Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-03-13
HA1CH|NG EGGS
WITH |NCuBAT0RS
Place of Operation-Testing and
Adjusting Machine-Required
Temperature-Care of Lamp,
Loading Trays, Hints on
Turning and Cooling
(By II. ARMSTRONG ROBERTS,

tBy II. ARMSTRONG ROBERTS)
The operation of an incubator need hold
ne fears or misgivings for the person
who is accustomed to regularity, and will
ing to follow few simple directions
True enough. the work is exacting: that
is. it must be carried out faithfully; but
1t is not difficult of accomplishment,
neither does it require special training
nor past experience.
Incubation requires common sense. not
technical mind. Though based upon
scientific knowledge, the workings of an
incubator are quite commonplace, indeed.
The whole process Is little more than
maintaining a steady temperature of APP
proximately 1903 degrees F. under certain
conditions of ventilation, atmospheric
moisture and the position of the eggs.
Nature does the rest.
We have only to examine the hens
ways for proof of the simplicity of in
cubation. She squats upon her eggs,
bringing them in contact with her body,
which provides warmth; she leaves the
nest at intervals in search of food and
drink during such periods the eggs are
cooled and ventilated; she turns the eggs
from time to time each day. which changes
the position of the eggs and equalizes any
variations In temperature: her body gives
off certain amount of moisture or she
conveys a certain amount of moisture in
to the nest from her walks through wet
vegetation at feeding times. For three
weeks she remains at the task. steadfast-
ly. faithfully, stubbornly. Presto! on the
2lst day she has IA brood of chicks The
job is done.
Artificial incubation embodies the same
principles. The chamber in which the
eggs are set is heated to a certain tenn
perature: the eggs are turned twice daily;
they are cooled at regular intervals; the
machine is ventilated so as to admit fresh
air for the embryos to breathe: and the
air is mostened by one means or another
so that the heat will not cause undue
evaporation Of the contents of the eggs.
SETTING UP THE MACHINE
Each make of incubator has individual
design and working parts. therefore 1t Is
impossible to lay down set rules that will
apply to all types. With each machine
the manufacturers send out booklet or
card of instructions. telling how to set
up the machine and how to operate it.
These instructions should be carefully
followed. If the machine Is received
"knocli down" and Grated as they usual
ly are, carefully assemble the different
parts, paying particular attention to the
heating apparatus. Note the purpose of
each part and then see that 1t functions
properly. Ordinary judgment will guide
you in this work.
Having chosen a location for the ma
chine, which place should be free from
direct drafts and other adverse condi-
| tons, see that the machine Is level. Test
1t with a carpenters level. using thin
pieces of wood under the legs to over
| come any irregularity. A long shallow
| pan of water set on top of the machine
will assist in this work If regular level
| is not available. If the machine is not
operated in a level position there is
| likely to be an uneven temperature with =
| in the egg chamber, hence this precau-
| ton.
| Avoid standing the machine too close
| to an exposed wall. inasmuch as the
| side nearest the wall Is apt to be colder
| than the rest of the machine. which
would create an unequal temperature in
| the egg chamber. Allow sufficient room
| for the convenient care of the heating
apparatus, and for the removal of egg
trays. Avoid cramped quarters: they i'm
pede work and may cause accidents. such
as the splitting of tray. The right of fire
| is very slight, virtually negligible; how
ever the necessary precautions should
be observed. Don't keep highly iniam-
mable materials near the lamp heater
Treat the incubator lamp the same as
you would respect an ordinary lamp.
| One needs sufficient light to work the
machine properly. Then there must be
| plenty of fresh air. and the location
should be sanitary, The air taken into
| egg chamber must be sweet, or the eggs
will not receive the necessary oxygen.
| 1t is generally agreed that a cellar
offers the best place for incubator oper-
| alton. The temperature Is not subject
to sudden changes; the air is more oil
less moist; It is cooler than apartments
above ground. especially frame struc
| lures; and there are not likely to b,
| any vibrations to the floor. such as are
| transmitted by some wooden floors. which
might disturb the adjustment Of the heat
ing apparatus.
TEST FOR ADJUSTMENTS
| Incubators are carefully tested at tn,
factory and the necessary adjustment
made to the heat-control mechanism ant
so on. Nevertheless. it is safe plal
| for the operator to make his own expert
ments before filling the machine will