How to Build a Simple Chicken Incubator With a Light Bulb

Homemade incubators can be built with a wooden or cardboard box. Before Styrofoam incubators came on the market, farmers would hatch their eggs using what they had around, usually just a cardboard box and a light. With that, plus a few more items, anyone can hatch chicken eggs without the expenses of purchasing an incubator.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 box (at least 2 x 2 x 2 feet)
  • Utility knife
  • Portable light
  • Small dish for water
  • Towel or old pillowcase
  • Thermometer
  • 60-watt light bulb
  • 1 piece flat cardboard, slightly bigger than the box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure 11 inches from the bottom of the box. Trace a circle around the light housing for your hole. It has to be a snug fit. Cut out the hole using the utility knife.

    • 2

      Insert the light housing through the hole, outside in, making sure it fits snugly. Screw in the light bulb into the housing on the inside.

    • 3

      Line the bottom of the box with a towel or a pillowcase.

    • 4

      Add the small dish to the side opposite the light and fill it with water. This helps the eggs retain moisture so the shells don't become brittle. Keep it full at all times.

    • 5

      Put the thermometer directly under the light. Turn on the light.

    • 6

      Cover the box with the cardboard flat, leaving a 6-inch gap above the light.

    • 7

      Add eggs when the temperature stabilizes at 99 degrees. Keep the eggs in a tight cluster so they get even heat. It will not hurt if the sides are touching. Rotate and turn the eggs a half a turn at least once a day. You should move the center eggs to the outside and the outside in and so forth. The temperature need to be maintained at 99 degrees for the full 21-day incubation period.