The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1922-04-13

not inclined to go into Mysteries on
slight provocation are always to be
preferred.
Permit the chosen individuals to
remain on their accustomed nests for
two or three days, distributing them
rs little as possible. Treat them
gently; let them get down to busi-
ness. Then trasfer them to the nests
you wish them 70 occupy dufing the
thlee weeks of the period of incuba-
ton.
AS a rule it is best to make the
transfer after dark. Have a few
dummy eggs in the nest so no loss
will follow if the ladies change their
minds. Should any refuse TO accept
the situation, return them to the lay
ing pen and try again. On second
refusal condemn them to imprison-
ment in the breaking-up coop. Those
which show their approval by con-
tentedly remaining on the new nests
may be safely given the eggs they
are to hatch.
The Matching quarters should be so
arranged that the hens will not be
continually disturbed. It is mis-
take to permit hens to sit in the
nests in the laying pens. Other hens
viii crowd onto the nests and deposit
their eggs there, fights will develop,
with the result that eggs will be
broken and things mixed up generally.
For individual sitters, small coops
or roomy boxes may be fitted up and
located in retiring places. But if any
considerable number of hens Pre- used,
special room or pen should be de-
voted to them. Under the latter con-
d;tion the nest boxes should be so
arranged as to permit each hen to
be confined in her particular nest.
This will prevent fighting and the
loss which follows when two hens
crowd onto one nest and desert an
ether. Trap nests are excellent for
this purpose.
Some Fine Points.
Now a word as to the preparation
O. the nest boxes. Make them rela-
lively shallow so the hens may step
into them and net be compelled to
jump down On the eggs. Deep nests
inevitably cause more or less egg
breakage. Have these boxes roomy
CROUCH to permit each hen to spread
out comfortably. Make tire nest it
self slightly followed so the eggs
will remain under the hen, but not
sufficiently bowl-shapcd to cause
them to pile up. For the foundation
piece of sod, grass side down, is
excellent, as is a shovelful Of earth.
On this place layer of short hay
OF straw. Trouble is often caused
by nesting material that may be-
come entangled about the legs OF the
birds, as excelsior.
, Give each hen as many eggs as she
can comfortably cover, always tax
ing into consideration the season al
the year. During warm weather more
eggs can be incubated by hen than
when the temperature is low. From
eleven to fifteen is the accepted range.
Il is far better to have good hatch
frcm thirteen eggs than poor one
from fifteen.
Under ordinary conditions sitting
hens will leave their nests once . day
to seek food and stretch their legs.
Sometimes we find one that will stick
SC closely to ner nest as to nearly
starve herself. Such should be gent
ly lifted off each day, as good meal
every twenty-four hours is a neces-
sity.
Where hens are at liberty to leave
their nests at will, food and water
may be kept before them. But If
they are confined they should be
liberated daily, usually at about the
same hour. As a rule they will re-
turn to their nests at the proper