NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 



75 



a large number of chickens at comparatively small expense. 

 The hens of the general-purpose breeds such as the Plymouth 

 Rocks, Wyandottes, etc., usually make very good mothers. 

 The heavier breeds of the meat class, including the Brahmas 

 and Langshans, make good sitters, but are inclined to be 

 somewhat clumsy on the nest. The Leghorns and other 



Figure 75. — Pack the hay or straw down firmly, shaping a circular nest slightly 

 deeper in the center than at the edge to prevent the eggs from rolling out 

 from under the hen and becoming chilled. 



Egg breeds usually do not make very good mothers, even 

 though they become broody and want to sit. 



The normal temperature of the hen is from 106° to 107° F. 

 This temperature varies little during the period of uncuba- 

 tion. 



HOW TO SET A HEN 



Indication of broodiness. When the hen becomes broody 

 and wants to sit, it will be noticed that she will leave a few 

 soft downy feathers in the nest. Then, too, such a hen sits 



