Homemade Anole Egg Incubator

Reptiles are typically very fragile animals; their exothermic nature means that they cannot control their internal body temperature and must instead rely on outside heat sources to keep warm. Anoles, which are very common lizards from the southern United States and central America, are commonly bred by reptile enthusiasts because they are abundant and hardy. Though they are easily mated, their eggs may require an incubator, which can be quite expensive through a manufacturer but can be easily build for less.

  1. Materials

    • An anole incubator can be constructed from materials readily available at a hardware store. You'll need a extruded polystyrene foam box, like a cooler. You'll also need some cups with a tight-fitting, clear lid. Using shallow fast food or deli cups works just fine. You'll use vermiculite as a substrate within the cups upon which the eggs can rest while they are warmed. You'll also need a heat lamp and bulb so you can provide the eggs with the necessary warmth. Some other accessories you'll need include a thermometer and a spray bottle of warm water.

    Construction

    • Fill the cup(s) with about an inch or two of dampened vermiculite. Each cup should contain one egg, as this will prevent fighting when the anoles hatch. Cover the cups with the tight lids and use a knife, or even a pen, to put in some tiny air holes. Place the cups within the foam box and hang the heat lamp a few feet above it, which will keep the eggs warm as the embryos develop.

    Use

    • The important thing is to keep the eggs between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be done using the heat lamp. Use a bulb with a higher wattage to increase the temperature, if need be, using the thermometer to accurately measure the temperature. Spray the eggs lightly, misting them with warm water, about once a day to keep them moist.