Styrofoam Forced Air Egg Incubator v 2.0

Step 11: Candle for viability after 4-5 days

By 4-5 days of incubation, veining should be visible through the shell of a light-shelled egg, if you have a bright enough light. I use a Mag-lite. Handle gently and make it quick - while I have personally seen broody hens get up and wander off for a bite, a drink and a stretch for up to 15 minutes at a go (and the eggs survive this neglect), you don't want to let them cool off too much.

At the time of this writing, I have successfully hatched a single duck egg in this incubator (his name is Sherman and he has gone back to the farm to live). I now have 14 chicken eggs in it, with a hatching date of July 30.

Comments

[CC Switchblade]

Would it matter if you put the lamp and fan on the lid vs the side?

[chotii]

I think the important thing is to have the light bulb not touch the window, the walls, or the lid. The higher the bulb, the more the air will have to be forced back down to where the eggs are. Whatever else you do, make sure the temperature is stabilized at as close to 99.5 for at least a day inside your 'water wiggler' on top of an egg carton or however you choose to incubate the eggs *before* you put any eggs in. The temperature near the lid will always be higher as the heat rises significantly.

I have never tried putting the bulb on the lid.I can't think of a good reason not to.

[amioten]

I like this instructable because since i made one of these i made over 40 chickens and still hatching ducks!!!!!

[Chicken Spit]

You've only done one duck? Wouldn't it make sense to hatch as many as you can even if you just sell them? I'm definitely going to make one of these. I and a neighbor have been discussing buying one to share but this would be so much more convenient and cost effective. Thankyou very much!

[shelly123987]

Thank you so much for this instuctable! I am so glad that i found this site.
I have been looking for a 'how to' on making a cheap incubator, and this is just perfect! I think i am going to make this (i just have to ask my dad, but i think he will say yes). Thank you for putting pictures up with your step by step instuctions, if you didnt then i would be very lost.
Beautiful job, keep up the good work!

[chotii]

You're very welcome. the first one I made, working from less detailed instructions / zero pictures, took me HOURS. I hope this will only take you a couple of hours, and not cost much.