Things You'll Need:
- 10-15 gallon aquarium
- Aluminum foil
- Aluminum pie plate
- Black cloth
- Small dish for water
- Thermometer
- Oil lamp filled with oil or kerosene
- Black tape if necessary
- Matches
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Step 1
The first thing to do is gather all you materials together. A 10 to 15 gallon aquarium tank works well. You should not try to use a bigger one because they require more heat. Any oil lamp will do as long as it fits inside the tank without sticking out the top.
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Step 2
Take the black cloth and line the bottom of the tank. Try to make it as smooth and level as possible.
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Step 3
Line all 4 sides of the interior of the tank with the aluminum foil. This helps reflect heat back down to the black cloth. If you need to use tape to secure the foil use only black electrical tape because it can stand up to the heat.
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Step 4
After the tank is lined place the pie plate in on one end of the tank upside down. This will hold the oil lamp off the cloth you lined the bottom with. Now place the oil lamp on top of the pie plate.
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Step 5
Next you need to add your small dish to the other end of the tank and fill it with water. Keep it full throughout the incubation period. Add your thermometer next to the water dish.
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Step 6
Finally tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to cover the top with at least a 2 inch overhang. Place the foil over the incubator and smash down the edges to hold it in place. With your finger poke a small hole in the foil directly above the oil lamp. Now tear a 4 inch circle out of the foil to act as a vent hole and let the gas escape.
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Step 7
Now all that's left is to add your eggs. Remove the foil top and light the lamp with your matches. Replace the cover. Regulate the temperature by adjusting the flame on the lamp. Allow the temperature to stabilize at 99 degrees for at least 24 hours. Remove the top again and place the eggs about 3 inches away from the base of the oil lamp. Move the thermometer next to the eggs.
