18 



withstanding- the accommodation provided in the way of nest boxes 

 and nesting materials being more than ample for each hen to 

 possess a separate abode, it will frequently happen that two hens will 

 lay in the same nest, and try to hatch eight or more eggs between 

 them. This, of course, cannot be permittted, and ono must be 

 removed, with some of her eggs. A new hen must not be introduced 

 as a substitute, or a general fight will ensue. The better plan is to 

 keep the offender in solitary confinement for a week, and then 

 restore her to the aviary. By the time she again becomes broody, 

 the other hens will have got so far on with their duties as to vigor- 

 ously resent any interference she may be inclined for, and she will be 

 driven to act independently. Aviaries for use in this manner may be 

 of any size or shape, so long as they are sufficiently roomy, and can 

 be placed once for all where they can remain all the summer, and 

 where the inmates cannot see any other birds that may be kept in 

 the same room. 



In England it is thought most injudicious to interfere in any way 

 with the breeding hen. In Germany exactly an opposite course is 

 adopted, and the result is that in that country very necessary 

 attentions are accorded with impunity to the nesting birds which 

 would be fatal to good results in the case of our much more nervous 

 subjects. The serious German breeder selects his next season's hens 

 as soon as they have moulted, and keeps them with great care all 

 through the winter — if they meet his requirements, then all their 

 lives — and, although they are " only hens," he talks to them, cares for 

 them, studies their condition always, and is at as great pains to 

 properly provide them with food, water, baths, gravel, salt, and, above 

 all, with room to stretch their wings, ac though they were cocks. No 

 wonder that many are still as prolific in their fifth year as in the first. 

 It is only because they are not neglected during their seasons of rest. 

 The result of this method of treatment is great 



FAMILIARITY 



of the birds with their master. No matter how alarming his move- 

 ments may appear to be, they have learnt by experience that no harm 

 comes to them, and they have perfect trustfulness in his intentions. 

 Instead of being alarmed, they are pleased to see him enter the room, 

 and to hear him speak to them, and they offer no resentment to his 



