by Susan Carter |
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Birth of the Lizards
Reptiles, as you probably recall from high school lessons, lay eggs, from which their eggs then hatch. Eggs need to be kept at a consistent temperature, and safe from damage.
In the wild, they will also need to be protected from predators, although you’re unlikely to be fighting off eagles and anacondas in your back yard.
Interestingly, at least part of what will determine the sex of many species of reptile is the temperature at which they’re hatched.. Therefore, if you want a range of sexes, for example to pursue a breeding hobby, you will need to bear this in mind when looking at incubators.
Also, different reptile species have different incubation needs, so make sure the incubator you choose is suitable for the species you keep.
What Do I Need in an Incubator?
You will need to ensure your incubator can cope with the temperature range that reptile eggs require – most poultry incubators won’t be able to handle this, so don’t try and save money by buying one.
You will also need a substrate, which keeps the eggs consistently moist, without drenching them.
Finally, you will need a way to measure both the temperature and humidity in your incubator.
Recommended Reptile Incubators
Zoomed Reptibator
The Reptibator offers a digital control, and LCD display panel. It includes a thermometer, and runs from 59-104 degrees Fahrenheit (15-40 degrees Celsius), provided by a rigid, 50-Watt heating element. There is also a humidity display, which runs from 10-90% relative humidity.
The Zoomed does seem a little cheaply made, and the thermometer isn’t as accurate as many reptile breeders would like.
Pros
- Humidity and temperature displays
- Good temperature range
Cons
- Inaccurate thermometer
- Cheaply made
Is It Value For Money?
This is quite a pricey incubator, and would not be best for those who need to be certain of accurate temperature readings (although it is worth remembering that, in the wild, reptile eggs will be subject to slight variations in temperature.)
Little Giant 9300 Starter Kit
This Little Giant 9300 kit uses thermal air, and includes a digital LCD thermometer, and hatching substrate. The egg pockets are pre-pressed, and suitable for most reptile eggs.
The Little Giant Starter Kit is reasonably priced, and durable; you will, however, need to purchase a method of checking humidity, if this is important to you and your reptiles.
Pros
- Durable
- Includes hatching substrate
Cons
- Doesn’t include a way to measure humidity
Is It Value For Money?
This is a great buy for those new to breeding reptiles.