THE MAMMOTH INCUBATOR AND BROODER 435 



development. This is made possible by the moisture inside 

 plus CO2, and the shell thus becomes brittle. Proper moisture 

 and ventilation as well as temperature, it is found, affects 

 even this. 



Moisture is to be furnished by sand in the pans, and the 

 amount of moisture to be supplied must be worked out by 

 the following tests. The proper loss of weight of eggs, on an 

 average, should be as follows : 



During first 6 days ... 3.5 to 4.0 per cent. loss, 

 second 6 " . 4.0 " 4.5 

 third 6 " ^ " 5.0 



Total 12.0 " 13.5 



The Hatch. — ^When conditions are right all chicks should be 

 out of the shell in from twelve to eighteen hours after the 

 first chick frees itself. 



Long drawn out hatches indicate that there is something 

 wrong. Slow hatches cause weak chicks and cripples. 



The chicks should be kept in the nursery tray three days at 

 a temperature of 98° F. to 100° F. During this time the chicks 

 do not need to be fed or watered. 



Start the heat in the brooder twenty-four hours before 

 placing the baby chicks in it. so as to ensure proper regulation 

 of the temperature. 



The temperature of the hover should be 95° F. to 100° F. 

 when chicks are placed under it.. The chicks occupying the 

 hover space will raise the temperature 3° to 5° F. The third 

 week the temperature may be dropped to 90° F. and after the 

 fourth week 75° F. 



The baby chicks may be placed in the brooder at the end of 

 the third day and be given sour milk the first day and two feeds 

 on the following day, and on the sixth day on full feed. The 

 first five days the feed may consist of 



Stale bread 2 parts. 



Rolled oats 2 



Hard boiled egg 1 part. 



Mix with sour milk. Sprinkle with sharp grit. 



(See chapter on feeding.) 



