DOGS, CATS AND POULTRY 



555 



5. Hatching. 



Hatching may be conveniently divided into two classes: 

 (a) Hatching by natural processes, and (b) artificial incuba- 

 tion. The first implies the use of the mother hen, while the 

 latter that of the incubator. The merits of these we shall 

 not attempt to discuss, our purpose being to outline each in 

 so far as each relates to the rearing of healthy chicks, and 

 thus fortifying them against the ravages of the diseases to 

 which they are subject. 



(a) Hatching by natural processes is the system more 

 commonly used by the farmer and smaller poultry man. 

 While there are a great many methods advocated, each hav- 

 ing individual merits, we here present that which we find 

 in our experience to be the best. 



Fig. 98. A Setting Box. 



When the hen exhibits a desire to set, provide what may 

 be termed a setting box (Fig. 98). This should be large 

 enough to contain the nest, a dusting place, feed place and 

 drinking pan. A packing box with from four to six square 

 feet floor space will answer the purpose. Tack this upon the 

 wall of the hen house or in some other comfortable, well- 

 ventilated position. Attach a door such as may be made of 

 ordinary lath. The purpose of this is to protect and prevent 

 annoyance to the hen. Make a small compartment in one 

 corner by nailing two strips, a foot or fourteen inches long 

 and about three or four inches wide, together at the ends 

 and securing them to the floor and sides. In the bottom of 

 this place a couple of inches of dry earth and upon this build 



