How to Build an Egg Incubator

Chickens are inexpensive and relatively easy to raise in an incubator.

There are three basic types of artificial egg incubators. Still-air incubators rely on radiant heat. Convective heat incubators provide circulation of heat and air through passive ventilation. Forced air incubators use a fan to circulate air and heat. Each type requires careful temperature control and humidity for successful hatching and survival of chicks.

Things You'll Need

• Box or cooler with cover
• Knife, drill or saw
• Light bulb with socket and cord
• Dimmer switch
• Thermometer
• Bowl for water

Instructions

Putting it Together

1. 

   An incandescent bulb will provide heat for the incubator.

   Cut a hole for the light. The light will provide heat. Use a drill, saw or knife to cut a hole that fits the light bulb inside the box, with the switch and socket for the light outside the box. Make sure the light bulb does not contact any part of the box that may be flammable.

2. 

   Reptiles as well as birds can be hatched in incubators.

   Plug the light into a dimmer switch. You will use the dimmer switch to control the temperature inside the incubator.

3. Cut or drill ventilation holes. Make holes about a 1/2 inch across. Place holes in the side from the top to bottom, about two or three per square foot.

4. 

   Place the bulb of the thermometer at the same level as the eggs.

   Place the thermometer and the bowl with water inside the incubator. The thermometer should be placed as close as possible to where the eggs will be placed.

5. Turn on the light and adjust the temperature. Allow the light to run at a constant dimmer setting for a few hours, then check the temperature. If it is too hot, dim the bulb and check the temperature in an hour or so. Adjust until the desired temperature is maintained.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your incubator is out of direct sunlight and away from drafts to ensure constant temperature. You can add a window to the side or top of the incubator by cutting a square or circle and then covering it with glass or clear plastic. Make sure you know the correct temperature for whatever species you are going to hatch. If the bulb you chose does not reach provide enough heat, switch to a higher-wattage bulb.

References

• Mother Earth News: How to Hatch Chicks in a Homemade Incubator