Making your own incubator is a simple task anyone can accomplish

Here’s a list of items you’ll need

• 1 Wafer thermostat/heater (these can be procured at most feed stores, as they are commonly used in incubating chickens and ducks)

• 1 thermometer

• 1 Styrofoam cooler with thick walls – such as one used for shipping fish

• 1 heat tape (style that is used to prevent outdoor pipes from freezing in winter)

Step 1. Using a screwdriver or some similar instrument, make a hole in the top of the Styrofoam box and suspend the thermostat/heater from the inside. Next, connect the heat tape to the thermostat terminals. Using the screwdriver, add another hole for the thermometer. This will allow you to check the inside temperature without having to lift the lid. If the thermometer has no flange, use a rubber band, wrapped around the thermometer several times and wedge it into the hole in the side of the container.

Step 2. Put the top on the container and plug in the thermostat/heater. After waiting about an hour, check the internal temperature using the thermometer. From then you can adjust the thermostat until the temperature inside the incubator is between 81-86 degrees F – of course, the temperature you aim for is dependent upon what kind of eggs you are planning to incubate. On the top of the thermostat, there’s an L-pin handle, which controls the rheostat settings. It’s very important to make sure you have your internal temperature stabilized and set properly before setting in your eggs. Once you have the temperature regulated, put the eggs inside the container and close the lid. Place the incubator somewhere where the temperature is relatively stable and out of direct sunlight (e.g. a closet).

Step 3. It’s very important to check the incubator daily, and add a little bit of water to help maintain the humidity within the incubator. The amount of humidity needed varies by species. Another way to help maintain humidity within the incubator is to place a damp sponge or rag inside.