NESTS FOR SITTING HENS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19731, 2 September 1927, Page 17

NESTS FOR SITTING HENS.

The best way to make the nest is to scoop a little nest in the floor, and then the earth in the hollow should be flattened and moulded into the shape of a nest. Where no earth can be removed, a few shovelfuls of soil should be obtained, and moulded into shape in an ordinary egg-box.

It is easier to form the nest of soil than with turf, and the soil should be damp, beaten down well with the hand. An old glove should be worn to protect the hand against thorns or broken glass, or whatever may be in the soil. When the soil is damp it.forms a nice, even surface, and holds well together. ' The nest should be a quite round hollow, so that all the eggs are covered when the hen alters her position. The lowest point should be in the centre, so that the eggs will roll and keep together when the hen steps again into the nest. Plenty of room must be given, as when a bird is cramped in sitting the eggs are liable to get broken. The hollow should be lined with a little fine hay in the very cold weather, but before this is put in a handful of slacklime should be put in the bottom, as this prevents vermin from, breeding there. Hay is much better than straw, as it sticks closer together, and it holds the warmth better, and where it is used the hen may be allowed more eggs.