252 EXPERHIENTAL FARMS. 



64 VICTORIA, A. 1901 

 EEPOET ox THE WORK OF 1900. 



The farmers of the country, with other poultry keepers, have, during the past two 

 ^ears, given more attention to the artificial hatching and rearing of chickens than ever 

 before. As a result, during the past year a large number of letters have been received 

 asking for information on the subject. 



At present the artificial hatching and rearing of chickens is carried on in two 

 ways, viz. : — 



1. — By joint stock companies, with large plants, in charge of practical proprietors, 

 or expert managers. 



2. — By farmers and small poultry keepers, who use one or two incubators and out- 

 side brooders, and whose operations are comparatively limited. 



In the first case, the aim of the companies is to make the egg product of the most 

 value by converting it into early broilers, to sell at $1.25 to $1.50 per pair during 

 the high-price season. In some cases operations are continued the greater part of the 

 year. In others the sale of eggs from thoroughbred stock for hatching purposes in 

 spring, and eggs for eating purposes during the winter time of high prices, are com- 

 bined. 



In tlie second case, the aim of the farmer seems to be : — 



1. To raise as large a number of early chicks at the same pei'od as possible, and 

 €0 have them of uniform age. 



2. By so doing to avoid comparatively late hatching by hens. 



3. To secure a number of pullets, of same age, to make early layers. 



4. To have a large number of early cockerels of uniform age to sell when prices 

 are highest. 



There are two methods by which the farmers may attain their object, viz. : — 



By filling the incubatot and beginning operations in late February, or, early 

 March. 



By deferring hatching operations until the middle of April, by which time the 

 hens have had a run outside, and as a result their eggs will hatch better. 



Experience has shown that there are difficulties to be met with, in the first 

 method, in the shape of weak germs and weakling chickens, and that until a remedy 

 is found for these obstacles, the farmers will find the second method slower, but 

 certainly surer, in the attainment of their object. The difficulties in connection with 

 the first or earlier method are enumerated and discussed further on, as well as investi- 

 gation in connection with them, so far as made. 



Up to date the experimental work in our poultry department has been conducted 

 in connection with the early hatching of chickens by means of both hens and artificial 

 meaiis. The experience so far gained fully warrants the farmers in desiring some 

 other means, than hens, by which to secure May chickens of uniform age and in 

 paying quantity. 



SOME POINTS IN FAVOUR OF SECOND METHOD. 



In connection with the second method experience has shown that as soon as the 

 snow is off the ground, and the hens have had a I'un out, that their eggs hatch 

 satisfactorily. Unless the farmer has a brooding-house, which permits of his being 

 independent of outside temperature, he will have to content himself with incubator 

 and outside brooder. After the hens have had a run out, for some little time, the 

 eggs are saved, the incubator filled, and the chickens hatched in first or second week 

 in May. His outside brooder is placed on the rapidly growing grass, and with proper 

 care and food the young chicks will be found to make famous progress. In this way 



