Grade. 

 Date. . 



EXERCISE 22 

 THE SELECTION AND CARE OF HENS FOR HATCHING 



Object. — To become familiar with the best practice to follow in select- 

 ing desirable hens for hatching, kind and location of shelters, and the daily 

 care of such hens. 



Equipment. — Special types of shelters suitable for incubating hens such 

 as barrels, boxes, special coops, and if possible, access to a house specially 

 designed for such hens; a supply of broody hens, preferably American varie- 

 ties; a supply of cut straw, some loose bricks and a supply of fertile eggs. 



Procedure. — Proceed according to the following steps to set a given 

 number of hens. All hens can be set at one laboratory period and different 

 members of the class can be delegated to take care of them for definite periods 

 or until hatching time. 



Step 1. — Locate the shelters in some high, dry, protected, warm 

 spot; preferably on the south side of a building, fence or bank. The shelters 

 should be roomy, neat and natural and should be provided with a slatted 

 door for ventilation. 



Step 2. — Form the nest, one in each shelter, by placing loose soil or sods. 

 Hollow out the center and be sure to keep comers high. A brick in each 

 comer keeps them high and prevents the eggs from rolling out. Cover this 

 formed nest with cut straw or hay, firming same and hollowing it in center. 

 Dust nest with lice powder. Brush the corners and cracks with crude petro- 

 leum before the hay is put in place. 



Step 3. — Select suitable hens, being sure that they are perfect in health. 

 They should neither be thin nor too fat and should be of a quiet, gentle 

 disposition, easily handled. Be sure that they are well possessed of the broody 

 tendency. The breast should feel warm and be free from feathers. 



Step 4. — Place each hen on her nest, after treating her with mercuric 

 ointment. Confine hen a day on false eggs until she is tested and has proven 

 her suitability for the purpose, after which good eggs may be placed under 

 her in place of the false eggs. 



Step 5. — Care for the setters each day as follows: Open nests morning 

 and night and allow hens to come off to feed if they wish. Fresh water and 

 whole grains containing considerable com should be available. Be sure hens 

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