Optimum temperatures that simulate those of the natural parents will produce the healthiest chicks. It should go without saying that the production of healthy, viable baby birds requires a healthy flock. Breeder birds should be examined, tested and treated for any disease uncovered. The entire facility should be evaluated periodically, to uncover any management problems that may contribute to disease in the aviary. Aviculturists must develop an egg numbering system.
Records are extremely important.
By keeping accurate records, the avicultural veterinarian and aviculturist can more easily assess trends in production. Incubators should be set up and running for several weeks prior to incubating the first egg to insure that they are operating normally. It is preferable to run three incubators, but this is not always possible. F. Some species require slightly different incubation temperatures. At a high altitude, the wet bulb reading may need to be increased slightly.