What I want to do is try to buy one already reliable for my very first one but no one seems to recommend any! Or any websights that have ones that might be in my price range, which is not much, under $100. Any help would be greatly appreciated, yes I know, just because they did lock does not mean for sure eggs but I want to be ready!
 
Trish

[Donnie_K]

That's the problem, finding one under 100. If 100 is all you have to work with, the fridge and flexwatt with a good thermostat such as johnson (yes, I know it's on off, but it's about the best on/off you can buy, and proportionals cost about 120 to start) and a computer fan is the way to go.

Otherwise...

http://www.aveyincubator.com/reptile_cabinet_incubator.htm

[Wyland2222]

Ok well then I wlll have to do what I have to do. I may just call my local reptile guy, he has always come through for me and he may be able to make one for me and he will not charge me an arm and a leg to do so.
Thanks I appreciate it very much.
Trish

[Donnie_K]

They're not hard to make, would be pretty easy to walk you through it.

[Wyland2222]

I have directions to make some, out of old fridges or coolers, the problem is, my surgery is next week and I don't know recovery time for this one, also grandson is here with me, unexpectadly for another week, cutting it very close to when I may be going to surgery.............but tell me what I need or try to talk me through it and I shall see if it is possible for me to get it done...............
Thanks

[Donnie_K]

well, a mini fridge or upright freezer that doesn't work would be ideal as long as it closes and seals properly. You can get a 120mm fan from radioshack that will run on AC, and just mount it at an angle at the top of the fridge pointing down and back to circulate air. Run flexwatt on the inside back and side walls of the fridge, and get a johnson controls thermostat, place the probe right against the flexwatt and run the wire out the door. plug the flexwatt into the thermostat and set it at whatever temp you need. Then you just need a couple of sterilite tubs and some vermiculite

[Wyland2222]

That does not sound so hard to do the way you put it, directions that I have get way involved. But how do you check the eggs if you can not see through the fridge door, or do you just not look until close to hatch time? And what about being sure of humidity? I have no place to put a full size fridge, but could find room for a mini fridge. I way do not undertand flexwatt at all, I use UTH for all my tubs, hooked up to a Johnson Tstat and the temps are always right on. Guess I need to get on craig list or my local freecycle and see if I can find a fridge.
Thanks.
Trish

[Donnie_K]

flexwatt is pretty straight forward, it looks like the defrost on the rear window in your car and it feels like laminated paper. There's 2 metal strips (one run down each side), you have to scrape a little bit of that laminate off on each strip, to solder your plug wire too, it's alot easier than it sounds.

As far as humidity, you'll have to open them and check them obviously, but it's pretty simple. dampen the vermiculite, then squeese the water out of it by hand and put it in the tubs and your humidity will likely be pretty close. you watch the eggs for dimpling if the humidity is too low, and sweating and mold if the humidity is too high. some people put a tub of water at the bottom of the fridge to help with humidity.

[Wyland2222]

Thanks, I guess I need the fridge first in order to know how much flexwatt I will need, my hub can do the electric part of the flexwatt I am sure................was it you that posted a picture of a fridge bator? I remember seeing one on 1 of the forums to get an idea of how it should look but not sure where now..........guess I should have gotten the bator together before I ever started this project. You have been very helpful, thank you.............now to find a fridge.........I have never seen a snake ovulate but seen a picture of one...........um dumb question and I can not for the life of me think straight right now, but how long before the female lays her eggs if she lays at all? I know usually after a shed so I know to watch for that, but how long after, and how long after a lock?
Trish

[Donnie_K]

a lock doesn't garauntee that there will be eggs. but usually ball pythons lay about 60 days after ovulation. I did post a pic of the incubator I used once, but I doubt it's the one you saw, there's alot of people using that general design.