76 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



longer on the nest when laying and on being approached 

 will quite likely remain on the nest and cluck, ruffle her 

 feathers and peck at the intruder. When a hen sits on 

 the nest for two nights in succession and most of the feath- 

 ers are gone from her breast, she is ready to be transferred 

 to the nest where she is to hatch the eggs. 



Quarters. When there are but a few hens to sit, special 

 quarters are not necessary, but, where natural incubation 

 is carried on to any considerable extent, a separate place 

 or room should be provided for the sitting hens. It might 

 be advisable to build a cheaply constructed shed or house 

 for this purpose. 



A most satisfactory nest for sitting hens can be built by 

 using the following dimensions: 15 inches square, 12 inches 

 high in back with a board 6 inches high in front to keep 

 the nesting material in place. A wire-covered frame may 

 be made to fit over the nest to confine the hen after setting 

 her. (See Figure 77.) Before making the nest it is advis- 

 able to place 2 or 3 inches of damp earth or a piece of sod 

 in the bottom of the nest box to provide moisture. The nest 

 material is next put in and may consist of hay or straw. 



In order that the hen will not be disturbed, it is best to 

 place the nest in some quiet out-of-the-way place. When 

 moving the broody hen from the laying nest to the one where 

 she is to sit, the change should be made at night. Place 

 a nest egg or two in the nest under the hen and cover the 

 nest so that she will not get off. On the second evening 

 go quietly in where she is sitting, leave some feed and water, 

 and remove the covering from the nest so that she can come 

 off when ready. When the hen returns to the nest after • 

 eating, remove the nest eggs and put under her those that 

 are to be hatched. 



Dusting. Several days before the hen is set she should 

 receive a thorough application of insect powder. When 



