Incubation and Embryonic Development

Bulletin 633

Plans for building an incubator

Sketch 1 | Sketch 2 | Sketch 3 | Sketch 4 | Sketch 5 | Sketch 6 | Sketch 7 | Sketch 8 |

Instructions

Assembly The assembly instructions are simple and the lettered sketches help to hasten the completion of the unit.

1. Drill a 3/4 inch hole one inch from bottom of end A. Drill a 3/4 inch hole 2 inches from top of end B. These are ventilation holes. Also drill a hole large enough for the adjustment knob shaft of the Heating Unit.
2. Attach end pieces A and B to bottom C by screws through bottom. Sketch 1
3. Fasten back piece D to bottom C and ends A and B. Sketch 2
4. Fasten tray slides E and F to inside surface of ends A and B 6 1/2 inches from bottom. Sketch 3
5. Fasten inner front trim G and H and inner top trim I and J to ends A and B 7/8 inch from edge. Sketch 4
6. Install glass front light Q. Fasten by attaching front outer trim pieces K and L. Sketch 5
7. Install glass top piece R. Protect glass edge by application of strip of electrical tape. Fasten light by attaching outer trim pieces M and N.
8. Fasten back piece O to ends A and B flush with top of ends. Attach metal door catch to piece O so that when pivoted it will hold door closed.
9. Attach door piece P with hinges. Sketch 7
10. Assemble egg tray by fastening sides to ends T and U with screws through sides V and W. Fasten hardware cloth to bottom. Sketch 6
11. Attach buttons X and Y on outside of ends so they may be used to cover or partially cover ventilation holes.
12. Install the heating unit. Sketch 8.
13. Apply two coats of varnish, inside and out.

Material List

The material and parts list for the incubator contains the following items:

2 hinges 1 1/2" minimum with 1/2" screws

Metal door catch-pivot type

1 pkg. 3/4" brads or nails

2 1/2 dz. flat head wood screws #7 x 1 1/4" long

1 pint marine varnish 1 pc 1/2" hardware cloth-10 x 15"

2 pcs 3/4" x 2" x 9"

2 pcs 1/2" plywood

2 pcs 1/2" plywood

1 pc. electrician's tape l0" long

Tray bottom Part S

Tray ends T and U

2"x14 5/8" tray slides Part V and W

l"x2" Ventilator Buttons Part X x Y 1 cake or pie pan 8" round or square--to be used as a water pan during incubation

Parts List

1 pc No. 14 lamp cord 6' long

1 male electric plug

1 micro switch, holder, and the thermostat wafer of the type used in chicken brooders-obtainable from hatcheries, mail order houses, farm supply stores, and incubator sources listed in Table 3 on page 6.

2 flat base porcelain lamp sockets with attachment screws

2 75 watt light bulbs

1 pc No. 14 plastic coated wire 5' long

2 solderless connectors

1 small alcohol thermometer

1 pc stiff cardboard 4"x6"