Posted by:
zefdin
at Sun Apr 1 16:06:02 2007 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by zefdin ]
Nice snakes, I would be careful and not risk them to save a dollar or two.
Havobators will hold only like two maybe three (depending on size) clutches.
More importantly, I believe , is that you buy a top notch controller for the incubator. I would recommend a Helix or (I use)a HerpStat. This will allow you to maintain them at EXACTLY the right temp. consistantly.
I only breed 1 to 3 clutches per year and I use a Havobator. A couple things about them you may want to know, if this is the direction you go in.
First, they come with a "Static Wafer" type heat controller. I would recommend stabilizing the incubator (no eggs inside) with this first, only I do this at a couple degrees higher than the 89 recommended for Ball eggs. I then plug the heating element into the HerpStat controller and stabilize it at 89 degrees. This way you kind of have a fail-safe in place if the HerpStat goes haywire (which it wont).
Second, the Havobators have tiny holes for breathing in them. 1 bigger one on top in the center, plus 6 or 8 more underneath. I plugged mine up on the outside with duct tape. You can open the lid every several days and get some fresh air inside. These holes made my temps fluctuate like crazy and drove me crazy till I spotted them. They are very small indeed. This come sback to your question about the temperature of the room you keep them in. As close to 89 degrees as possible would be best, but drafts are the real killer IMHO. I place a light, breathable terry cloth towel over the top to try and eliminate the drafts.
Third, watch out for water drops accumulating on the underside of the Havobator lid and dripping on your eggs. I take a large tupperware bottom, no lid, inverted it and cut all but the four corners out and placed it over the eggs like a pavillion. This eliminated that problem.
Good luck,
Alan
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RE: Advice on incubators and incubating - zefdin, Sun Apr 1 16:06:02 2007