CHAPTER XIX. 

 NATURAL INCUBATION AND BROODING. 



Two distinct methods of incubating the eggs of the domestic 

 fowl are in use on different types of poultry plants, one, commonly 

 called the natural method, in which the hen herself generates the 

 heat necessary for incubation; the other, commonly called arti- 

 ficial incubation, in which heat is supplied in some manner other 

 than by the hen. In the artificial way heat is generated by the 

 combustion of some fuel, the hen as a mother being left out of 

 consideration entirely. Each of these methods has advantages and 

 disadvantages, and each is adapted to certain types of poultry hus- 

 bandry. The advantages and disadvantages of each are here given. 



Advantages of Natural Incubation. (1) It is more economical, 

 where a small number of eggs are to be hatched and where first 

 cost only is considered. The installation of a medium-sized incu- 

 bator costs from fifteen to twenty-five dollars, whereas the same 

 number of eggs can be hatched under hens with but little initial 

 expense. (2) Chicks brooded by the hen appear to have as much 

 or more stamina, and are subject to fewer diseases, than those 

 artificially bred ; it is doubtful, however, if there is as much differ- 

 ence in this respect as is generally supposed. (3) A great many 

 progressive poultrymen, hatching relatively large numbers, con- 

 tinue to use the hen exclusively, for they consider that the progeny 

 are of superior quality. 



The disadvantages of the natural incubation are numerous, and 

 all are well grounded and self-evident. (1) It is not always possible 

 to have a supply of sitting hens on hand. If a large hatch is desired 

 early in the spring, it is practically impossible to depend with any 

 degree of certainty upon the hen, since the natural period of broodi- 

 ness does not usually begin until well along in the spring. It 

 would have been impossible to develop the broiler industry, as it 

 has been developed, by the natural method, for there are few, if 

 any, sitting hens on the average plant during the fall and winter. 

 (2) There is invariably the danger and liability of the hens leaving 

 the nest at any time they see fit. They may, as far as outward 

 appearances go, be exceptionally good sitters when selected, and 

 may sit on the eggs for a time; but the period of broodiness may 

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