NATURAL INCUBATION. 



On many farms the number of fowls kept is too small to warrant the use of an 

 incubator. On such places the chicks are hatched by the hen, and for such as use this 

 method the remarks in this chapter are intended. When setting hens, it is important 

 that the proper surroundings be provided. Where good eggs are used and poor hatch- 

 ing results are secured, this can often be attributed to poor accommodation. 



To get the best results from sitting hens, the nest 

 should be large and roomy, and not too far from the 

 floor. A box, about 18 inches square and about a foot 

 deep, should be half filled with moist earth or an 

 upturned sod, and care taken to hollow out the earth 

 somewhat in the centre. Experiments have proved the 

 superiority of nests composed of moist earth over nests 

 which are of dry earth, sand, or ashes. The moist earth 

 approaches nearest to nature, and helps to retard evap- 

 oration of the egg-content during incubation. See that 

 the earth in the corners of the box slopes towards the 

 centre, so that the eggs cannot roll out of the nest and 

 get chilled. Then place a small quantity of fine-cut 

 straw, hay, or excelsior in the nest. Care should be 

 taken that sufficient straw or hay be placed in the nest, 



An egg-tester. When using so that the moist earth does not chi11 the eggs, 

 this type of tester, it is dan- The room where the nests are placed should, contrary 

 gerous to hold the egg against 

 the tester too long, as some- to general instructions on this matter, be well lighted, 



STth| b eg|-|S e hcat Wi " but cooh Tnis can be *ured by having the nests 

 placed in a room where the windows face the north, if possible, and lots of room 

 should be provided for exercise when the hen comes off. Many cases can be recorded 

 of hens forsaking the nest, and even dying, through lack of room to exercise. 



A useful grit, charcoal, or shell hopper. 



A drinking fountain of useful design. 

 A disused salmon-can with small hole 

 pierced in the top and a saucer answers 

 very well for individual hen and chicks. 



