320 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



1-2 EDWARD VII., A. 1902 

 In addition to the foregoing the following were added at the dates designated: — 



As the hens became broody they were placed in wooden boxes, without bottoms, and 

 with a hinged door in front. For early sitters one of the Wyandotte varieties, or one 

 of the cross-bred hens were chosen as they were lighter than the heavier Plymouth 

 Rocks or Leghorns. In some cases the nests were made of dry lawn clippings, which 

 were found to answer the purpose admirably. In others oat straw was used. Three or 

 four china eggs were placed in the nest, and on these the hen was allowed to sit for a 

 couple of days. Meanwhile a thorough dusting of insect powder was given to both 

 hen and nest. The powder in the feathers of the hen and in the nest probably rid her 

 of any vermin and prevented their lodgment in the straw or grass. At end of two days 

 the valuable eggs were given to the sitter. Food, water and grit were convenient to 

 the sitters at all times. "When the sitters left their nests to feed, generally in the 

 morning, the eggs were examined. Should an egg have been broken it should be at 

 once removed with the soiled straw, and the other eggs at once carefully washed in 

 slightly warmed water and returned to the nest. Should the eggs be allowed to remain 

 soiled no satisfactory results need be anticipated. In some cases the breast feathers 

 of the sitters became soiled. If so they should be at once thoroughly cleaned, or the 

 newly washed eggs will again be soiled. If circumstances will permit a number of 

 broody hens should be set at the same time. At the end of six or seven days the eggs 

 with light coloured shells, and at nine days the eggs with dark shells, should be tested, 

 and the clear or unfertile ones removed. Tbe fertile eggs should then be given to the 

 hens which may require them, in order to have the full sitting, usually 13. The spare 

 hens can then be reset. Egg testers can be procured, without any difficulty, from a 

 dealer in poultry supplies. Where incubators and brooders are used, different rules as 

 to care and management are observed. These rules accompany all the machines. But 

 whether hens or incubators are used as hatching mediums, care and attention during 

 the period of incubation are necessary. In too many cases the hens, or incubators, 

 have to bear the blame that rightfully should be borne by manager or operator. 



