How to Build Emu Incubators

If you plan on hatching an emu, you may want to consider building your own incubator to save money.

If you plan on hatching an emu, you will need to have an incubator large enough to hold the eggs you want to hatch. Because emu eggs are so large, incubators for them are often expensive. Fortunately, you can make your own and save money.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Old refrigerator
• Adjustable reptile heat lamp
• Thermometers
• Small glass dish
• Drill
• Hygrometer
• Small fan

Preparation

1. Determine the size you want your incubator to be. If you will be incubating a large amount of eggs, you will want a bigger size, whereas if you only plan on incubating a few eggs, something smaller will do.

2. Find an old refrigerator. It does not need to be in working condition. A mini-fridge works best for small egg batches, but you will need a larger one for larger numbers of eggs. A mini-fridge generally will hold six to eight eggs depending on size and shelving whereas a standard size fridge will hold 20 to 40 eggs depending on size and shelving.

3. Purchase a reptile heat lamp that allows you to adjust the heat output. If you are using a large fridge, you may need more than one. You can find these at most pet stores. Choose the highest heat output possible.

Construction

1. Drill a small hole in the back of the fridge halfway between the top and bottom. This is just there to run a cord through, so keep it as small as possible.

2. Drill another hole in the back of the fridge near the bottom. Keep it as small as possible.

3. Place the heat lamp inside the fridge on the shelf closest to the first hole you drilled.

4. Place the fan on the shelf closest to the second hole you drilled. This will circulate air and keep heat evenly distributed.

5. Place a thermometer on each shelf in the fridge except for the one with the heat lamp.

6. Turn on the lamp and the fan and close the fridge door.

7. Wait 10 minutes and then check the reading on the thermometers. You want it to read between 96 and 99.5 degrees. If not, adjust the heat output accordingly and wait another 10 minutes.

8. Put a small glass tray of water in the bottom of the incubator as soon as the temperature is regulated.

9. Place a hygrometer in the fridge on the top shelf. Close the door and wait 10 minutes.

10. Check the reading on the hygrometer. Humidity should be between 35 percent and 55 percent. If it is not, add or remove water as necessary.

11. Wait another 24 hours before putting any eggs in your incubator, checking temperature and humidity frequently. Once you are getting consistent readings, you can begin incubating the eggs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using a large fridge and are having trouble getting consistent temperatures throughout the incubator, add another heat lamp on a different shelf and adjust for each area separately.

• Place eggs on all shelves except for the ones with heat lamps on them. Eggs should be spaced at least 2 inches apart from each other. Position them with the pointy side of the egg facing toward the back of the incubator. Avoid placing them too close to the edge of the shelf.

• Never go for more than a day without checking the conditions of your incubator. If the conditions are incorrect, the eggs will not hatch.

References

• Oregon State University: Raising Ratites: Ostriches, Emus and Rheas