Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm thinking of buying a Big Apple incubator and was hoping to get some feedback good or bad from people who have owned or used them before making my purchase. Thanks in advance!

I havent used theirs, however, from looking at it and checking the demensions, I would be afraid I couldnt fit that many clutches of eggs into those trays. Especially if they were stuck together, because they arent that tall and the whole thing isnt that big overall. Also, I have no idea how the thing works, but I would want to use a digital Herpstat or Helix to conrol my incubator. For $650 bucks, you can make one very, seriously nice incubator that can hold many, many clutches from an old refrigerator or soda/wine cooler, thats for sure. They arent that hard to make. All you need is an insulated box like a refridge or cooler, some flexwatt with electrical cord attached, a PC fan and a high end controller.

Dont get me wrong, I like Big Apple and i have ordered from them a few times. Their staff was always nice and checked into questions I had instead of just winging it. I got my merchandise quickly and in good condition. But I would make an incubator for $300 and put the other $350 back in the bank if I were you.

I can paint a mean house, but I really have no business using tools. Besides I take care of my 17-month daughter and need to give her my undivided attention. I'd be happy to pay someone locally to build me one. I'm located in the bay area of California.

I would do it for you for a six pack of good beer, however, I am on the east coast. Look for plans on here and on peoples websites, then hire someone local to make it. You can buy the controller yourself online. You can get an old refridge cheap because it doesnt have to even work, you just want the inside and the door. You can check at a local resteraunt supply store and get a cooler for soda like corner stores have, This will give you a glass door which is nice. I made one from an Omaha Steak cooler, but it only holds 4-6 clutches and thats good for me. How many clutches are you planning on raising? That will dictate what you need. Best of luck.

I'd like for the incubator to be big enough for at least 10 clutches, but preferably 20.

for that number of clutches you'd need a fairly large fridge, like maybe an old burnt out chest freezer. But seriously, it is RIDICULOUSLY simple to make your own incubator. It's literally just hooking up some heat tape, attaching a good thermostat, and *maybe* adding a computer fan to keep the temps constant throughout the thing. Most would recommend a fan, but I've heard of plenty of people going without it. I've heard of people setting up a cooler to house a few clutches in an emergency and have it up and running in an hour.

I love the one I have had for 2 seasons. I use mine for the last 2 weeks of incubation thru first shed. I transfer from 2 larger incubators. If you don't need something bigger -- GET ONE!!!
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Bill Buchman