Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 April 1919 — MANAGEMENT OF THE INCUBATOR [ARTICLE]

MANAGEMENT OF THE INCUBATOR

Results of Incubation depend largely upon the management of the machines, the first essential being good fertile eggs from thrifty breeding stock. Good hatches cannot be obtained from poor eggs, writes an authority. Incubators should be tried out several days before eggs are to be put into them. See that all parts are In perfect working order and that the temperature runs Regularly at 103 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours before placing the eggs In the machine. Never put eggs into a cold machine nor one that Is not in perfect regulation and running at proper temperature. Eggs should be turned twice dally after the second day of Incubation until the eighteenth day, when the machine should be closed after the last turning and not opened for any reason until the chicks are all out of the shell that are, going to hatch, which should be by the middle of the twenty-first day of incubation. Great quantities of moisture should be provided. It is not so important that the moisture be provided in the machine as Is to keep the air moist in the room where the incubators are In operation. This can be done by placing burlap on the floor and keeping it wet or by placing a layer of sand on thefloor and keeping it thoroughly wet. Incubators should be operated in a basement or some room that Is well insulated, so that the temperature in the room can be controlled. Incubators should be perfectly clean when receiving eggs. A good plan Is to thoroughly wash all of the parts and disinfect the machine thoroughly and allow to dry before placing in the eggs. Run the temperature as'evenly as possible at 103 Fahrenheit throughout the period. Air the eggs often and as long at each airing as the temperature in the room will permit. Sixty degrees Fahrenheit Is a good incubator cellar temperature. Do not change regulator unless abEolutely necessary. Keep the lamps clean. Keep an even flame. Keep the char off the wick. Use only good oil.