TYPES OF INCUBATORS 



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and the size and style of the incubators. An economical cellar 

 using- many small machines in single tiers can be constructed for 

 about $1.00 per dozen eggs, possibly less even as low as fifty 

 cents per dozen eggs. 



Location. One of the best locations for an incubator building 

 or cellar is on a side hill. Setting the building on the slope does 

 away with one-half of the excavating, and at the same time per- 

 mits an'entrance on the same grade as the cellar floor. This fur- 

 nishes a good outlet for air, and obviates the necessity of coming 

 up and down stairs upon entering or leaving the cellar. 



The building should be near the dwelling or the keeper's quar- 

 ters, since it needs attention early in the morning and late at night. 

 If within easy access of the brooder house, it will minimize labor 

 when removing the 

 chicks, and also lessen 

 the danger of chilling 

 them. 



Types of Incubators. 

 There are two general 

 types of incubators, the 

 distinction being based 

 on the manner in which 

 heat is supplied to the 

 eggs. The problem in 

 artificial incubation is 

 to maintain a steady 

 temperature of approx- 

 imately 103 F. and care- 

 fully to regulate the atmospheric moisture. In the various makes 

 of incubators heat is imparted to the eggs in two ways, directly by 

 hot air from a kerosene lamp (Fig. 157) ; and by air heated by com- 

 ing into contact with a hot- water tank over a kerosene lamp. 



A brief comparison of these two methods may be made. With 

 a hot-air machine an even temperature can be kept up. Since 

 the air is heated directly by the lamp, any increase or reduction 

 of the flame is immediately felt in the egg chamber; whereas with 

 a hot-water machine the heat from the lamp must be imparted 

 to the water, thence to the air in the incubator, and this consumes 

 more time. With hot-air machines there is no copper or tin tank 

 to be kept filled with water, hence no danger of this corroding 

 and leaking in the middle of a hatch, the water soaking the machine 



Fio. 157. A common type of hot-air incubator. 

 The incubator is given a "sun bath" before the next 

 hatch. 



