94 OUR DOMESTIC BIRDS 



their own accord. When broody hens are hard to get, people 

 think that hatching with incubators will relieve them of trouble 

 and prevent delay, but the incubator, too, has its uncertainties. 

 Success in artificial hatching requires careful attention to the 



FIG. 91. Nest boxes, made in pairs, for sitting hens. Inside dimen- 

 sions: large, 16" x 16" x iS /r ; small, 12" x 12" x 15" 



operation of the incubator and good judgment in adjusting 

 and regulating it. 



Setting the hens. As many broody hens as can be obtained 

 should be set at the same time. The most convenient style of 

 nest is that shown in Figs. 91 and 92, which can be kept closed if 

 desired. The best nest material is soft hay or straw. In prepar- 

 ing the nest a poultry keeper shapes the nest material with his 



FIG. 92. Same as Fig. 91, with nest boxes closed 



hand, to give it a bowl shape, pressing it down to make a smooth, 

 firm surface upon which the eggs will lie evenly. It is a good 

 plan to make the nests and place the hens in them, giving to 

 each a few China nest eggs two or three days before the eggs 

 that are to be hatched are given to them. The eggs for hatching 



