An Electric Incubator
Where electric current is available, it can be used to heat an incubator much better and cleanlier than the kerosene lamp. The materials are inexpensive and the cost should be no more than for the ordinary kind of heater.
First of all the box part must be made of very dry wood, 1/2 in. thick. The material should be matched, as the cost of the operation depends upon the construction of the box. The proper size for an 80-egg incubator is 2 ft. square and 1 ft. high. If a larger one is desired, the dimensions may be varied to suit, but it is not necessary to make it any higher for a larger one. If it is desired to have a window in the door, care must be taken to make it a good fit. The top, as shown in the sketch, is made without hinges so that it can be readily set on and removed. This makes it handy in case of repairing the heater and cleaning the box. The inside of the box, with the exception of the bottom, should be covered with asbestos paper.
Fig. 1—Box Details
After the box is finished, fit it with a tray, 1-1/2 ft. by 1 ft. 10-3/4 in. A tray having these dimensions will slide easily in the box. This is an essential feature of the hatching. The frame of the tray D, Fig. 1, consists of wood, 3/4 by 3/4 in., with a bottom made of wire mesh. The mesh should be firmly attached, so that it will not give away when full of eggs. Runners for the tray are placed 4-1/2 in. from the bottom of the box. When the tray is put in place, it will not touch the back. This small space is left for the chicks to fall into the nursery below. About 4 in. below the tray four holes are bored, AA, 1/8 in. in diameter, one on each side of the box. These holes admit fresh air to the eggs.
Fig. 2—Heater Details