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Constructing a Plywood Incubator

Plywood Incubator The following illustrations are designed to guide the reader through the construction of a small plywood and glass incubator that will accomodate about 100 chicken eggs.

Basic woodworking tools are required required for construction. Gather all equipment and supplies listed below together before starting construction.

The diagrams shown will guide the construction of the unit. Printed diagrams are shown in MCES Publication 1150, Avian Embryo that is available through your local County Agent Office.

Bill of materials

1 pc
5 pcs
1 pc
1 pc
1 pc
1 pc
1 pc
1/2"x4'x6' A-C Exterior Plywood
3/8"x3/4"x8' Pine
3/4"x1½"x13' Pine
3/4"x3¼"x4' Pine
1/2"x3/4"x8' Pine
1/2"x18"x27" rigid insulation board
18"x27" heavy duty aluminum foil
1 pc
4 pcs
4 pcs
2
2
2
1 pc
1/2"x30" semi-rigid plastic pipe
10"x20" single strength window glass
10"x14" single strength window glass
1½" roundwooden drawer pulls
metal drawer pulls (cup type)
2" hooks with eyes
8' felt weatherstripping 1/4"x1/2"
1 pc
2
1
1
2'
20"x27" - ¼" hardware cloth
vent covers - sheet metal
incubator electrification kit *
attachment plug
No. 18-2 flexible service cord
1
10
1 pr
1
1 pc
1 pc
duplex outlet for surface mounting
small porcelain knobs for heating element
4"x1" flat hinges
water pan - minimum 360 sq. in.
1/8"x16½' steel rod
3/16"x8' steel rod
Assorted nails and screws
Waterproof wood glue

*electrification kit composed of wafer thermostat with duplex outlet, pilot light, service cord, and 160-watt flexible glass-covered heating element.

Front view-door removed

End view

Plywood cutting diagram

Wiring diagram

Top view

Corner brace

Vent opening

Glazing detail

Egg tray

Egg turner

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News

White chickens with red faces eat from a red feeder.
Filed Under: Agriculture, Poultry, Avian Flu March 21, 2025

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Until an avian flu vaccine for chickens or other alternative is federally approved, commercial poultry operations in the U.S.

Doctor in a white coat smiling and standing beside a microscope
Filed Under: Agriculture, Animal Health, Poultry, Avian Flu February 4, 2025

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- If egg prices have seemed higher than ever lately, it’s because they are, and consumers can place much of the blame squarely at the feet of the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

Chickens stand at a feeder in a coop.
Filed Under: Poultry, Avian Flu January 30, 2025

With highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, in the environment in Mississippi, owners of backyard flocks have to take extra steps to keep their chickens healthy.

Avian influenza poses an extremely low risk to human health and none to food safety in Mississippi, but its presence poses a risk to backyard flocks and the state’s $3 billion commercial poultry industry.

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