How to Make a Fish Tank Egg Incubator

If you are planning to hatch your own chicken eggs, you don't need to spend a lot of money on a store-bought egg incubator. With just a few household items, you can create a nice, climate-controlled, cozy environment where your eggs will thrive and hatch into chicks.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish aquarium
  • Styrofoam insulation
  • Tape
  • Thermometer
  • Hydrometer
  • Small cup or bowl with water
  • Heating lamp or bulb
  • Extension cord
  • Fabric
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Find and clean a medium-size fish aquarium.

    • 2

      Measure the sides and ends of the aquarium, and write down your measurements on a piece of paper.

    • 3

      Find an old Styrofoam ice chest, or purchase Styrofoam insulation blocks from the hardware store.

    • 4

      Use a pen to mark out the exact measurements of the fish tank onto the Styrofoam.

    • 5

      Cut the Styrofoam into the shapes of the sides of the aquarium using a sharp blade.

    Assembly

    • 6

      Tape the Styrofoam pieces to all four sides of the aquarium using duct tape.

    • 7

      Place a bunched piece of soft fabric into the bottom of the aquarium. This will help pad the eggs.

    • 8

      Place a hydrometer in the tank near where the eggs will be. Loop the wire over the side of the tank, and secure it with duct tape.

    • 9

      Place a small bowl of water inside the bottom of the tank, and measure the humidity levels after 15 minutes. Add water as necessary until the tank has about 40 percent humidity.

    • 10

      Install a thermometer at the bottom of the tank and close to where the eggs will be.

    • 11

      Install a heating source into the tank, and check the temperature periodically until it has reached 102 degrees F. You may purchase an aquarium heater, or use a bare light bulb with tin foil around it and a clip-on fan to circulate the heat.

    • 12

      Place the eggs onto the fabric inside the tank, and cover the tank loosely with aluminum foil.