SS INCUBATION 



will do much better than chicks hovered tinder the 

 heated brooders. Although incubators are so generally 

 used, there are some farms where a large number of 

 chicks are hatched and brooded by hens. 



Where but few chicks are reared, and where there is 

 no necessity for early hatching, it would be quite as 

 well and less troublesome to hatch and rear chicks with 

 broody hens. The chicks so hatched and reared will, if 

 properly cared for, be more vigorous than chicks hatched 

 artificially. 



The question is frequently asked, "How do fanciers 

 hatch and rear their chicks?" One of the most ardent 

 fanciers says that fanciers unquestionably produce their 

 best specimens by natural incubation. He says also that 

 artificial incubation has absorbed the attention of our 

 investigators and others to such an extent that little is 

 written or taught of the old-fashioned but trustworthy, 

 natural method. In view of the fact that most flocks 

 raised by amateurs are hatched by hens, some instruc- 

 tion bearing upon this particular method is necessary. 



To hatch eggs successfully it is well to follow the 

 following precepts: "Select a quiet hen; discard one 

 that uses her voice constantly. Have the nest ready 

 before removing her from the laying coop. Set the hen 

 in such a manner that she may walk on the nest and 

 not be obliged to jump up or down to reach the eggs, for 

 such a procedure means broken eggs or crushed chicks. 

 Before setting and between hatches, paint all the wood- 

 work with kerosene. This is particularly important in 

 warm weather. Dust the hen thoroughly with insect or 

 lice powder before placing her on the nest. Repeat this 

 4 da. before hatching time." 



Such words of encouragement for natural brooding 

 might well be considered by all those who rear but a 

 few chicks, and even by those who rear several hundred 

 of them. Since it is always well to hatch part of the 

 chicks and rear them with mother hens, these directions 

 should be valuable to all persons engaged in raising 

 poultry. 





