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Show Low Egg Production Is Caused by Broody Hens One cause for low egg production in the average flock during the summer months Is the fact that the broody hen Is not quickly "broken up" or gotten back to laying. According to G. A. Schmidt of the Colorado Agricultural college, careful records have shown that the average broody hen, If placed in a broody coop the first day she goes broody, will lay again In ten days. If she is allowed to stay broody ten days and then put In a broody coop. It will be 25 days before she will commence com-mence laying. If allowed to stay broody 21 days, it will be 35 days before be-fore she will lay. It is therefore essential to "break up" the broody hen the first day she shows symptoms of broodlness. The most efficient way to "break up" broodlness Is to put the hens In a goody broody coop. A broody coop Is nothing but a slatlike coop made out of lath In such a way that a space equal to the width of a lath Is left between the laths on the four sides and bottom. This coop should be raised several feet from the ground and placed In a shady place where the broody hens can see the rest of the flock. Feed and water the broody hens and after four days release them. Generally Gen-erally this treatment Is sufficient. If, however, any hen wants to set again, put her back In the coop for two more days. This treatment will not retard the formation of eggs and everywhere has proved most satisfactory. |