Instructions for a Homemade Incubator

When hatching turtles at home, you will need to use an incubator to keep the eggs warm throughout the process. Instead of purchasing an expensive incubator, follow these simple and easy instructions to make your very own incubator.

Things You'll Need

  • Ice chest, 18 by 12 by 14 inches
  • 2 to 3 small disposable plastic containers with lids
  • Ice pick
  • 1-lb. bag of cactus and succulent potting soil
  • Submersible aquarium heater
  • Hack saw
  • Small thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine how many eggs you want to hatch. Evaluate how many eggs will fit into each container; these calculations will let you know how many disposable containers you will need.

    • 2

      Practice setting up the inside of the cooler so that you know if you will need more than one cooler. Place each of the plastic containers inside the cooler; this will determine how many coolers or incubators you will need.

    • 3

      Poke six small holes in the bottom of the disposable plastic with the ice pick. These holes will be used to drain excess moisture from the incubating soil.

    • 4

      Place a layer of potting soil along the bottom of the plastic container about 1 inch thick. Smooth the potting soil to create an even layer.

    • 5

      Fill the bottom of the cooler with 5 inches of room temperature tap water.

    • 6

      Adjust the temperature on the submersible aquarium heater to the appropriate temperature for whatever species you are incubating. This temperature is typically between 83 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 7

      Use the hack saw to cut a small notch in the top of the cooler the width of the heater cord. Place the heater cord inside the notch so that the lid can form a tight seal.

    • 8

      Add 3 to 4 tbsp. of water to the soil so that it is just barely moist to the touch.

    • 9

      Place the eggs that you are going to hatch into the soil.

    • 10

      Place the plastic containers with the eggs inside the cooler. Place the lid on the top of the container, but do not press down on one side of the lid so that the lid remains angled.

    • 11

      Place the lid of the cooler into place, ensuring that there is a tight seal between the lid and the cooler.