32 POULTRY LABORATORY GUIDE 



feel warm to the hand when it is placed under the 

 body with the finger touching the skin. 



If only a few hens are to be set, almost any 

 place where they will be free from disturbances 

 will be satisfactory. A barrel, box, or specially 

 prepared shelter may be placed on the south side 

 of a building, wall, or bank where it is protected 

 from winds and storms. 



If a large number are to be set, the nests are 

 placed in surplus stock pens or in houses from 

 which layers have been removed. Wherever 

 the nest is located, thoroughly disinfect, cleanse, 

 and see that no vermin are present. 



Nests must be roomy, neat, and natural, and 

 must be provided with a small door or curtain 

 to darken the nest and keep the hen contented 

 and comfortable. It should usually not be 

 smaller than twelve by fourteen inches. 



Place in the bottom of the completed nest 

 loose, dry loam, firming same and hoUowing out 

 place in the centre, being sure to keep corners 

 and sides high. Why? Place medium-length 

 straw, hay, or excelsior in the nest, pressing it 

 down firmly to form the hollow shape. Dust 

 thoroughly with Uce powder, and place two or 

 three china eggs in the same. 



After dark select the hen, dust her carefully 

 with Hce powder, working it into the feathers 



