POULTRY 217 



THE INCUBATOR 



The numerous styles of incubators manufactured today are 

 so well perfected that the selection of one is largely a matter of 

 personal choice. There are two types offered for sale, the hot- 

 air and the hot-water machines. The hot-air machine ap- 

 pears to be the favorite among most poultry keepers owing 

 chiefly to the fact that there is practically no limit to its life 

 of usefulness. The hot-water machine, though highly recom- 

 mended by man}^ is apt to give trouble sooner or later, through 

 leakage unless the water pipes are made of high-class material. 

 When operating an incubator the manufacturer's directions 

 should always be closely followed as he knows best the require- 

 ments necessary for a successful hatch with his particular make 

 of machine. 



The Brooder. — The advice regarding the selection of a 

 brooder is similar to that of an incubator. There are many 

 good makes and all of them will rear chicks provided the opera- 

 tor is careful in following the accompanying directions. A 

 brooder is an economic necessity when chicks are raised in large 

 numbers due to its saving of labor and when a no sitting 

 variet}^ of fowls is kept its services are indispensable. 



THE SITTING HEN 



A great deal of the so-called trouble with sitting hens is that 

 we do not understand them or have not the patience or per- 

 severence necessary for success. When a hen becomes broody 

 she should be gently removed, preferably in the evening, to a 

 quiet place where a good roomy nest has been prepared for her. 

 This nest should be at least 14 inches square and 6 inches deep. 

 It should be filled with about 4 inches of fine dry earth slightly 

 hollowed and lined with a small amount of chaff or fine hay. 

 Then when the hen is placed on the nest she should be set on a 

 few stale or china eggs for a day or so or until she takes kindly 

 to her new surroundings after which the good eggs may be 

 given to her. She should be thoroughly dusted with insect 

 powder at least twice during the hatching period to destroy all 

 vermin upon her. She should be let off the nest for a few 

 minutes each dav for food and water. 



