How to Incubate a Wild Bird's Egg

There are over 800 species of birds. Of these, 836 are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This act makes it illegal for people to take migratory birds, their eggs, feathers or nests, with the exception of the European starling, house sparrow and pigeon. According to the Treaty, a migratory bird is considered any species or family of bird that live, reproduce or migrate within or across international borders. Unless the egg is a sparrow, pigeon or starling, leave the egg where it was found, do not place the egg in another bird's nest because this may cause abandonment of the entire nest.

Things You'll Need

  • Incubator
  • Egg
  • Cloth
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wash hands before touching the eggs and sanitize the incubator.

    • 2

      Place the incubator in a room away from drafts and direct sunlight. Keep the incubator at a constant temperature. Make sure the incubator is in good working order. Temperature should be kept at 99.5 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 3

      In the incubator, the small end of the egg should be higher than the large end.

    • 4

      Turn egg at least five times a day to prevent overheating. Do not turn eggs for the final three to four days of incubation.

    • 5

      Place a cloth near incubator where hatched chicks can walk around.