POULTRY KEEPING 545 



mistake to kill a hen just because she raised a brood of nice chicks. 

 She probably will be one of the best layers the next winter. Some 

 hens, however, seem to be chronic sitters; these are of little value 

 for anything but hatching chicks and might as well be killed if 

 they are not wanted for that purpose. Such hens develop but few 

 eggs at a time and can never make a good year's record. 



Breeds Adapted to Incubation. The question of the relative 

 merits of the different breeds as sitters often arises. There is much 

 difference of opinion on this subject and also a great difference in 

 the individual hens themselves. In general, however, the Cochins 

 and Wyandottes make very good sitters. Some may prefer Plym- 

 outh Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, etc., but we believe that no other 

 breeds are as nicely feathered for incubation purposes as the Wyan- 

 dottes and Cochins. It is generally conceded that Leghorns, Minor- 

 cas and others of the special egg producing breeds do not make 

 good mother hens. Some of these make good sitters, but far too 

 many will prove worthless for the purpose. 



The Nest. In the first place one should select a good location 

 for the sitting hen. When they are located where others can lay 

 in with them, trouble is sure to occur, as they generally quarrel 

 over the nest, thus breaking and soiling the eggs. Therefore, it is 

 essential to secure a place where there cannot be any possibility of 

 disturbance. The nest may be made of soft hay sprinkled with 

 sulphur and powdered tobacco stems, or some other good insect 

 powder to prevent the ravages of lice. After nightfall select those 

 hens that have been sitting steadily for a few days and remove 

 them to the prepared nests. If they do not settle down contentedly 

 at first do not entrust them with eggs, until safe to do so. Some 

 hens prove too cranky to be profitable even though they do not 

 cease incubation entirely, or spoil the nest of eggs; they should be 

 taken off the nest and fed once or twice to test their dispositions. 

 If they go back on the nest of their own accord it is safe to entrust 

 them with eggs. If they do not go back at the end of half an hour, 

 catch and place them gently on the nest. Some hens learn to go 

 back quickly and take their own nest, while others are very slow. 



A very serviceable nest is made by cutting a door in the side 

 of a barrel and hinging it fast with light hinges or straps. Place 

 old newspapers on the bottom and then make a nice firm nest of 

 soft hay. Be sure and make the nest so large that the eggs will not 

 pile up on each other \mder the hen, but not large enough to allow 

 them to roll away from her body. The top of the barrel can then 

 'be covered Avith boards, old sacks or anything of the kind con- 

 venient. The top hoop may be removed and a sack fastened down 

 the same as in shipping potatoes to market in barrels. Small holes 

 can be bored in the side to admit plenty of air. Good nests may be 

 made from boxes about 15"xl5"xlo". Remove one side with the 

 exception of a 6" piece at one edge which serves as the bottom of 

 the nest on the front side and holds the nest material in place. 

 Hinge the part removed to one edge, thus making a door that can 

 be quickly opened or closed. Nests of this style may be made in. 



