Abstract:
This interesting traditional method of incubation (keeping eggs warm until they hatch) is
in common use throughout Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Singapore,
Malaysia, Taiwan and China. The system uses no electricity and requires only the
occasional use of a small kerosene stove. The method can be used in villages lacking
power and using locally available materials.
The system makes possible the hatching of hundreds of chicken eggs at a time. The basis
for the whole procedure is the fact that the chicken embryo (egg-bound baby chick) of
seven days or more will produce enough body heat to warm itself and other eggs if placed
in a well-insulated container. When the incubation is beginning and there are no older
eggs, it is necessary to keep the eggs heated by placing them between jute bags filled with
heated rice husk; later, no additional heat will be needed except that which is produced
by the eggs themselves. Practice is necessary to master this system of incubation.
Because of the fact that electricity is not necessary for this method, large scale extension
work is also possible by hatching of eggs in rural area. It is also helpful to improve the
economic and social status of rural poor people, by improving the income from sales of
chicks.
