34 VERMONT AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 



arranged so as to easily accommodate fifty sitters. Except for the 

 small operator we would not encourage the use of sitting hens. 



For the accommodation of the hen with her brood of young chicks, 

 the best arrangement consists of a close coop about 30 inches square, 

 with a hinged roof, and a movable floor in two parts, which can be 

 lifted out each day for cleaning. This little coop has a wire covered 

 yard attached to it on the south side. The yard is 4 by 5 feet in size 

 and a foot and a half high. Its frame is of 1x3 inch strips and is fasten- 

 ed securely to the coop. The wire on the sides is of one inch mesh, 

 but on top two inch mesh is sufficient. The coop is easily kept clean 

 and the coop and yard can be set over onto clean grass by one per- 

 son. 



The small run is sufficient for the first few weeks, but soon the 

 chicks need greater range and then the farther end of the run can be 

 lifted up 3 or 4 inches and they can pass in and out at will, while the 

 mother will be secure at home, and they will know where to find her 

 when they get cold or damp, and need brooding. Such a coop accom- 

 modates 15 to 20 chicks until they no longer require brooding, after 

 which several flocks are combined in one and put in a portable house 

 on a grassy range. 



Whenever the hen is allowed to hatch, or to mother chicks, much 

 care must be experienced or lice will get a foothold and ruin the birds. 

 The free and frequent use of fresh insect powder upon the hen, work- 

 ing it through the feathers to the skin, is one of the best methods 

 for destroying the pests. Grease or oil are effective when applied to 

 the heads and under the wings of young chicks, but care must be 

 taken not to get too much on them, especially during the damp weather. 

 The feeding of chicks raised in coops with their mothers does not vary 

 much from those raised in brooders. 



RAISING CHICKENS BY ARTIFICIAL PROCESSES. 



Incubators have been so much improved that there are several 

 kinds on the market that we feel sure will hatch as many chicks 

 from a given lot of eggs as can be done by selected broody hens. 

 They require little care, maintain an even temperature, and are 

 •easily adjusted to meet the increase in temperature arising from 

 ■developments going on in the eggs. In some machines the mois- 

 ture supply is automatic and adapted to the requirements. In 

 others it has to be supplied, and skill is necessary in determining 

 the quantity needed. The economy of the incubator is very great. 

 A 360 egg machine will do the work of nearly 30 broody hens, 

 and can be kept at work continually, if desired. We commenced 

 our work in artificial incubation years ago, by trying to main- 

 tain the temperature in a home-made wooden box, with double 

 walls, by the use of jugs of warm water. By locating the box 

 in a suitable room and keeping close watch on conditions, good 



