CHAPTER XX. 
ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION. 
ARTIFICIAL incubation and brooding means the hatching and 
rearing of chicks by use of incubators and brooders. The hen’s 
heat and maternal instinct are entirely disregarded. 
Historical.—Artificial incubation has been successfully prac- 
tised-since prehistoric times. The earliest reliable records are 
found in accounts of Egyptian egg ovens: The eggs were placed 
in large baskets made of reeds, and surrounded by fermenting 
manure which supplied the heat. The method was very crude, 
yet productive of excellent results. This artificial hatching was 
carried on by different families, generation after generation, and 
they thus became very expert in manipulating the equipment. 
This simple method was superseded by the use of ovens, re- 
mains of which have recently been found in Egypt, where the prac- 
tice of hatching eggs in large ovens has lately been revived. These 
ovens have capacities ranging from one thousand to three hundred 
thousand eggs in a season. As a rule, they are centrally located 
in some large village in an agricultural district. The eggs are 
purchased by the manager of the oven, and the chicks sold when 
hatched. Such eggs can usually be purchased for $2.50 to 
$3.00 per thousand, and the resulting chicks sold for $1.00 per 
hundred. These large hatching plants are marvels of simplicity. 
They consist of a large, low building constructed of clay, through 
the centre of which runs a long alley, and opening out of this are 
small, circular compartments with two floors, the second being 
about four feet above the first. The eggs are placed on straw, the 
heat being generated by burning fuel set on an elevated ledge 
around the sides of each room, the amount of fuel used regulating 
the heat. There is an aperture in each room which carries off the 
smoke and surplus heat. In the centre of each compartment is 
an opening where the operator stands when turning and handling 
the eggs. As they hatch the chicks are removed to the central 
alley, which is somewhat cooler, and kept there until sold. 
Early historical records show that artificial incubation was 
carried on in China in ovens similar to the above. The appliances 
were very crude, and success depended almost entirely upon the 
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