394 FARM ANIMALS 
None but the very choicest, quickest growing, and best birds 
in every respect should be selected from each year’s young 
flock to replace the old ones that have survived their useful- 
ness. In this way the flock can be steadily improved in size 
of birds, in precocity of development and in stamina. 
It is usual for turkey eggs to be fertile. On this account eggs are 
not often tested out when set. Ordinarily the only test is made 
about the twenty-sixth day. Then the eggs are placed in warm 
water and the infertile ones removed. Live ones can be recognized 
from the fact that they move in the water. 
10. Hatching.—It is generally necessary to let turkey 
hens sit where they wish. They choose their own nests 
and object to being moved. If it becomes necessary to 
change the nest, night is the best time. Supplied with nest 
eggs for a day or two, the hens may be tried out and if satis- 
fied the regular clutch may be given her. Small turkey 
hens will cover 13 to 15 eggs; large ones 18 or 20. Hatch- 
ing usually commences on the twenty-eighth day, though 
it may last or even not start until the thirtieth day. It is 
just as important to remove the hatchlings as little chicks. 
They should be placed in a box lined with flannel or woolen 
goods and kept ina warm room. 
11. Rearing—During the first day or two the turkeys 
do not need any food. The mother hen must, however, 
be fed liberally. It is a decided advantage to place the 
coop over the nest if possible so the turkey will feel at 
home and contented. Where this is not possible the 
brood and mother should be moved to desirable quarters; 
a coop with a board bottom should be given preference. 
After the first three days, when the young ones are begin- 
ning to run around, a small yard should be provided. A 
convenient yard may be made of three boards 14 inches 
wide set up on edge in the form of a triangle, with a coop 
in one corner, and the mother turkey allowed her free- 
dom. She will not go far from her brood. The little 
