NATURAL HATCHING AND REARING 



151 



Stands on the floor. Several holes are bored in the 

 box for ventilation. 



If late enough in the season to procure it, earth 

 makes the best foundation for a nest, because it can be 

 properly shaped and pressed firmly together. Over 

 the earth a sprinkling of chaff or short fine hay should 

 be placed, because this keeps the eggs clean and is 

 more comfortable for the hen. A hen which is com- 

 fortable will sit better and produce more satisfactory 



FIG. 53 PROTECTED NESTS FOR SITTING HENS 



results than one which must pursue her duties with 

 discomfort. 



Having properly prepared the nest, place in it as 

 many china eggs as the hen is exptected to cover and 

 gently remove the hen at night to this nest. If she is 

 thoroughly broody and has been removed carefully she 

 will settle down upon the china eggs with a satisfied 

 croon. She should then be left for the night and fed 

 and watered the next morning. If she is on her eggs 

 tlie next night, they should be removed and the real 

 eggs be given to her. Many advise giving a sitting 

 hen only corn and water. But if the hen has been 

 accustomed to a different diet she should have at the 

 start the same kind of food as that to which she has 



