THE INCV BATOR-BROODER METHOD OF RAISING GROUSE 



481 



with an automatic turning device, as commonly used for pheasant eggs, is satisfactory for 

 this purpose. Because of probable deterioration, it is not advisable to hold the eggs longer 

 than ten days before setting. Those from wild nests, if they are already partly incubated, 

 obviously should be placed in the machine at once. 



Dirty eggs should be scraped with a penknife or wiped with a damp cloth before storing 

 or setting, for washing destroys shell cuticle. Misshapen eggs, as well as those with badly 

 cracked shells, should be culled out. Those with minor cracks will sometimes hatch if the in- 

 jured area is covered with shellac. 



Eggs in the incubator tray should never be placed with the small or pointed end up lest one 

 encourage embryonic deformities. 



The normal incubation period for grouse eggs is 23V2 days. Occasionally, because of 

 undue heat, a few may hatch in 23 days. In the wild, if the weather is cold, the hatching 

 date may be deferred until the 25lh or even the 26th day. 



The wild grouse mother may leave her nest on warm days for several hours at a time. 

 But at the Research Center care is taken to avoid chilling of the eggs during incubation ex- 

 cept when required in carrying out candling or weighing procedures. 



Hatching and Transfer of Chicks. When the developing chick breaks into the air cell, 

 usually about the 22nd day of incubation, it is time to shift the eggs into the hatching com- 

 partment of the incubator. A separate section is utilized for this purpose. The eggs from 

 each female are placed in individual compartments or wire baskets called pedigree cases so 

 that the identity of each chick will not be lost. 



There are several successful ways of handling the eggs at hatching time. At the Center, as 

 soon as the first egg pips, the ventilation is reduced to conserve humidity and the moisture 

 pans are often filled with lukewarm water. If the chicks pip the shells but have difficulty in 

 getting out because of a toughened egg membrane, they may be sprinkled with tepid water. 



Doug Fincit 



CHICKS MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY ATTACHING A BAND TO LEG OR WING BEFORE TRANSFERRING THEM 

 FROM THE PEDIGREE HATCHING TRAY TO THE BROODER 



