The Hen whilst Sitting. 55 



when we do look. In the next cage, which has two marks, we anticipate finding the third egg, but 

 we don't. We know from the marks that it ought to be there, and that it is not ; so we add a cross 

 or a cipherj or some such distinguishing mark, which tells us the hen has missed a day, and if the 

 third egg be not there to-morrow we shall not sit her on the two she has laid, but give one to each 

 of two hens on the other side, whose marks indicate that they are likely to stop at three, which 

 experience has shown to be about the worst number of eggs a hen can sit on : a good nest of three 

 is rare ; there is, somehow, sure to be one weakly bird among them. This is amply sufficient to 

 explain our system of marking, so far as regards the point of practice we are detailing. We 

 remove the eggs, then, one by one, till there are three in the tray, and on the evening of the third 

 day we replace them. The hen then goes on to her nest at night, lays her fourth egg in the 

 morning, and at once commences to sit so closely that the date of hatching may be reckoned from 

 that fourth morning with certainty. The reason why we replace three eggs, and date from the 

 fourth, is because, though five is a common number, and six not unusual, four is an average nest. If 

 a fifth egg be laid it. must take its chance ; but the fancier soon gets to know the peculiarities of his 

 hens in this respect, and acts accordingly. Before setting the hen we generally make it a rule to 

 clean out the cage, or at any rate to give it a rough scrape and supply some fresh sand, for it 

 will be a fortnight before it can again be disturbed, beyond removing any excreta which may 

 accumulate during incubation. We should have remarked, in speaking of the sand required for the 

 cages, that it should be sand — gritty sand, and not earthy matter, capable of being compressed into 

 small lumps. All birds are not alike, but some are apt to get very dirty feet, and if the sand be of 

 a binding nature, they will be continually gathering it up in a ball under their toes, which will 

 eventually grow so large as to inconvenience the bird seriously, and must be removed. It is easily 

 managed by moistening the ball with water, but no rough usage must be attempted. See also that 

 the claws are cleaned at the same time, for it is more than likely that each will have a small tip 

 of dirt attached to it, and when such is the case, it is evident a hen cannot have much command 

 over them, and is very likely to injure her eggs in consequence. 



We advise continuing the egg-food while the hen is sitting, giving a moderate quantity, 

 of which the cock will take care that she gets her full share ; fresh green food should also 

 be supplied daily. The hen will leave her nest occasionally to feed, but after cracking a 

 few grains of seed will return, knowing that the cock will attend to all her wants, a duty in 

 which he never fails ; indeed, during the whole period of incubation, his life is one incessant 

 round of attentions to his mate. During fine weather the luxury of a bath may also be indulged 

 in, and though the hen may sometimes appear to remain off her nest while pluming herself 

 longer than prudence might suggest, we have never known any but good results attend a free use 

 of the bath. 



There is a marked difierence in the temperament and disposition of hens and their deportment 

 during the time they are sitting. Some, nothing seems to disturb ; they are like broody fowls, and, 

 if at any time an inspection of the nest may be necessary, require to be lifted off by putting the 

 finger under the breast, and even then will often do no more than stand up or at the most hop on 

 to the nearest perch and wait the first moment to settle down again on the precious eggs. Others 

 appear to be sulky, and if disturbed will not return to the nest so long as any one remains in the 

 room, or most certainly so long as they are watched. They will sit on the edge of the nest, in the 

 very act of hopping into it, but as rigid as if stuffed, and not a hair's breadth will they budge. 

 Turn your back for a moment or leave the room, and, quick as thought, they are on the eggs. 

 Others are restless and fidgety, especially if the cock has been removed, and are everlastingly 

 leaving the nest without any apparent reason, really seeming to spend as much time in looking out 



