Homemade Turkey Egg Incubator

A turkey egg incubator uses heat and humidity sources contained in an insulated box to accomplish the same thing a hen turkey does instinctively. It provides the proper conditions for the embryos in the eggs to develop and hatch. While commercially manufactured incubators are available, hobbyists and other home-based poultry farmer can create small-scale incubators.

  1. Incubator Specs

    • While commercially manufactured incubators offer such conveniences as thermostatically controlled temperature and humidity control, most home-built incubators require more monitoring and manual intervention.

      As for construction, an incubator layout created by Ohio State University (OSU) calls for a 12-in. wide, 16-in. long, 14-in. high box built of a half-inch-thick plywood. The box has a hinged access door on the back and a window glass front for observation. This size of incubator will hold six to 10 eggs, suitable as an educational tool or display incubator. Builders can modify the plans for a larger incubator capable of hatching more eggs.

      Any incubator will have some common design elements, such as a method of air ventilation. The OSU plan included holes drilled in the end pieces of the incubator box. The holes were covered by pivoting pieces of wood so the level of circulation could be controlled.

      There also needs to be a source of moisture. This can be as simple as a pan of water setting on the floor of the incubator. A hydrometer should be mounted within the incubator where it can be viewed through the window glass.

      The most important component of the incubator is the heating system. The OSU plan uses two light bulbs hooked to a light dimmer for control. Increasing the intensity of the light by adjusting the dimmer increases the heat thrown by the bulbs. This system has no automated control so the ideal temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit is maintained by adjusting the dimmer switch and light circuit, monitored by a thermometer mounted inside the incubator.

    Incubator Use and Adjustment

    • Turkey eggs need to be turned at least three times per day during the incubation process. Automated equipment performs this process in commercial incubators. In home built incubators, this task is done by hand. Users can monitor and adjust temperature and humidity, if needed, during the egg turning.