Rural School Leaflet. 1073 



becoming frightened, and one that is likely to pay strict attention to 

 business. 



Do not trust the hen with your valuable eggs until you are sure she 

 intends to sit. It will be better to give her two or three other eggs 

 (china eggs will usually do) and let her sit on these for two or three 

 days until she knows her mind. She will probably be more content on 

 the nest she has chosen for herself, if it be a suitable one, in which she 

 will not be disturbed. 



Incase you must change the hen to another place, go quietly after dark, 

 lift her gently, and put her on the nicely prepared nest. Give 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 open box over the nest, one which will allow 

 plenty of air, the top being high enough not to trouble her while sitting, 

 but not to allow her to stand comfortably. If she sits quietly for two or 

 three days, she will probably stay, and you may give her the eggs. It 

 is just as well to keep the crate over her for a few days longer, allowing 

 her to get off the nest every day for exercise, food, and water; but 

 see that she goes back in a reasonable time. 



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

 should be large enough so that the hen may turn her eggs and change 

 her position on the nest, but not so large that she may lose the eggs 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 21 days and 

 nights, the patient hen must stay in almost the same position. If 

 you do not think this is tiresome, watch her when she first comes off 

 the nest. She can scarcely stand. The least we can do is to have 

 things as well prepared for her comfort as we can. Plenty of whole 

 grain (corn 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 little 

 insect powder into her feathers. This is a wise precaution, even if you 

 do not 'find any lice. In case she should break an egg, clean up the nest 

 as well as you can, and wash off the badly smeared eggs in luke-warm 

 water. They will not be likely to hatch if not cleaned. 



