[headhunter]

So my chickens finally started laying and the eggs are fertile! So I figured, why not hatch a few chicks for fun and profit? The problem is I don't want to pay whatever an incubator costs for an incubator, so I'm building my own. Eventually I'll post the results, but here's what I've got so far.

Planning on using the freezer section from an old double door mini fridge as the main enclosure, and a 15w lightbulb as the heat source.
The brains of the whole thing is my ancient Arduino, along with a TMP36GZ temperature sensor.

 

[Savage Survivor]

Many years ago had success hatching Muscovy duck eggs with a simple Styrofoam cooler with a wire grate with water underneath for humidity. For heat I used a 25w appliance bulb. I poked holes or covered them with tape to adjust temp. I did have to turn the eggs at least a couple times daily but with a clutch of 6 eggs 4 of them hatched. I have wanted to try again with chickens but my rooster is rarely even interested in the hens so I have no idea to tell what eggs if any have been fertilized, that said i have been saving parts to build a couple simple cooler incubators using a dimmer switch to control the heat from the bulbs. Have been saving computer fans as well to help with air flow. i intend to pick up some longer usb cables for the fans next time i hit up the local dollar store. Have been thinking about hatching some quail if I can get ahold of fertile eggs. I have only seen my rooster attempt to "fertilize" my chickens eggs once and I have had him for a very long time....good luck with your incubator. I know with ducks at least its a blast watching them hatch and grow, I can say that if you ever get the chance to raise and harvest Muscovy ducks the meat is red. it is also very good. Myself and others agree it taste kind of like steak. Have fun.

 

[headhunter]

I've raised pekins in the past, unfortunately it's too hot and dry where I live and I simply don't have the logistics to set up a pool for them. It seems that the Muscovys are probably more heat tolerant though, being a native species. An easy way to tell if eggs are fertile is to look for a white "bullseye" on the yolk, or you could incubate for a week then candle it and there should be veins and blood if it's fertile. My rooster is quite the opposite, he loves my hens lol. Your description of Muscovy meat has got me interested, I'll have to look into them. I wanted to get a cow, but my other half said we can't afford it so that may be a good alternative.
I'll be sure to post updates later on

 

[Merdavid30]

That's really great job that your are building for own incubator for chicken eggs. But we used this Brinsea Products Mini II egg incubator which is automatic egg incubator.
Good brand and works well. Have a good hatch rate with little interference. Can leave the incubator (pretty much) alone (minus adjusting the humidity with water) and still expect some babies.