210 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1903 



From the hatching results shown in above table some interesting deductions may be 

 made, viz.: — 



1. The chicks from the eggs of hens which had voluntary run during winter, proved 

 strong and lived, while the chicks from the closely confined died, with the exception of 

 two, which did not make satisfactory growth. 



2. That germs evidently became strong at twelve or fifteen days after the hens had 

 a run outside. This will answer a question often asked ' as to when the eggs of hens 

 closely confined become strong ? ' 



3. Proof of the statement made in a previous page that ' farmers have exceptional 

 opportunities to allow their fowls a run in barn or shed during winter and so secure the 

 strong germ,' is found in the results from the eggs obtained from a farmer at Myrtle, 

 Ont. The eggs, 44 in number, were likely laid in late March or early April. They had 

 come by express and over a rough road to the farm, and on reception showed every 

 evidence of being knocked about in transit. Such was their apparent condition that 

 few or no results were anticipated, but 24 strong chickens were hatched and made rapid 

 growth, sure indications of robust parent stock. 



4. The 15 Barred Plymouth Rock pullets in No. 2 group had two pens thrown into 

 one, or double the space that ISTo. 1 group of the same sort and number had. They were for 

 the most part later hatched than those of No. 1, but all other conditions as to temperature 

 and treatment were the same. They did not, however, lay as many eggs, nor did their 

 eggs produce as many chickens as did those of No. 1 group. This shows that neither 

 warmth nor rations compen.sated for comparatively immature development. 



5. That the chickens hatched in July did not thrive well. This emphasizes the 

 advice given in previous reports not to have chickens so late in the season if at all avoid- 

 able. 



Results from eggs put into an incubator during early spring time were very similar 

 to those obtained from eggs under hens at the same period. There was a large and 

 discouraging number of chickens dead in the shell, at or about the pipping stage. This 

 great mortality in fully developed chickens almost ready to leave the shell has been, and 

 is the subject of much discussion in the poultry press of Great Britain, United States 

 and Canada. While it is admitted that the healthy condition of the breeding stock in 

 the spring is of paramount importance, the question is asked ' Has the incubator no 

 responsibility in the matter 1 ' One of the best articles, among the many written on the 

 subject, is by a correspondent who writes under the nom de plume of ' Medicus, ' to 

 an English scientific paper. His contention, strengthened by results of experiments 

 conducted by himself, is that at all times during the period of incubation there was in the 

 incubators tried by him a lack of oxygen, but particularly so at the critical hatching 

 period. Doubtless the thorough ventilation of the subject will result in improvement. 

 Already the incubators made by leading manufacturers are arranged to admit a greater 

 amount of fresh air. This better ventilation of incubators in combination with improved 

 methods of winter house accommodation and management of the laying stock, will no 

 doubt, bring a more satisfactory percentage of strong early chicks. It is but fair to state 

 that incubatox'S are sometimes operated under the most unfavourable conditions, and 

 satisfactory results can hardly be expected. On the other hand, where conditions are 

 favourable, Mr. L. H. Baldwin, of Deer Park, near Toronto, by his skilful manipulation 

 of breeding stock and machines, seldom fails to secure 80 per cent and frequently 100 

 per cent of returns. Investigation into and discussion of the subject, up to the present 

 time, seem to warrant the call for ' fresh air and more of it for breeding stock and 

 incubators.' 



PROGRESS OF THE CHICKENS. 



The treatment of the chickens after hatching by hens or incubators was much the 

 same as described, at length, in reports of previous years. There was a difference, how- 

 ever, in the weather conditions of spring and early summer of the past year. The long 

 continued wet and cold weather resulted in unusual mortality among th.e chickens of 



