How to Make an Incubator for a Baby Animal

For the most part, animals are able to care for their young. Occasionally, Mother Nature may need a helping hand should something happen to a baby animal's mother. An incubator is essential for keeping newborn baby animals warm.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring stick
  • Permanent marker
  • 6.5-gallon plastic sweater box
  • Drill
  • Drill bits, 1/4 inch
  • Light socket, 7 watt
  • Mason jar, 8 oz.
  • Cotton sock
  • Twist ties
  • Towel
  • Receiving blankets
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure with a measuring stick and mark with a permanent marker lines for the hole spacing on the plastic sweater box. Holes should be spaced one inch from the top of the box and 1 1/2 inches apart. Mark three to four rows of holes spaced 2 1/2 inches apart on the top of the box.

    • 2

      Mark a space large enough on one side of the box for the light socket's plug.

    • 3

      Drill the marked holes and cut the plug hole out of the box.

    • 4

      Insert the mason jar into the cotton sock so that its base is at the bottom of the sock.

    • 5

      Insert the light socket into the mason jar so that its cord travels out through the sock's opening.

    • 6

      Seal the sock with a twist tie.

    • 7

      Pull the cord and the end of the sock through the hole on the side of the box.

    • 8

      Lay the towel down in the bottom of the box. Lay a receiving blanket on top of it.

    • 9

      Lay the sock on top of the receiving blanket and lay another receiving blanket on top of the sock area to prevent the baby animal from getting a draft.

    • 10

      Plug the incubator in and place the lid on top. It will take an hour to completely warm the inside of the box.