334 



Bulletin 277. 



Fig. 108. — The shed roof type of colony house 

 FLOCKING 



The Mediterranean class of fows feather more quickly and show sex 

 characteristics earlier than the general-purpose or larger breeds. The 

 chickens of any breed cannot be separated and removed from the 

 brooders at as early an age for the early hatches as they can for the 

 later hatches when the weather is warmer. The disadvantage of moving 

 and mixing up the cockerels from different brooders is more than offset 

 by their fighting less and by their more rapid growth when separated 

 from the pullets. What is quite as important, it relieves the crowding 

 in the brooder-house which would occur if all of the chickens should 

 be allowed to run together until mature. 



When first placed in the house, the cockerels should be well fed and 

 confined for a day or so, and let out for the first time late in the 

 afternoon when they will not wander far away and will return to 

 their own houses. 



A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR OPERATING THE GASOLINE-HEATED COLONY 



BROODER-HOUSE 



1. See that the house stands level. If it tips forward and the flame 

 should be extinguished, the gasoline will remain in the burner box 

 instead of escaping outside by the trough provided for the purpose. 



2. Fasten firmly to the house the pipe leading from the supply tank 

 to the barner so that the burner will remain rigidly in place under 

 the center of the stem leading to the heater drum; otherwise the heat 

 will be lost. 



3. Never ignite the burner while there is gasoline or gasoline vapor 

 free inside the burner box. If gasoline has escaped, wipe out the burner 



