You can purchase an incubator at the store. This may be your easiest option as it will save you some time. However, if you’re on a budget you can make an incubator. You can use a small plastic container for the incubator. You can use a deli cup or a small tupperware container. [2] X Expert Source Audra BarriosMarine Biologist & Reptile Specialist Expert Interview. 18 August 2020. Make sure any container you use is big enough to hold at least 24 ounces.
You should put enough substrate in the container that the bottom is fully covered. There should not be any parts of the bottom of the incubator exposed. The exact amount you need will depend on the shape and size of your incubator.
Weigh your substrate and add an equal amount of water. For example, say your substrate is 3 ounces. You will want to match that with 3 ounces of water. You can buy a small scale at a hardware store to take measurements. Make sure the ratio is based on weight and not volume. It’s very important that you keep the moisture levels appropriate as you want your geckos to be comfortable. Mix the water in with your substrate to create a moist, even mixture in the incubator. Tap water is probably safe here, but you can use filtered water or bottled water if you want to err on the side of caution.
If you need your incubator to warm up slightly, you can use heat tape or an under tank heating pad. Avoid heat rocks. These could burn a gecko. Avoid air holes. You need to keep the environment for your gecko eggs warm. All you need to do is open the lid about once a week. You can let some air in, providing adequate oxygen, and check to make sure the eggs look healthy. [7] X Research source
Provide a moist hatching box, filled with substrate and an equal amount of water. Your gecko will naturally be drawn to a moist environment to lay her eggs. This will assure the eggs will be temporarily safe in the cage in the event your gecko lays her eggs while you’re at work or school. [10] X Research source If possible, wait until the mother has left the eggs. This way, you will not have to deal with working around the mother when you remove the eggs. Remove the eggs gently, preferably using a spoon. If you pick the eggs up with your fingers, touch them very lightly. You do not want to damage the eggs when moving them.
If can help to mark the top side of the egg with a sharpie. If you choose to do so, however, mark it very lightly to avoid hurting the egg.
A healthy gecko egg is usually hard upon hatching, and gets harder as time passes. They are oval shaped. If you hold a candle near the egg, you should be able to see the embryo inside. Infertile eggs are very soft. They have a texture similar to a water balloon. Infertile eggs may also be misshapen or shriveled in appearance. You can discard of infertile eggs if there’s limited room in your incubator. However, if you have the room, it’s a good idea to keep all the eggs. Sometimes, a gecko egg that initially looks unhealthy may become healthier as time passes. What appears to be infertile eggs sometimes go on to hatch.
You can buy an aquarium online or at a pet store. It should be at least 10 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 6 inches high. Make sure you have a heat mat under the container to keep it warm. Use a few layers of paper towel for substrate. Also, buy small tubes and structures at a local pet store. Newborns like to have space in their cage to hide. Make sure you provide a small water bowl. You can buy a water bowl for newborns online or at a pet store. You can also use a plastic bottle cap.
Usually, you will not see the eggs hatch as it happens so quickly. You will only look in the incubator to see a gathering of gecko babies. If you see the eggs start to hatch, marked by the eggs cracking and geckos emerging, it can be fun to watch. However, you do not have to intervene.
Remain calm when transferring the geckos. They may hiss or screech as you attempt to pick them up. This sound can be startling, but reacting to it may frighten your newborns more.
Crickets are a good food for newborns, but make sure the crickets you choose are small. They should be no wider than the width of a baby’s head. Do not be surprised if the geckos do not eat a lot at first. They may initially only eat one cricket per meal. Their appetite will increase as they grow.
