DYI-Homemade Incubator

By: Tim

This is my cooler. Measurements are 18" x 12" x 14" deep. They cost under $10.00 most anywhere.


Then I go out and buy a couple disposable plastic tubs. Any will work, I just like these because they fit the inside lip of my cooler, so I don't need a rack to keep the containers above the water. $1.99 anywhere. Poke a couple small holes into the bottom to prevent water from pooling.


This is what I prefer to use as an incubation media. It's cactus/succulent-potting soil. 100% organic and has great drainage while still holding in the moisture. Never had an issue with it. Another option is vermiculite sold at most hardware stores.


Fill the bottom of the cooler with a couple inches of water, and buy a submersible aquarium heater (the most expensive part!) and set the heater to 83-84F or desired incubation temps. It's best to notch the side of the cooler where the heaters cord will exit, so you can still get a nice tight seal when you replace the coolers lid.


I put about 3" of moistened media into the egg containers, and use a finger to create impressions for the eggs to sit in. Just be sure that the media of your choice is only slightly wet...if you can grab a handful and squeeze water out of it...it's too moist.


The egg containers lid should be placed at an angle so that any condensation that will form can run off to one side, away from the eggs. Condensation will form on the cooler lid too and the egg container lid prevents the water from raining down onto the eggs.


When it's all in place, just place the cooler lid on and remember to check back every couple days at first to be sure that everything’s working out the way it should. Depending on the temperature of your house, you may need to tweak the temp on the heater. My setup is in the basement where it's about 60F, I set the heater to 84F and it keeps the actual temp inside the cooler between 80-85F.


It's cheap and easy. Mine can hold around only around 40 eggs, so this is only a do it yourself thing for the average turtle keeper.


It's brought 100+ turtles into this world...representing about 9 different species.