Hatching under Hens 119 



It frequently happens that a hen will-behave in 

 this way at first, especially in early season, and 

 will later quiet down and make a good hatch, If 

 she fouls the nest and kicks the eggs about, how- 

 ever, a band should be put on her leg to mark 

 her as a bad performer. She might behave better 

 at another time, but other hens should be used 

 first if they are at hand. 



After the hen has settled down she seldom 

 leaves the nest for forty-eight hours. Then she 

 wiU want to eat, drink, and exercise a little, while 

 the eggs are airing. There is no need of putting 

 in food until the second day after she starts. 

 Throw a handful of whole com in the run. If 

 she does not leave the nest lift her gently off the 

 eggs and place her in the run. Inspect the eggs 

 to see if they are whole and clean, and if foul, 

 clean away the dirt. 



Whole com is the most satisfactory food for a 

 sitting hen. It quickly fills the crop, digests well, 

 and provides heat and fat, much needed at this 

 time. At the end of the hatch there is no stale 

 food lying about for the chicks to eat, as there 

 would be if she had broken grain or mash. Such 

 musty food would be dangerous to the babies. 



