How to Make a Homemade Incubator With an Aquarium Heater

Incubators that use aquarium heaters are for eggs that require high humidity, such as reptile eggs. Reptile eggs rapidly dry out if the humidity is too low. The aquarium heater provides warmth for the developing embryos, and the water that evaporates keeps the air humidity up. Using this method, you can successfully hatch baby reptiles.

Things You'll Need

  • Submersible aquarium heater
  • Aquarium, cooler or large plastic container with lid
  • Water
  • Smaller plastic containers with lids
  • Egg medium
  • Scissors
  • Thermometer
  • Spoon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour water into the aquarium, cooler or large plastic container until it has about two inches of water at the bottom.

    • 2

      Set the thermostat on your aquarium heater for the correct temperature. The temperature will depend on the type of eggs you are incubating. Place the heater in the bottom of the container so it is entirely submerged.

    • 3

      Fill your smaller containers about halfway with egg medium. This can be peat moss, vermiculite, or sand, depending on the species.

    • 4

      Poke holes in the tops of the egg containers with a pair of scissors. This is for air exchange.

    • 5

      Add water to the egg medium, enough so that it is moist, but not so wet that water squeezes out if you squeeze it in your hand.

    • 6

      Make depressions in the medium with your fingers, and sit the eggs in the depressions. The medium should come approximately halfway up the egg. Place a thermometer inside one of the egg containers, and put the lids on the containers.

    • 7

      Tilt the egg containers a little, so condensation doesn't drip down on the eggs inside.

    • 8

      Check the eggs for signs of mold after a few days. If you see mold on any of the eggs, it is a sign they are infertile. Moldy eggs should be removed using a spoon.