Factors affecting natural incubation

a) Selection of hatching hen:

• Pullets aren’t recommended. So, prefer local hen as is close sitter and have light weight.
• Have perfect health with all feathers.
• Hens in moult should be rejected.

b) Best time to set hen:

• At night as hen will have whole night to rest and get strength.

c) Nest:

• At corner to minimize disturbance.

d) Care of sitting hen:

• Provide during eggs to acquire qualities of broodiness.
• Supply adequate feed and water.
• Replace dummy eggs with good eggs after 2-3 days.
• Take out the hen once a day for 20 min. for feed, water and little exrercise.

e) Number of eggs under a hen:

• 7-8 eggs for country hen.
• For small hen: 6 eggs on warm and 4 eggs in cold weather.
• Candling to examine the egg.