THE INCUBATION OF HENS' EGGS 22!) 



The chicks should be left in the incubator without feedinj^ 

 for at least thirty-six hours after hatching, and as much 

 longer as is necessary to compel a lusty demonstration of the 

 fact that they are hungry. As soon as they are dried off and 

 fluffed out, the temperature on a level with the chicks should 

 be reduced to 93° or 95° F. by opening the door enough to 

 admit a little fresh air without cooling the machine down 

 suddenly. Reducing the temperature and admitting fresh 

 air is referred to as "hardening the chicks." During this 

 time darken the egg chamber by hanging a dark cloth in front 

 of the door. This prevents the chicks from picking at the 

 droppings or developing the vice of toe-picking. The reason 

 for delaying the removal of the chicks is to secure as complete 

 yolk absorption as possible. The yolk that remains inuised 

 just prior to hatching is taken into the chick's body through 

 the navel, and acts as a food supply for a number of hours. 

 This fact is at the bottom of the successful shipping of newly 

 hatched chicks. Giving a new supply of food before the old 

 su]iply is exhausted seems to lead to digestive complications. 



As soon after the thirty-six-hour period as the chicks give 

 evidence of real hunger they may be removed to the brooder. 

 For this purpose a flannel-lined, hooded basket should be 

 used, which will fully protect them from the cold. A cold 

 wind striking them at this time is likely to prove disastrous. 

 If possible the transfer should be made at dusk so that the 

 chicks will have no tendency to wander from the warm com- 

 partment of the brooder until they have it permanently 

 located. 



Insurance Restrictions. — A matter of practical importance 

 that should not be overlooked is that of fire-insurance re- 

 strictions relative to the operating of incubators in dwell- 

 ings. One's policy should be carefully scrutinized in this 

 regard. Some policies have no restrictions. Others have 

 specifications to which the incul)ator must conform, while 

 still others become void if an incubator of any type is oper- 

 ated without special permission. 



