How to Make a Fish Tank Incubator for Bird Eggs

One of the most important aspects of hatching bird eggs is keeping them warm. That is why birds sit on their unhatched eggs in the wild. If you are trying to hatch bird eggs on your own, you will need to place the eggs in an incubator to keep them at a constant warm temperature. Although egg incubators can be purchased, they are often expensive. Instead of purchasing an incubator, you can build one out of a fish tank.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium, 12 to 16 inch by 20 to 24 inch by 12 to 15 inch
  • Styrofoam
  • Knife
  • Duct tape
  • Bungee cord
  • Aquarium heater
  • Thermometer
  • Hydrometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate an aquarium that is approximately 12 to 16 inches by 20 to 24 inches by 12 to 15 inches in size, and place it in a warm indoor location.

    • 2

      Cut large pieces of Styrofoam with a knife until they are the same dimensions as the sides of the fish tank. Position the Styrofoam around each of the four sides of the aquarium and secure them together using a bungee strap or duct tape. The Styrofoam provides additional insulation which will help maintain a constant internal temperature.

    • 3

      Install a hydrometer on the inside of the aquarium by hanging it over the side of the tank. Place a piece of duct tape on the outside of the aquarium to hold it in place. A hydrometer measures humidity levels.

    • 4

      Allow the hydrometer to sit for 15 minutes, then read the humidity level on it. If the level is less than 50 percent, place a small cup of water on the bottom of the aquarium. Close the lid and wait until the humidity level has risen to between 35 to 40 percent.

    • 5

      Place a layer of fabric along the bottom of the aquarium to cushion the eggs. The fabric should be slightly crumpled to provide additional cushioning.

    • 6

      Place a thermometer on the bottom of the aquarium near the place the eggs will sit.

    • 7

      Attach an aquarium heater to the inside of the aquarium as directed by the manufacturer's instructions. Plug the heater into an electrical socket and raise the internal temperature to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 8

      Place the eggs inside the incubator and close the lid.