How to Make a Pigeon Incubator

Breeding pigeons is a hobby growing in popularity. Breeders find great enjoyment in watching eggs develop into tiny chicks. But hatching pigeon eggs requires a specific environment to ensure proper embryo development. While commercially built incubators are available, they can be cost prohibitive, but hobby breeders can easily build their own incubators out of materials found around the house at a fraction of the cost.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood or cardboard box
  • Thermometer
  • Lamp
  • Pie tin
  • Water
  • Empty egg carton
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two small flaps in the box, measuring about 2 square inches. If you are using a plywood box, cut two removable 2-square inch squares. Close the flaps or replace the squares. Opening flaps or squares are useful in maintaining temperature and ventilation.

    • 2

      Place the box under a lamp with an adjustable height. Fill a pie tin with warm water and place it at the bottom of the box. Pigeon eggs require a high level of humidity in their incubator so that the chicks will not stick to the inside of the egg shell. Refill the pan each day.

    • 3

      Place a thermometer in the center of the box. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recommends maintaining the temperature between 99 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the empty egg carton in the center of the box, close to the thermometer.