Yearling or older hens are more reliable than pullets as sitters, and are prefer- 

 able whenever possible. Hens or pullets that are of an excitable disposition should 

 never be used as sitters. In the Rhode Island districts, where millions of chicks 

 are hatched yearly by the natural method, it is the custom to specially mark and 

 keep hens that show good hatching power and ability. 



Medium-sized hens are best for incubation purposes, because they are less liable 

 to crush eggs than if large heavy hens are used. Even with hens the hatching period 





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