How to Build Large Incubators for Eggs

An egg incubator consists of a container and a controlled heating system. It imitates a mother bird's care by turning and keeping the eggs warm, nurturing them until they hatch. Commercial incubators can be very costly, especially for rearing large flocks that need a large incubating system. Refrigerator systems used to keep food cold work great at keeping eggs warm when used with a heating system, and anyone can make one.

Things You'll Need

  • Old or broken refrigerator
  • Self-turning egg tray
  • Thermostat
  • Thermometer
  • 2 100-watt light bulbs
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plug the 100-watt light bulbs into the thermostat. Tape the bulbs and the thermostat securely to the top of the refrigerator where the thermostat can be easily accessed. The thermostat will automatically turn the lights off when the incubator reaches the desired temperature, and will turn the lights on again when the temperature begins to fall.

    • 2

      Put a thermometer on the inside of the refrigerator to measure the temperature manually to double-check the thermostat's gauge.

    • 3

      Plug the lights and thermostat into a power source. Set the thermostat to 99 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit for most birds.

    • 4

      Place the egg trays on the existing refrigerator shelves, or attach them to the sides of the refrigerator using wood pieces and screws. Incubating eggs need to be turned at least three times a day; egg-turning trays should be purchased for an incubator containing many eggs.

    • 5

      Put a wet towel or large sponge at the bottom of the refrigerator to keep the air inside the refrigerator humid for the eggs to develop properly.