ACCURATE knowledge of time of lay is of considerable importance in many studies of the physiology of the oviduct. To eliminate the need for continuous checking of the birds by an attendant, especially during non-working hours, an automatic oviposition recording apparatus was developed for use with laying cages. Since the equipment is relatively economical and simple to construct, details are presented here for whatever aid they may be to others faced with similar problems. Completion of an electric circuit by the laid egg activates the apparatus. The actual recording is done on teledeltos paper which is sensitive to electric currents of suitable voltage and amperage. The following major components comprise the apparatus (see block diagram and detailed views): a) A metallic kymograph drum, covered by teledeltos paper, and mounted on a shaft in the horizontal position. b) An electric clock or synchronous motor to turn the drum at 1 revolution/day.
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Weiss et al. (1952) studied this question.