Electric incubator? Not an option. But chicks need hatching. The Amish found solutions.
Broody Hen
Best incubator — a chicken. When a hen goes broody (stops laying, sits on nest), place 10-15 eggs underneath. 21 days — chicks. Hen turns, warms, protects by herself. Hatch rate: 80-95%. Problem: not all hens go broody (Leghorns almost never).
Kerosene Incubator
Insulated wooden box. Kerosene lamp below. Thermometer (mercury). Temperature: 37.5-38°C. Turn eggs 3 times daily by hand. Humidify (bowl of water inside). 21 days of attention. Rate: 60-80% (lower than hen — humans are worse than chickens).
Under a Turkey
Turkeys are excellent brooders (better than hens). Big body = more eggs fit. Sit patiently. Can put chicken, duck, goose eggs underneath — she doesn't care. Will hatch them all.
Under a Duck
Muscovy duck — ideal brooder for any eggs. Quiet, calm, doesn't abandon nest. Some Amish keep Muscovy ducks ONLY as living incubators.