How to Make a Homemade Incubator for Chicks

Place the light socket on the lid of the cooler and trace around it. Cut around the inside of the circle with a sharp utility knife to ensure a snug fit.

Place the light socket into the hole with the switch and cord outside. Use carpenter's glue around the socket for a firm hold.

Trace around a piece of glass from an old picture frame on the side of the cooler. Use the utility knife to cut a half-inch inside the lines you traced.

Glue the piece of glass to the side of the cooler over the hole you cut out. You can use tape in place of the glue if you prefer. This window will allow for viewing and monitoring the eggs and chicks.

Poke several holes along the sides of the Styrofoam cooler for ventilation. A Phillips screwdriver is a good choice for making the holes.

Place a 25-watt bulb into the socket. If you are using a smaller cooler, you may want to use a 15-watt bulb.

Place a small fan in the cooler. The fan will circulate the air to give a steady temperature.

Place a small bowl of water into the cooler. The water will provide some humidity.

Secure a thermometer about halfway down in the Styrofoam cooler. You do not want to place the thermometer too close to the fan or the bulb.

Allow the light and fan to run for a few hours before placing the eggs into the incubator. Check the temperature often until you reach and maintain the ideal temperature of 98.5 degrees. Temperatures varying from 98 to 101 degrees are acceptable.