INCUBATION OF TURKEY EGGS 



letting the hens steal their nests. As a rule, however, it 

 will be found much more convenient and much more 

 satisfactory to set the hen in a nest which has been pre- 

 pared for her and which will, therefore, be more con- 

 venient and more protected. This is especially true when 

 a number of hens are to be set, as this will allow a row of 

 nests to be made on the ground next to one another but 

 separated with solid board partitions, and will greatly 

 facilitate taking care of the sitters. Where a number of 

 hens are set close together it is necessary to be careful 

 when they are let off that they go back on their own nests 

 and that two hens do not try to crowd on the same nest, 

 leaving the eggs in one nest to become chilled. 



Where only a few hens are set they can be placed some 

 distance apart, which will prevent the occurrence of this 

 difficulty. Often nests are prepared for sitting hens in 

 boxes or barrels laid on their side and so arranged that 

 the opening can be shut to protect them from marauding 

 animals. Where nests are made in a barrel it is well to 

 bore holes in the bottom so that if the rain beats in and 

 the barrel is tight, the water will drain out and the eggs 

 will not lie in water. Where nests are made in boxes or 

 on wooden floors it is well to use if possible sod or soil in 

 the bottom of the nest, as this holds some moisture and 

 seems to give more favorable conditions for a good hatch. 

 Nests prepared for laying hens or for sitting hens should 

 be roomy enough so that the hens can go on the nest to 

 lay, turn around, and come off without breaking the eggs. 



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