Setting Up A Reptile Incubator
|
|
|
|
|
Submitted by Aaron Stilwell
|
Making your own incubator is a simple task anyone can accomplish
Here’s a list of items you’ll need:
- 1
Wafer thermostat/heater (these can be procured at most feed stores, as
they are commonly used in incubating chickens and ducks)
- 1 thermometer
- 1 Styrofoam cooler with thick walls – such as one used for shipping fish
- 1 heat tape (style that is used to prevent outdoor pipes from freezing in winter)
Step 1. Using a screwdriver or some similar instrument, make a hole in
the top of the Styrofoam box and suspend the thermostat/heater from the
inside. Next, connect the heat tape to the thermostat terminals. Using
the screwdriver, add another hole for the thermometer. This will allow
you to check the inside temperature without having to lift the lid. If
the thermometer has no flange, use a rubber band, wrapped around the
thermometer several times and wedge it into the hole in the side of the
container.
Step 2. Put the top on the container and plug in the
thermostat/heater. After waiting about an hour, check the internal
temperature using the thermometer. From then you can adjust the
thermostat until the temperature inside the incubator is between 81-86
degrees F – of course, the temperature you aim for is dependent upon
what kind of eggs you are planning to incubate. On the top of the
thermostat, there’s an L-pin handle, which controls the rheostat
settings. It’s very important to make sure you have your internal
temperature stabilized and set properly before setting in your eggs.
Once you have the temperature regulated, put the eggs inside the
container and close the lid. Place the incubator somewhere where the
temperature is relatively stable and out of direct sunlight (e.g. a
closet).
Step 3. It’s very important to check the incubator
daily, and add a little bit of water to help maintain the humidity
within the incubator. The amount of humidity needed varies by species.
Another way to help maintain humidity within the incubator is to place
a damp sponge or rag inside.
|
