Chook Me!

How do I keep a chicken egg warm without an incubator?

Ok well I have an egg, and im wondering how do you keep it warm without an incubator or a hen? i have a head lamp, but it gets really hot, my dad says i could use a light bulb, but im not sure. what should i do to keep it warm? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Hi, Using a heat lamp will only cook the egg, it's far to hot. While a single light bulb will not generate enough heat. You really do need an incubator, where it is thermostatly controled. Eggs need a concent temperature of 37.5C 99.5F in a fan assissited incubator, or 38.5C 102F in a still air incubator. And there is Humidity to consider too, eggs need that to successfully hatch. You can try to make an incubator from this site.I recenly made the Kuku mdel, works well too. http://www.birdsale.com.au/Details/DIY_Incubators.html
2. Some people keep a light in their coop. This isn't always necessary unless you need to heat it during very cold spells. If you have very young birds, they may need the warmth, but adult birds usually do fine unless it is unusually frigid. If your birds get used to a light in the coop, they may not go in at night unless the light is shining. If this is the case, be careful the bulb doesn't burn out.