The most common question I get asked is about where to buy an incubator. The basic answer to that in my opinion is you don't - you make one!
There are a few reptile specific incubators on the market now, but I personally have never used them, and cannot comment on them. I do know they are quite pricey!
If you want to make your own incubator, you can choose from one of the following methods:
The Fish Tank Method
This is the method I have used successfully for over 10 years! For this method you will need
You fill the fish tank 1/3rd with water. You set the heater to around 86-88F (you may need to adjust this later). You put a hole in the lid of the tupperware tub. You insert the probe from your digital thermometer / hygrometer in this hole. You place damp vermiculite in the tub. Monitor the temperatures for a few days, and adjust the water heater until the temperature inside the tub is correct. Then just add eggs and wait!
The Poly Box Method - Dry
For this you will use a polybox, which you can get from reptile shops, a heat mat, and a thermostat, instead of a fish tank, water and water heater. The disadvantage to this is that you do not maintain the humidity, so you will need to keep this up by spraying the eggs.
The Poly Box Method - Wet
As for the Fish Tank Method, but using a Polybox. This is a polysterene insulting box which you can get from reptile shops, or some small greengrocers. It is watertight and holds the temperature, but the downside is that it is white and therefore you cannot see the eggs inside. It does however mean you do not have to buy a fish tank and lid.
The Original "Tights" Method
The original method I heard talked about as a child and is still used by some breeders is to use a Polybox or similar plastic tub, filled with water, and a water heater, but with tights suspended over the top of the tub. The eggs were then placed into tubs suspended on the tights, not touching the water. It goes to show how things were being done 20-30 years ago, and still works today.
The Fridge / Freezer Method
This is the same as the Dry Polybox method but using a gutted fridge or freezer. These are built to be extremely powerful insulators. If you have a broken fridge or freezer you can simply remove the electrics, and you have a perfect insulating box. Because of the size of fridge freezers this can be used to incubate a large number of eggs, and is likely to keep the temperatures the most stable, although without the water method, you will have to spray and check on the humidity levels.
Please select which section you would like to navigate to.
Introduction
Housing
Heating
Handling
Feeding
Health
Breeding
Incubator Guide
Egg Binding
Housing Together
If you are thinking about purchasing a corn snake, and require a setup, please visit Reptile Cymru in Cardiff, who sell plastic starter kits from £30, and full setups for adults in 3 foot wooden vivariums from £125 (including heating/lighting).