BREEDING AND HATCHING %3 
Most farmers, of course, work on the plan 
of a large flock with plenty males, but also 
plenty of range. During the natural breed- 
ing season the eggs from farmers’ hens are 
very fertile and strong. It is a common oc- 
currence for them to have every egg hatch, 
not as the incubator would say “every fertile 
egg,” but every egg set. This shows that 
hens must have range or plenty of exercise 
and good air to lay fertile eggs. 
Eggs from hens too fat, too poor, or from 
hens that have been forced for winter laying 
do not hatch well. 
Eggs to be used for hatching during cold 
weather must be gathered often and must 
be taken care of so they do not become 
chilled. 
Fresh eggs hatch sooner than eggs a week 
older. 
If eggs are to be kept any considerable time 
to use for hatching, they should be turned 
often to prevent the germ and the yolk 
settling. 
Hatching eggs received from any distant 
point should not be set for at least 24 hours so 
the various parts may reassemble. 
The sex of the chicken that will hatch can- 
not be determined by any examination of the 
egg. 
