CHAPTER IX 



HOW TO RUN THE INCUBATOR 



After setting up your machine sit down and read the directions. 

 Not once, but just as many times as it takes for you to get a good 

 understanding of the maker's meaning. Some incubator manu- 

 facturers are more direct and plain in giving instructions than others, 

 so it pays to have a good understanding before even lighting the lamp. 

 After you have the lamp in running order turn your attention to the 

 regulator. Keep unscrewing it until the heat comes up to 100 or 101, 

 then place your themometer in a good spot where you can watch it 

 and close up the doors. If the temperature Varies, put in another 

 thermometer as the first one may be incorrect. When your temper- 

 ature reaches 102^ and stays there for any considerable time, your 

 machine is ready for the eggs. But it is better to run it a day or two 

 without eggs if you are a beginner, just to get acquainted. When the 

 eggs are put in, give the machine plenty of time to regain the 

 temperature. Some say twenty-four hours but most hot air machines 

 will come up to the 102^ in twelve hours, but if it takes longer don't 

 get uneasy, it will be all right. 



Run the ventilation according to directions sent with the machine, 

 because every manufacturer knows what his machine does best with, 

 much or little vent, so it is better to go according to his directions. 

 If the eggs are put in the machine in the morning keep the doors 

 closed until middle of next day, then turn the trays from one end to 

 the other. If it is a two tray machine change places. If a three tray, 

 change the middle tray to one end and end tray to middle. Do not 

 turn the eggs but only the trays until the evening of the third day. 

 At this turning take only one tray out to turn at one time, and turn the 

 eggs quickly. Then take out another tray and replace the tray that has 

 been turned in place of the one just taken out. The eggs must not 

 be chilled in the least, at this stage, so the work must be done as 

 quickly as possible without jarring. 



After the fourth day turn your eggs twice a day, and make a point 

 of doing this work when you will not be interrupted. If there is 

 any trouble that way, fasten the door, for incubating is a matter of 

 precision and regularity. 



Begin airing the eggs after the fifth day, and in this you must be 

 guided by the temperature in the room. If it is up to 70 degrees the 

 eggs can air a little longer than if the temperature is 50 degrees. 



