Reptile incubators are used to raise captive reptiles like snakes and lizards. This is usually done in tanks, with access to water and temperature controlled. A reptile incubator must be well-built and of high quality. It should also be able to house the animal safely during transportation and at the reptile facility itself. A well-constructed incubator should be able to produce good quality baby reptiles.
The first thing to look for in an incubator is whether or not it is equipped with a heating element. Heat is necessary to encourage animal growth and survival. Some of these incubators only have a heating element while others are heated internally with electricity. The type of heating element required depends upon the species of reptiles being raised. All Reptile Incubator kits should contain a heating element, but it is important that it matches the requirements of the species of reptile being raised.
Next, it is necessary to choose a ventilated and bright lit container for the eggs to hatch in. There should be sufficient space in the container for the reptile’s head, neck, tail and body to move freely. The lid of the incubator should be made of a tough transparent plastic to keep the heat contained and prevent reptiles from being affected by moisture and oxygen. Some incubators have dual-use lids, with one being able to be removed for cleaning purposes. Some also come with adjustable temperature settings.
A fully-integrated fan should also be included in an incubator. Proper ventilation is necessary for all reptiles, as excess humidity can cause disease. A Reptile incubator should have a viewing window, so that the young reptiles can be watched during their critical developmental stage. A reptile tank without a window is not recommended, as it will not provide the proper environment for the reptiles.
A two-piece steel frame design with an integrated fan and heating element makes the Reptile Incubator Extreme model the best choice for reptile keeping. The Reptile Incubator model has a temperature regulation dial, which can be used to set the incubation temperature, depending on the species of the reptile. It has been designed so that reptiles can be transferred from the incubator to the holding tank easily. It is very easy to operate and comes with a twenty-four hour technical support service. The Reptile Incubator Extreme has been proven to be effective at incubating reptiles from three months to two years old.
Cool-mist and ultrasonic incubators are also available. Reptiles require adequate amounts of temperature and humidity, but they also require cleanliness and safety, and this is where these incubators excel. Reptile owners can choose from cool mist and ultrasonic incubators, but the cool mist is considered the safest for small hatchlings and the ultrasonic models work well for larger reptiles such as snakes.
The incubator should have a thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures. These thermostats should be precise, since reptiles may hatch at different rates depending on their environment and their temperament. This ensures that the right temperatures are maintained, and the reptiles can grow at a steady rate, without being affected by environmental changes. The thermostat controls the indoor humidity levels and temperature, while an automatic shut-off feature keeps the incubator cool when it is not in use. If one of these shut-off mechanisms is malfunctioning, it is advisable to replace the thermostat.
In order to maintain good health and high quality eggs, all reptiles should have access to clean, dry, safe places to grow and eat. In the case of incubators, the cages should be clean, dry and well-maintained. Some breeders prefer to place lids on the incubators, in order to provide a view of the live, feeding specimens. Some reptile breeders even provide a LCD digital display on the lid to assist the growers in determining the species of each clutch. This helps them make the best breeding decisions for the reptile’s needs.
