CrittaCrib®
The Portable Incubator for Wildlife Rescue
For Immediate Animal Intensive Care
CrittaCrib® is a portable incubator designed to deliver stabilising care for injured wildlife during rescue, transport, and rehabilitation. It’s a unique take on an animal intensive care unit and ensures critical support from the moment animals are captured. The act of rescue is often the most life-threatening moment for the animal.
Photos and video production by Mick de Montignie
Stabilise wildlife anywhere
The CrittaCrib® Wildlife ICU enables carers to deliver life-saving stabilising conditions immediately, anywhere, whether on a country road, in the field, a vehicle, clinic or someone’s backyard.
Fully portable, self-powered incubator runs on a USB-C power bank, vehicle outlets, or wall sockets.
Easy to transport and store. CrittaCrib® folds up for transport with a detachable control panel.
Species-specific heat and humidity settings for wildlife to simplify care, reduce stress and support recovery for a diverse range of species.
Monitor and Triage Animals Easily. The enclosed design protects animals from infection, excessive handling and temperature shock while allowing carers to monitor, triage, and feed safely.
Durable, Easy-to-Clean. Made from powder-coated aluminium, the CrittaCrib® folds out flat for cleaning with a detachable control panel that simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
CrittaCrib® Features
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![A white small animal trap with a door open, placed on grass near rocks in an outdoor setting.]()
THREE POINTS OF ENTRY OR RELEASE
Depending on what you’re rescuing, side and top doors make it easier and safer for you and your patient.
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![A portable laboratory device with a reflective metal frame and a glass or plastic cover, resting on a white surface outdoors.]()
TOP HATCH FOR FEEDING, MONITORING AND CAPTURE
Feeding and monitoring from above is made simple with the tough polycarbonate hatch. Avoid unnecessary handling of animals.
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![Person holding a climate control device outdoors on grass, with knobs and digital displays for humidity and temperature settings.]()
CONTROL PANEL FITS ALL
The Control Panel plugs into the range of Cribs. Stainless steel bezel and water-resistant switches. Components are all easily serviced.
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![A person in a checkered shirt is working with a piece of electronic equipment in the back of a vehicle, with gear and bags nearby.]()
COMPACT FORM
Folds up like a briefcase. Easily fits in any vehicle, so it’s always at hand (even on a family trip away).
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![Open black backpack with organized electronic accessories on a rough stone surface, including a portable power bank, charging cables, a power adapter, and a dual USB car charger.]()
FULLY POWERED... ANYWHERE
Battery (standard battery shown), car/truck outlet supply and 240V power outlet. This makes the CrittaCrib® like no other.
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![A white CrittaCrib with a lid, sitting outdoors on grass and next to a large rock.]()
QUICK RELEASE LID STAY
For immobile patients, the heavy duty stainless lid stay holds it open. Notice the pattern here.. Heavy Duty.
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![Close-up of a CrittaCrib with a black handle, metal parts, and perforated metal surface.]()
TOP HANDLES MAKE MANOUVERING EASY
Large enough for a gloved hand to position the Crib. Note strong steel handles (Heavy Duty) on the sides for easy carrying.
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![A black portable power bank and various electronic accessories stored inside an open black bag on a rocky surface outdoors.]()
SUPER CAPACITY POWER BAG
This is for fulltime rescuers, offering 8hrs of cord free transport and waiting at the vets. Catastrophic event ready. You can also buy just the power bank, keep one on charge and another in use.
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![Black Nator Manufacturing tool bag hanging on a white metal pegboard outside on grass.]()
POWER BAG
Heavy duty military grade fabric. Not bullet proof, but nearly. Keeps all power supplies and cords at hand.
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![Car Charger with USB ports, attached to a power source, lying on a rough surface with a coiled black cord nearby.]()
CAR OR TRUCK POWER SUPPLY
Power your CrittaCrib® directly from the vehicle and charge your power bank or phone. Won’t get hot like cheaper models and easily power the CrittaCrib®.
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![Close-up of a scientific instrument with a textured metallic surface on top, connected to a white control box with a digital display and buttons.]()
REPLACEABLE COMPONENTS
The humidity pad is easily replaceable. It’s super absorbent and contains antimicrobial material.
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![Close-up of a metallic box with a black foam-lined cover, possibly part of a piece of laboratory or industrial equipment.]()
FOAM FILTER
This is the air intake filter, easily cleaned and long lasting. Filters the intake for the twin fan design (two fans in case one ever fails).
A back up fan? Talk about over-engineering.
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![A set of black and gray braided cable cords in a black carrying case.]()
HEAVY DUTY CABLES
These cables are braided for protection from nibblers and are supplied in the power bag as a 2mtr and 3mtr. The 3mtr long is handy for car power.
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![Close-up of a white metal electrical or telecommunications box with multiple locking latches, resting outdoors on grass.]()
SPRING LOADED LATCHES
This adds amazing strength to the design. Once you get into the habit of collapsing the CrittaCrib, they are easy to operate.
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![Close-up of a metallic device with an array of small white dots and a safe lock, labeled 'CORRUPTION &']()
BUTTERFLY LATCHES FOR LID
OK, they’re not so common, but after testing 46 different latches, this one works the best and is most secure.
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![Black and white circular badge with an outline of Australia and the text 'Made in Australia'.]()
AUSTRALIAN MADE
Can we make products overseas to earn more money? Yes, but our priority remains firmly focused on supporting and steadily growing Australian manufacturing. We are committed to creating meaningful, long-lasting local jobs while also ensuring we protect the environment for future generations. This approach allows us to maintain high-quality standards and promote sustainability in everything we do.
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![A person wearing a blue and black checkered shirt sitting outdoors on grass, using a scientific device with a reflective surface and electronic controls.]()
JUST A REALLY NICE PHOTO
Mick de Montignie took all the photos on this site and produced the video for us. He digs wildlife and volunteered during the bushfires. LEGEND.
Why Immediate Stabilisation Matters.
Injured wildlife often suffer from shock, dehydration, and temperature stress, which can quickly become life-threatening.
Before veterinary treatment can begin, animals must be stabilised — warmed, hydrated, and calmed in a quiet, enclosed space.
Creating a Controlled Environment.
Creating a controlled environment helps the wildlife in care as it:
Prevents temperature shock and hypothermia
Dramatically reduces stress and energy loss
Minimises handling and the risk of further injury
Supports natural recovery responses before transfer to a clinic
Who the CrittaCrib® is ideal for.
The CrittaCrib® is designed for anyone who cares for Australia’s wildlife, whether it’s part of your daily work, volunteering or something you do when the need arises.
It’s ideal for:
Wildlife carers and rescuers who need a safe, portable and hygienic space for animals to recover or be transported.
Veterinary teams and sanctuary staff who require quick, secure access for treatment or observation.
Residents in rural and regional areas, where injured wildlife are often found on roadsides and may have joeys or young needing immediate warmth and care.
Volunteer bushfire and emergency responders, who need reliable, easy-to-set-up equipment to stabilise wildlife in the field.
Wherever animals need calm, warmth and safety, the CrittaCrib® provides the environment and flexibility to help you give them the best chance of recovery.
How the CrittaCrib® Stacks Up .. literally
By controlling the internal environment automatically, the CrittaCrib® wildlife intensive care unit reduces guesswork and improves outcomes for both carers and animals.
How to Use the CrittaCrib® Animal ICU for Wildlife Rescue
Prepare before you go
Keep your CrittaCrib® fully powered via the supplied USB-C power bank, vehicle outlet, or wall socket.
Pre-set the temperature and humidity levels for the wildlife species and stage of development.
At the Rescue Site
Gently place the animal into the CrittaCrib® wildlife incubator using minimal handling.
Close the unit securely to create a quiet, dim, and warm space.
Use the species-specific settings to maintain an optimal environment.
During Transport
Keep the unit level and avoid unnecessary vibration. A rolled up towel under the base keeps it level.
Attach the seatbelt straps through the CrittaCrib’s side handles or tie down points in the vehicle.
Observe through the clear viewing panel without opening the lid — reducing stress.
Maintain stable temperature and humidity in your vehicle throughout the journey.
If you are comfortable, chances are the animal will be too.
Never place the CrittaCrib® in the boot of your car, always in the cabin!
On Arrival (Vet or Wildlife Shelter)
Ensure the animal can be placed away from other domestic animals to reduce shock.
Keep the environment constant (and if need be), request that the CrittaCrib® can be plugged in if the battery is running low during the wait.
Wipe down and fold the CrittaCrib® down for cleaning before your next call-out.
Create the Ideal Conditions for your patient
Different species have varying needs, but general stabilisation principles include:
Temperature: Most native mammals and birds require 28–32°C during shock recovery — a range precisely controlled by the CrittaCrib® incubator for wildlife.
Humidity: Moderate humidity (40–60%) helps prevent dehydration, especially for young or featherless animals.
Quiet and Ventilated: the fans generate very little noise but provide powerful air movement. Low noise and subdued light reduce shock and energy loss.
Minimal Handling: Observe through the clear panel and open the unit only for triage or feeding your patient.
Clean Environment: The CrittaCrib®’s enclosed design reduces dust, contaminants, and pathogen exposure.
Nator Manufacturing acknowledges all First Nations peoples of this land and recognises their enduring connection to and protection of Country and local knowledges. We thank them for protecting these lands, waters, and ecosystems since time immemorial. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people who are collaborating with Nator Manufacturing today. We also recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.