INCUBATION 107 



Clean eggs are the best, but eggs should not be washed. 

 Washed eggs do not hatch well. 



The incubator must be set up perfectly level and kept 

 so for the best results. 



The directions given by the manufacturers for the 

 operation of their machines must be closely followed. 



The thermometers recommended by the manufacturers 

 of the incubators should be used, and they should be 

 placed in the machine exactly where directed. 



Incubator eggs should not be handled with hands soiled 

 by dirt or oil. Oil will kill the germ within the egg. 



Avoid jars of the incubator while hatching. This 

 ruptures the egg and destroys the embryo. 



The incubator room should be kept free of drafts and 

 bad odors of all kinds. 



Keep the flues of the incubator clean and free from 

 soot. A coating of soot prevents the proper amount of 

 heat from reaching the egg chamber. 



Keep the lamps clean and free from oil. Oil odors 

 affect the eggs, and may even destroy the embryos. 



When the eggs are first placed in the incubator, they 

 should be warmed gradually. If they are heated too 

 fast the germs will be destroyed. 



Do not neglect to turn and air the eggs in an in- 

 cubator. 



When the eggs are taken out of an incubator to air, 

 the door should be closed so that the egg chamber will 

 not cool off. The eggs should not be kept out of the 

 chamber until they become chilled. This kills the 

 embryos. 



Be sure to have the brooders prepared for the accom- 

 modation of the chicks when they are ready to be taken 

 from the incubator. 



When the incubator is not in use, keep it in a place 

 where it will not become infested with vermin. When it 

 is again put in use, it should be examined, thoroughly 

 cleaned, and run for several days before the eggs are 

 placed in it. 



