NATURAL INCUBATION 63 



If the hens have been well cared for, properly dusted with a good 

 insecticide during the three weeks of incubation,, the? will be per- 

 fectly free of lice. They and the chicks must be kept free. There 

 is not the difficulty in this that many imagine. Dusting the chick- 

 ens and hens once a week is all that is necessary. Some breeders 

 put a little lard on the top of their heads and on their throats. This 

 protects from the head lice. Others take a small brush (if the 

 chicks are affected with head lice), and wash the little heads once a 

 week with a lather of carbolic soap. They soon dry off in the sun 

 or under the hen. 



