The incubation period is important for reptile breeders as it greatly determines the outcome of their projects. This first phase is one of the most crucial, as reptile incubation is very different from that of other animals that procreate by laying eggs.
Reptiles don’t incubate their eggs with their bodies but choose environments with ideal conditions for them to mature. Reptile egg incubators replicate these conditions as specific to different reptile species. Therefore, you need to know about what conditions are ideal for the reptile you are trying to breed, and VEVOR is here to help.
Reptile Incubators are becoming increasingly popular among breeders. Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned breeder, here are some reasons you may need an incubator for reptile eggs.
One of the major conditions for an ideal nest for reptile eggs is an appropriate temperature. Reptile eggs can only incubate at specific temperatures, which are unique to each species.
An incubator for reptile eggs will enable you to achieve this temperature, no matter the season or weather conditions.
Humidity is crucial for proper reptile incubation. Most reptile eggs need high humidity to prevent drying out during incubation.
Incubator reptile eggs enjoy this condition as most incubators regulate humidity levels to ensure the eggs remain hydrated and healthy.
One major advantage incubator reptiles have over natural nests is that they are protected from elements of the wild, which the latter are exposed to. While reptiles find the ideal conditions for laying their eggs, they are exposed during the incubation period to possible disruption to their development, including attacks from predators and accidental bumps.
With dangers from the natural environment removed, egg incubator reptiles have a higher chance of surviving. As long as you maintain the right conditions throughout, there is a higher chance of reptile eggs hatching successfully than in a natural nest.
There are different types of reptile incubators offering various features and benefits. Some are ideal for specific reptiles, while others are suited for multiple species.
Let’s examine the most popular ones.
These reptile incubators use fans to circulate warm air throughout the chamber, creating the ideal temperature for the eggs. The major benefit of this type is that it is affordable and easy to use. The downside is that it needs to control temperature and humidity more precisely.
This type of reptile incubator is more expensive but offers more dynamic features. It uses a thermoelectric cooling system to regulate temperature, making it more energy-efficient and able to maintain stable temperatures.
The ability to heat or cool the temperature as needed makes these incubators suitable for different types of reptile eggs.
If you do not want to or cannot afford to buy an incubator, you can make one for yourself. People make DIY incubators using various objects like coolers, plastic containers, aquariums, and even cardboard boxes.
The benefit is that this type is cost-effective, but the downside is that it can take a lot of work to maintain the ideal conditions for incubation.
Setting up your reptile incubator is important to ensure it works properly. If this is your first time doing it, follow this step-by-step guide.
The essence of an incubator is to get the ideal conditions for your reptile eggs. This purpose will be defeated if you place your incubator in a place with direct exposure to sunlight or drats.
Ensure the incubator is away from these elements and situated where it would not be moved unnecessarily.
Ensure you clean the incubator gently with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt and debris. You can also use a reptile-safe disinfectant to ensure it is fully safe.
Rinse and allow to dry completely before moving to the next stage.
One way reptile incubators achieve the conditions of natural nests is through the use of substrate. Use a substrate suitable for your reptile species and spread it on the bottom of the incubator.
Common substrate choices are vermiculite and perlite. Ensure the substrate is moist but not wet.
Check the temperature and humidity levels in the incubator with a thermometer and a hygrometer to ensure both are at the right levels. If they are not, adjust as necessary and leave the incubator for about 24 hours to stabilize.
Then, you can add the eggs. Ensure the eggs do not touch each other and do not move during incubation.
Choosing the right reptile incubator is more than knowing the different types that exist. You should prioritize brands with reputations for producing quality incubators that will serve your needs. Since quality is the primary focus, VEVOR incubators are top choices for many people. They are made with high-quality materials guaranteed to last a long time and give optimum performance.
In addition to the quality of the products, VEVOR egg incubators are also very affordable. The quality and inexpensiveness make VEVOR a top option for many people looking to get into reptile breeding. Having an incubator guaranteed to last long is an upside that is hard to ignore for anyone.
More than the products themselves, choosing VEVOR gives you access to a platform designed specifically to make your shopping experience blissful. From the multiple payment options to the always-available customer support team, VEVOR checks every box to make you choose our products over others in the market.
The temperature in a reptile incubator should replicate that in the natural nest of that reptile species. Therefore, the temperature will differ from one species to another. The average temperature for most reptile eggs is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27 and 32 degrees Celsius).
It is advisable to minimize opening the incubator during the incubation period, as it can disrupt the environmental conditions inside, such as the temperature and humidity levels. If possible, use a viewing window or consider incubators with features for monitoring, embryo growth.
Most commercial incubators are fitted with humidity regulators that help you control the humidity levels in the incubator. However, if yours doesn’t have one or you are using a DIY incubator, you can try options like using a substrate that retains moisture or misting the chamber by placing a bowl of water inside. Ensure the bowl does not touch the eggs.
