4 
Farmers* Bulletin 1106. 
bottom of the nest to provide moisture. The nesting material, 
which may consist of hay, chaff, or straw, is then put in. Pack the 
nesting material down firmly and shape a circular nest slightly 
deeper in the center than at the edges. A nest so shaped will prevent 
the eggs from rolling out from under the hen and becoming chilled. 
Fig. 1.—Making a nest for the sitting hen. 
HOW TO SET A HEN. 
There are several ways to tell when a hen is becoming broody and 
wants to sit. Look into the nest and in all probability it will be 
seen that a few soft, downy feathers have been left there by the hen, 
and also that she remains on the nest longer when laying. Again, 
on being approached she will remain on the nest, making a clucking 
noise and ruffling her feathers. When one is reasonably sure that 
the hen is broody, and her breast feels warm to the hand, she is 
ready to be transferred to the nest where she is to sit and which 
should have been previously prepared. 
At this time it is advisable to dust the hen thoroughly with insect 
powder. In doing so hold, the hen by the feet with the head down, 
working the powder well into the feathers, especially those around 
the vent and under the wings. The sitting hen should be dusted 
again on or about the eighteenth day of incubation so as to be sure 
that there are no lice present when the chicks are hatched. Powder 
should also be sprinkled in the nest. Sodium fluorid may be used 
under the directions given in Farmers’ Bulletin 1110, 
