34 PROPAGATION OF WILD BIRDS 



to have the nests on the ground than on dry boards in 

 hatching-houses. These eggs are so small and the shells so 

 thin that evaporation is rapid, and they require much mois- 

 ture. The nest can be directly on the ground, or made from 

 a square of sod, set grass side down, hollowed out, and well 

 Uned with soft hay. This slight elevation will keep rain from 

 flooding the nest. The moisture from the ground is proba- 

 bly sufficient. If the nest is indoors, the eggs should be 

 sprinkled daily. Both Evans and Rogers are against 

 hatching-houses, finding that with wild species results are 

 better by setting the eggs on the ground in small coops. 

 The latter, moreover, are easier to keep clean and free from 

 vermin. Cochins and silkies can cover about twenty quail 

 eggs, but give the hen only what she can readily cover. 



Setting Hens. Before setting the hens, make sure that 

 they are fuUy ready to sit, and dust thoroughly with insect 

 powder. Do this again at the end of the first and second 

 weeks. Neglect of this is a very serious matter, and is likely 

 to make the hen desert or die, and cause the destruction of the 

 brood. Take the hens off each morning to feed, and clean 

 the nest and eggs, washing the latter as little as possible. 

 Have the hen go back to the eggs when these begin to feel 

 cool held against the eye. 



Hatching. The period of incubation is normally twenty- 

 three days, sometimes twenty-four if the weather is cool or 

 wet. The eggs pip a day or two before hatching. The hen 

 should then remain off but a short time. When hatching 

 begins she should not be disturbed. Young quails are ex- 

 ceedingly small, about the size of the last joint of the thumb, 

 and are easily crushed. 



Finishing with Incubator. Some workers adopt the plan 

 of removing the eggs when pipped to an incubator running 

 at 104 degrees, giving the hen a few poultry eggs to hold her. 



