1S40 



The Cornell Reading-Courses 



The success of natural mcubation depends not only on the hen's ability 

 to hatch fertile eggs, but also on the nesting place and the surrounding 

 conditions. The hen that steals her nest and sits undisturbed usually 

 hatches a good brood of chickens. The conditions existing in a henhouse 

 or any building where hens are set should be made as nearly like the natural 

 conditions as possible. Hens should be set where laying hens cannot be 

 with them, and where they may have free access to a dust bath, to fresh 

 water, and to a supply of grain. If necessary a small coop may be used, 

 provided it is placed in a shady spot and the hen is allowed her freedom 

 or the run of a small yard. If a broody hen is to be moved, this should 

 be done at night in as gentle and careful manner as possible. The nest- 

 ing box should be placed where the hen will have easy access to it, preferably 

 on the floor or on the ground. If it is placed on the ground, the bottom 

 of the box should be knocked out and the earth underneath should be 



covered with clean straw or leaves. 

 If the box is elevated, or if it is on 

 the floor, some damp soil may be 

 placed in the bottom of the box. 

 This soil should be arranged to con- 

 form to the hen's body, and should 

 be covered with a layer of straw. 

 (Fig. 51.) The box should not be 

 too deep, lest the hen break the 

 eggs when she jimips down into the nest. On the other hand, if the box 

 is too shallow the chicks may get out of the nest at hatching time and 

 may be unable to get back. The most satisfactory nesting box is about 

 fourteen inches square and twelve inches deep. 



• When all is prepared for sitting, the hen and the nest should be thoroughly 

 dusted with lice powder, and this dusting should be repeated three or four 

 days before the eggs hatch. ^ The hen should be set on china eggs until she 

 becomes accustomed to her new surroundings. If she settles down at once, 

 the hens' eggs may be placed under her the following night. It is best to 

 keep her shut in the nesting box at first, in order to make sure that she does 

 not leave the eggs. In case any eggs are broken in the nest, they should be 

 removed at once, and the straw should be replaced by a fresh supply. If 

 any of the remaining eggs become smeared, they should be washed with 

 warm water. 



2 Lawry lice powder may be used ver>' successfully for dusting hens or young chicks. It consists of J 

 pint of crude carbolic acid, } pint of gasoline, and 2 J pounds of plaster of paris. The liquids should be 

 mixed thoroughly before adding the plaster of paris. The latter should be well mixed with the liquids and 

 rubbed between the hands, then the mixture should be passed through a mosquito-wire screen and allowed 

 to dry. Great care should be used in applying this powder; otherwise both hen and chicks may be injured. 

 A small pinch of the powder is sufficient for each fowl. This should be worked in through the feathers, 

 especially about the vent and under the wings. The powder may be kept indefinitely if it is placed in a 

 tight package. It should not be applied until several days have elapsed after it is made. It should not be 

 kept in a hot place. 



Fig. 51. — Box nest 



