Homemade incubator help please :)

[MrsC]

Hi

Well my son and I have set out project which is making a homemade incubator. Picked up 2 polysterene boxes from Freegle (the type you get fish or meat in) about the size of a A4 paper box you get in an office etc. What's next?

This is what I understand from various google searches:

I have weldmesh to put at the bottom.
Container for water for humidity.
I know I need to put vent holes in.
Do I need a viewing panel and if so what is the best material and is it better at the top or the side?
Where is the best place to get a temperature/hygrometer thingy, Ebay?
Which are the best bulbs to use, can I use a desk lamp?

My son hopes to take this into school as part of his eco-committe work etc.

Thanks

Sue

[davefromthechipie]

Hi sue
You can save some cash building your own thermostat
This is tryed and tested River Cottage Community - Make your own incubator

we found using a car lamp better then filament bulbs as they dont blow as much , Using 2 lamps can help this ,yet it maybe too much for a box only A4 size

Just to add the ebay and maplins kit thermos are good ( worked for me ) ,but as they use a relay they are by no means reliable.

[MrsC]

Well I've made it apart from buying the thermometer/hygrometer which I hope to buy tomorrow, it ain't cost a penny. I'm going to give it a go!