68 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 



machine. They overlook something, and generally 

 it turns out to be one of the most important details. 

 All machines are not run on the same principle, 

 and if the closest attention is paid to the manufac- 

 turer's instructions, giving careful attention to every 

 detail, you will get better results. 



A point very often overlooked is the regular 

 trimming of the wick and keeping the burner clean. 

 Some of the other things that cause the lamp to 

 smoke are cheap, inferior oil and setting a machine 

 in a direct draft. 



Tampering with the incubator while it is in 

 operation has caused many a disastrous hatch. This 

 same overanxious, meddlesome operator would 

 have the same result with setting hens because he 

 would pester them also. When a person declares 

 he can't get results from setting hens, the chances 

 are that he will not be much of a success as an incu- 

 bator operator. The most successful operator is 

 one who carefully looks after all the details neces- 

 sary to operate and then trusts the machine to do 

 the work. 



Do not neglect turning the eggs twice daily after 

 the second day, and continue doing so up to the 

 eighteenth day. After that the machine should not 

 be opened for any purpose whatsoever until the 

 hatch is complete. Keep the chicks in the incubator 

 until they are perfectly dry, then remove tliem to 

 the brooder. The opening of the incubator door has 



