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Incubators are made of smooth non-porous materials (e.g. glass,
heavy plastics, composites) and offer temperature, humidity and
oxygen controls. They are commonly used for neonates and animals
that are suffering from hypothermia, severe emaciation and other
conditions that render animals weak or unable to thermoregulate.
Oxygen is used when animals are unable to breathe well, are suffering
from pneumonia, etc.
Incubators designed for veterinary use are available in a range
of sizes. Smaller incubators designed for captive breeding or hobbyists
may have fewer features, but can be very useful. Hospital incubators
(used for premature human infants) are sometimes available at reduced
cost or may be donated when hospitals are replacing equipment.
It is possible to construct a simple incubator for the purpose
of warming animals using an aquarium or other container, and incorporating
a heat source. An example is a simple water-based incubator: http://www.iwrc-online.org/rehab/Incubators.htm
Some
suppliers of incubators (From Supplies Database.)
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