Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1915-01-22
A FEW SUGGESTIONS ON ARTIFI
CIAL INCUBATION.

Even the man who has been highly
successful in operating incubators
and has had considerable experience
in handling Matching machines of va
rious kinds, very often finds that the
simplest kind Of suggestion often
brings something to his mind that he
has overlooked. 1t is Tor the "old-
timer" as we'll as the novice that
these few suggestions are printed, but
remember that no attempt is made
to go into detail; that would take a
book. But we will be more than glad
to take up any point that is Of espe-
cial interest to any breeder, and 60
into the details as thoroughly as pos
sible.
In the first place buy good incu-
bator. Not one that is too cheap to
be CT any value nor yet one that is
priced at high figure because 1t has
two coats of paint and striped legs.
There are plenty of good hatchers on
the market. Ask your neighbors
what they are using and what sue
cess they have had.
Place your machine in a we'll VEN
tilated room where no drafts can
strike it. See that it is as near level
as possible. Study your instruction
book. Then heat up the machine,
follow instructions of the maker and
do your own experimenting before
you put any eggs in 1t. After you
are able to run the machine at an
even temperature select good, me-
clear-shelled eggs and
start your hatch.
Give the eggs plenty of time to get
warmed through and the machine
cup to temperature" 1t will take
several hours and there is no use
opening the door every few minutes
and wondering why the thing don't
heat up faster" Be careful not to
let the temperature get above 103
degrees the first week; it weakens
the germs. After this, however. a
temperature Of 104 or los degrees is
really to be preferred. Toward the
end of the hatch it does not harm the
eggs particularly to let the tempera-
ture run up to 10 degrees for a
short time.
The eggs should be turned at least
twice a day and those from the outer
edges rolled toward the center. Not
all authorities agree upon how much
cooling is desirable for the eggs.
Some urge that the eggs be kept out
Of the machine only long enough to
actually turn them, while some 9TH
ers are equally positive they should
be aired from Is to 80 minutes twice
a day. The writer has seen some
splendid matches under both treat
ments. but is personally in favor of
and airing the eggs quite
often, especially in warm weather.
Fill and trim the lamp every day at
a regular time. If you don't you are
liable to forget it. Use the best oil
you cs> buy, it's cheapest in the long
run. Be careful not to handle the
eggs while you have oil or grease on
your hands.
Test out the ,infertiie eggs about
the seventh or eighth day. There is
no reason why they should consume
the air that is needed by the eggs
growing chickens; there
is no use turning them and keeping
them warm. Then, too, IL taken out
early in the hatch they are splendid
food for the young chicks.
When the chicks begin to hatch
close the machine and let it alone till
the hatch is over. Don't open the
door every few minutes to show your
friends how many chicks are Matched
or to help the chicks get out.
Study your machine. be reasonable,
give 1t a chance by bestowing intelli-
gent care upon 1t, don't expect too
much and the chances are that you
will be satisfied.