Hatching under Hens m 



In the bottom of the box put fresh, damp earth, 

 placed so that it makes a layer about one inch 

 thick in the center, and slopes up to about three 

 inches on the sides, making a saucer-shaped hol- 

 low, to keep the eggs from rolling away. It is 

 true that eggs will hatch if placed on dry hay, but 

 the results will not be so good. In the natural 

 state a hen will hide her nest on the ground, 

 which, in , the spring, is always cool and moist. 

 This moisture plays an important part in in- 

 cubation. 



Over the earth arrange some soft hay, fine straw, 

 or soft excelsior, so that it forms a neat hollow, 

 broad enough to hold the eggs lying loosely, side 

 by side. Nbw sprinkle the hay liberally with lice 

 powder to keep the mother comfortable, and the 

 chick as free as possible from vermin. Powdered 

 tobacco is good for this; and the powder sold by 

 standard houses is satisfactory. 



The box may now be placed in the comer of the 

 coop. Leave no spaces between the box and the 

 wall. Fill them up with earth or hay, so the chicks 

 cannot get caught there when hatched. Pile earth 

 or ashes beside the box, to make a slope from the 

 floor to the top of the nest. Some of the chicks 



