Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi; I'm starting a new project and need some tips on getting my incubator up to speed. What I have is a homemade styrofoam cooler with a plastic pan inside to hold water, a fish tank heater, and a pan of vermiculite.

So, should there be holes in the lid for ventillation, or not? Should I just keep a condensation diverter over the eggs, and not worry about internal condensation, or is this of concern? What is the best substrate and egg box design.

I was thinking of upgrading to a large plastic cooler, but may need a little direction to get it right, if that's a better way to go!

Thanx in advance!

Freight

I use a Hovabator I got from a feed store. It was 40 bucks but that was a few years ago. I then hook a helix controller onto it to control temps as I dont trust the Incubator's control system. I then basically fill it with Sphagnum moss. I also cover the eggs with it. Its light enough to let the eggs breath all around and you dont have to worry about water dripping onto the eggs. Sphagnum is also mildly acidic so it deters mold and fungus growth.

Keith
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Funny you say that about sphagnum, as I use it sometimes for my turtles, but try to avoid it for the really moist setups, as it grows mold quicker than other substrates. A few people on the other forums don't really seem to use a formal incubator, and instead just use sweater boxes, some in fish tanks, and some on the shelf. Do you think the setup matters alot as long as the temps and moisture are correct?

By the way, the little guy i got from you is doing great! He's a real sweetie, but sometimes gets a bit too excited when i feed him and grabs me intead!

Freight

I think mold or fungus will grown on anything with turtles on it . The difference is that you wont have any waste product going into the Moss. Ive incubated eggs on it for awhile now and have had great success. There is nothing wrong with vermiculite but I like keep the eggs covered as to retain more moisture and keep water from dripping on them.

Keith
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That makes plenty of sense to cover them as a form of protection from dripping. Its funny, it seems that everyone has their own little twists to incubation. Many of the ideas are very similar, but lots of little ingenious ideas for taking extra good care of those precious little eggs!

Thanx

Freight