Tr56 



Rural School Leaflet 



Sitting hens should be separated from the rest of 

 the flock and placed in some quiet, cool retreat 



will do) and let her sit on these for two or three days. She will probably 

 be more contented on the nest that she has chosen for herself, if it is 



a suitable one. 



In case you must change 

 the hen to another place, go 

 quietly after dark, lift her 

 gently, and put her on the 

 nest that has been prepared. 

 Gi\'e her two or three eggs, 

 one at a time, and let her place 

 them under her breast as best 

 pleases her. If she clucks 

 contentedly, and snuggles the 

 eggs cozily under her feathers, 

 she will usually sit on this nest. It is best, however, to put a crate or a 

 well- ventilated box over the nest. The top should be high enough not 

 to disturb her while sitting, but not high enough to allow her to stand 

 comfortably. If she sits quietly for two or three days, she will prob- 

 ably stay, and you may give her the setting of eggs. Keep the crate 

 over her for a few da}-s longer, allowing her to get off the nest every 

 day for exercise, food, and water, but have her go back in a reasonable 

 time. 



The nest. — Have the nest comfortable, clean, and free from lice. It 

 should be large enough for the hen to change her position on the nest 

 and to turn her eggs, but not so large that the eggs will move out of the 

 warm hollow under her breast. First, place some earth in the bottom of 

 the box, then enough bright clean hay to make a good nest; the hen will 

 fix the curve of the nest to suit herself. She feels safer in a somewhat 

 dark, secluded place, and it is best to humor her. 



Care of the hen. — The hen has undertaken a very confining task, which 

 will last three weeks. This is a long time. For twenty-one days and 

 nights she must stay in almost the same position. If }'ou do not think 

 this is tiresome, watch her when she first comes off the nest. She can 

 scarcely stand. The least that a person can do is to have things as well 

 prepared for her comfort as he can. Plenty of whole grain (com and wheat 

 are best), clean, fresh water, grit, and a dust bath should be placed where 

 she can reach them, and she should be allowed to exercise every day 

 if she wishes. Be sure to dust a Hi tie lice powder into her feathers occa- 

 sionally. This is a wise ]jrecaution, even if you do not find any lice. In 

 case she should break an egg, clean up the nest as well as yoti can, and 

 wash off the badly smeared eggs in lukewarm water. They will not be 

 likely to hatch if not cleaned. 



