Incubator

[nantmoel]

Does anyone on here use an incubator to keep QC's in, after they have been sealed? If so what make and model do you use. I know they will need to be caged.

 

[B+.]

Does anyone on here use an incubator to keep QC's in, after they have been sealed? If so what make and model do you use. I know they will need to be caged.

I use a Brinsea Ova-easy. The ADVANCE EX model has an automatic humidity control capability (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGeeuPJFuZo). Obviously, you don't need the egg turning feature so I switch that off.
Once the cells are sealed, I transfer them to the incubator (http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/album.php?albumid=751). They are moved up a shelf and caged when they are near emergence.
I like the clear glass front so you can see when the queen has emerged. You need to keep an eye on this as queens will try to go back into the cell head-first to clear out any remaining food and they can't reverse out. Tear them down as soon as you see the queen has emerged and everything is ok.
It depends how many cells you intend to have in the incubator at any time whether you go for the bigger model or a smaller one. They are big, heavy units though so think about where you are going to put it as you won't want to move it around very often.

 

[protheroe]

Made a ply box with 2 low power bulbs in case one fails and 2 small fans with an stc 1000 thermostat.keeps it within half a degree.i made it so I can put deep frames in to save messing about.glass on front to check cells and lined with celotex or kingspan insulation.

 

[nantmoel]

Thank yo both for the replies, I will looking into both options.

 

[Quis Custodiet]

It is possible to get a smaller, less expensive Brinsea incubator than B+ uses. Perhaps that would be more appropriate for your intended use? Brinsea is an excellent make.

 

[B+.]

It is possible to get a smaller, less expensive Brinsea incubator than B+ uses. Perhaps that would be more appropriate for your intended use?

I bought mine from these people (http://www.theincubatorshop.co.uk/products/egg-incubators.html) and can certainly recommend them. If you give them a call and explain what you are looking for, they are very helpful and know their business.
They offer lots of different incubators that can easily satisfy the need (as indeed would a home-made version) so don't let my choice influence yours. All you need is 35 degrees C and 50-70% humidity. Everything else is optional.

 

[Poly Hive]

I used one at Craibstone that Bernard Mobus had made and he had both a temp gauge and a humidity one.

Now adays I would use an STC controller which are about £15 on Amazon and a small heater.

PH

 

[nantmoel]

I used one at Craibstone that Bernard Mobus had made and he had both a temp gauge and a humidity one.

Now adays I would use an STC controller which are about £15 on Amazon and a small heater.

PH

Got one all waiting to go, thanks

 

[Poly Hive]

I used the STC for melting comb honey and coupled with a thermometer with a long probe on the end of a wire with the probe in the honey I was able to regulate the temp to a degree if not half of one. Very effective little unit I found.

PH

 

[madasafish]

I made mine using a floor heating thermostat.. I hatched quail and turkeys using it. And am about to raise queens again in it. Heated with a 25watt lamp.

Basically an insulated cardboard box with water container, light and clear perspex lid..Crude but works.

Manual egg turning..(Pia.) for birds.

 

[B+.]

Basically an insulated cardboard box with water container, light and clear perspex lid..Crude but works.

Do you get any problems with bacterial build up? I sterilise mine every year as part of my cleanup procedure when I shut the queen rearing side down

 

[madasafish]

Do you get any problems with bacterial build up? I sterilise mine every year as part of my cleanup procedure when I shut the queen rearing side down

I hardly use it more than twice a year. Quick spray with bleach solution ,clean and leave to dry.