Chook Me!

Reptile fridge incubator conversion?

I need a little advice, I have converted an old drinks fridge into an incubator, using habistat thermostat and an 100 watt inferred heat lamp, I wired the thing and done a test run, all seemed good all be it some sagging on the top inside, I deducted it could not handle the temperature so I got some tin foil and made like a heat reflector, I fixed the tin foil using adhesive glue and done another test run for half an hour, this time there was no smell of burning and the sagging appears to have stopped, just wondering if you think this will be safe to use now? I'm incubating Royal Python eggs.

Public Comments

1. I would not use a light, as it is direct heat, and you are looking to hold an ambiant temp through-out the entire incubator. i use flex-watt heat strip place on the bottom of the fridge( under veggie bins)( place thermostat sensor in between egg trays so i could see exact temps as compared to eggs) and used the vegetable bins for water which kept the humidity level right ant 72% which seemed to be perfect for my eggs. temps maintained within 1.5 degree's from day to night and all my clutches came out 50/50 on sex. Using the heat light will create a hot-spot and thats not what your looking for.
2. sounds good so far... i would use some foil right in front of the lamp as a reflector as well to help diffuse the energy from the bulb.
3. I agree with rstymtlhd. Heat lamps are not the best choice for an incubator. I have converted small fridges into incubators and use Flexwatt heat tape connected to Helix thermostats. I also place small computer fans in them to circulate the air otherwise your top shelves will be warmer than your lower shelves.