58 NATURAL INCUBATION 



and quite deep, so as to give the hen plenty of 

 room to change her position on the nest without 

 breaking some of the eggs. Have it deep so that 

 the nesting material will not be so easily carried 

 out. It is a good idea to coat this box vi'ith white- 

 wash or wash it with a strong solution of disinfect- 

 ant. Either application will make the box both 

 sanitary and mite proof. 



The next step is to prepare the nest, which is 

 also a very important matter. Place a few inches 

 of damp soil or sod, cut three inches thick, in the 

 bottom of the box, upon which should be placed a 

 good thickness of clean straw or sweet hay. 



Place the nest box away from the balance of the 

 flock, so that the cluck will not be disturbed by the 

 rooster or other hens. If possible select a secluded 

 spot away from dogs and other things which may 

 molest her. The best plan I know of is to have a 

 small building constructed for this purpose, and 

 arranged in such a manner that it will be possible 

 to set a half dozen or even a dozen hens at the same 

 time. It is much better to set several hens at the 

 same time, and thus have several broods of the same 

 age. By following this plan it offers the operator 

 a chance to switch the chicks from one hen to 

 another if such a thing is necessary. Another 

 advantage in setting more than one hen at a time, 

 one may have a small hatch from one of the hens, 

 and in that case the small brood can be added to 



