NATURAL INCUBATION 59 



another hen's brood to rear. It is also very advis- 

 able to have the flocks of chicks of as uniform an 

 age as possible. 



A medium sized hen can cover from nine to 

 fifteen eggs. This same hen can cover six or seven 

 turkey eggs, nine to eleven duck eggs, and four to 

 five goose eggs. Bantams as a rule can only cover 

 eight to nine of their own eggs. 



Nest boxes for setting hens should be constructed 

 in such a manner that they may be opened or closed 

 as necessity demands. Before setting the hen the 

 nesting material and boxes should be well sprinkled 

 with insect powder. This operation should be 

 repeated at intervals of eight days during the 

 progress of the hatch, thus assisting the prevention 

 of lice and mites. A dust bath should also be pro- 

 vided in easy reach of the broody hen. 



It is advisable to keep the hen shut up in the nest, 

 allowing her to come off for feed, water, and dust 

 bath. If the hen is restless darken the nest as much 

 as possible and locate her where she will not be 

 disturbed by any one or anything. 



When the hen leaves the nest for her daily feed, 

 examine the nest for broken and soiled eggs. Foul 

 eggs will affect the hatch. Feed the hen on hard 

 grain. Soft feed and wet mashes produce bowel 

 trouble. Always feed the grain in hoppers and 

 supply the hen with fresh water from a clean vessel. 



The period of incubation for fowls is twenty-one 



