218 LIVESTOCK OK THE FARM 



CARE OF EGGS FOR HATCHING 



It is important when saving eggs for hatching to keep them 

 in as perfect condition as possible. For this reason they should 

 be gathered often during cold weather to prevent freezing or 

 chilling. They should be kept in a cool place free from bad 

 odors of any kind and the temperature should range below 70 

 degrees Fahrenheit and above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If kept 

 in a temperature above 70 degrees they deteriorate rapidly. 

 From ten days to two weeks is as long a period as it is safe to 

 hold them before setting and during this time they should be 

 turned daily. 



PRESERVING EGGS 



Eggs are usually preserved in the summer months when they 

 are cheapest and are held till cold weather sets in or until the 

 price goes up. There are numerous methods for preserving 

 eggs but probably the most successful of all of them is what is 

 known as the waterglass method. This consists in dissolving 

 one part of waterglass (sodium silicate) in nine parts of water 

 which has previously been boiled. This liquid is poured over 

 the eggs which have previously been placed in earthenware 

 jars or tubs. For best results the eggs should be strictly fresh 

 when placed in the solution and they should be stored in a clean 

 cool cellar. 



POULTRY HOUSES 



One of the chief essentials to success in poultry keeping is the 

 possession of a suitable poultry house. This should be eco- 

 nomical of construction, convenient, comfortable, dry, well 

 lighted and well ventilated. Improper housing affects the 

 vigor and vitality of fowls. This is seen in small egg yields, 

 poor hatches and weak chicks. Therefore, they must be kept 

 in a healthy condition if they are to be profitable. 



Location. — A poultry house should preferably face south. 

 It should be located on rather high ground where good drainage 

 can be assured, otherwise if the site is not a dry one it should 

 be made so by under drainage or by grading so as to run the 

 water away from the building. It must be remembered that 

 dampness is always fatal to fowls. 



