INCUBATION 409 



It may also be necessary to remove some of the straw and 

 replace part of it, as it is likely to become more or less soiled. 



In incubating, since the yolk carries the germ on the upper 

 side, heat should be apphed from the top and not from the 

 bottom. 



Heat, moisture, and oxygen are the three prime essentials in 

 incubation. 



Hens should be set on the ground to ensure proper moisture. 

 The combination sitting and brooding coop may be used, when 

 the earth is made into a mound with the nest on top of this 

 and the coop set over this. In this way the nest does not 

 become flooded with water during rainy times. In colder 

 parts of the year a board floor lying in contact with the ground 

 is used. A frame box 8 inches high, and 16 inches square is 

 used. If the hen's nest be fouled it should be cleaned. Sitting 

 hens should be fed solid grain and a variety. They should be 

 allowed an abundance of clean fresh water. They should 

 either be in an inclosure and allowed to come off at will, or 

 if more than one hen is in a nest in the same inclosure there 

 will need be a special half hour set apart to let them off. Hens 

 do not always go on the right nest when more than one is 

 located in the same place. 



To test a hen before sitting her place the hand under her, 

 and if she shows signs of broodiness and is gentle, which is 

 shown by the fact that she does not fight and fht around but 

 settles over your hand, she will be reliable. Never sit a hen 

 till she has shown broodiness two or three days and has become 

 accustomed to the nest. 



Candling the Eggs. — In candling the light used may be lamp, 

 gas jet, electric bulb, or sunlight. Some candlers are provided 

 with reflectors. 



As stated before, it is advisable to sit no less than five or six 

 hens at one time. When a large number of hens are kept in 

 one room keep them shut up and leave them off once a day, 

 keeping close observation to see that each one goes back on 

 the right nest, as the eggs should not be exposed in ordinary 

 weather for more than twenty or thirty minutes, and in cold 

 weather a shorter period. At the end of from five to seven 

 days the eggs should be candled, as shown in the illustration of 



