CHAPTER Ix 
POINTERS ON HEN HATCHING 
In setting a hen it is generally conceded 
that a piece of sod placed under the straw 
of the nest aids in getting a good hatch. The 
nest should be large enough for the hen to 
turn around and manipulate the eggs, should 
have hay or straw enough that the eggs will 
not touch the boards or become chilled. 
An odd number of eggs should be set— 
13 or 15—as the eggs will round up in the 
nest better if an even number is used. 
The hen should be set on china eggs first 
to make sure she will stick to her job, and 
should be watched at first as many a hen has 
left her nice little nest of eggs and selected 
one with two or three china eggs in prefer- 
ence! 
Hatching hens should be kept in a quiet 
place, should have water, feed and a dust 
bath. Great care should be used to see that 
they are kept practically free from lice. They 
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