ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 65 



A machine properly constructed to retain the heat 

 will also require less oil or gas to operate, and is 

 not quite so much affected by the changes in tem- 

 perature in the operating room. 



The most difficult problem confronting the 

 operator is the moisture question. My advice on 

 this point is to follow the directions given by the 

 manufacturer, in addition making due allowances 

 for conditions and location of incubator. A good 

 hygrometer will assist materially in determining 

 whether or not you have the proper amount neces- 

 sary for best results. 



Where the heat is supplied by lamp, care must 

 be exercised to use one which is not defective. The 

 burner must be in perfect condition and the wick 

 must be kept properly trimmed. A common mis- 

 take made by inexperienced operators is to turn up 

 the wick too much, thinking they can heat the 

 machine more quickly at the start, but the result 

 is a smoked-up machine. Do not try to force the 

 machine; it may take a little time to get the egg 

 chamber properly heated but it is the only reliable 

 way to get the machine under way. 



Poultry raisers who have gas piped upon their 

 premises should by all means use it instead of oil; 

 it is cleaner and saves lots of work. In some of the 

 smaller towns it may happen that the pressure on 

 the gas is not always the same, hence I would advise 

 making a thorough test before going to the expense 



