Page:Ducks- and how to make them pay (IA cu31924003102971).pdf/49

Rh sitting each, fresh eggs being put under in the place of those which have been removed. If a hen has six fertile eggs left, it does not do to put five more cold ones under with these six; if so, the cold ones are liable to chill the warm ones, as it takes 24 hours before they are warmed through. Suppose there is a hen with only a few eggs, say from four to six fertile, and there are no other hens to take the eggs. In that case put some bran in the oven to get well warmed through. When warmed through, put the bran in a box, and put the eggs in the warm bran, covering them well up with the latter, and wrap the box up in a piece of flannel; then set it near the fire, or on the hob, so that it does not get too hot. When done in this way the eggs will keep warm for from ten to twelve hours, and it will not injure them in the least. While the eggs are in the box put some fresh ones under the hen, and if she sits on them for 10 or 12 hours they will get warmed fairly well not warmed right through, but just enough so as not to injure those which already have young ducklings in them-so that the former can be replaced under the hens together. Do not forget to put the date on the large end of the egg in ink; then when the first batch of eggs hatch they can be removed. The young ducklings should be taken away carefully, so that they do not squeak. A small box should be provided from 3 in. to 4 in. deep, and a sheet of cotton wool placed at the bottom of it. The box should then be put by the fire to warm. The ducklings can then be placed in the box and covered over with another sheet of cotton wool. It is the best to let