Rural School Leaflet 



843 



During hot weather a shelter against the heat should be arranged on 

 the south side, unless the coop is located in the shade. The coop should 

 be turned over often and the floor set up on edge, so that the sunshine may- 

 dry and cleanse every part. 



Care of the hen and chickens. — It is better to keep the hen in the coop 

 for a few days, for she will then be likely to return to it. Let the chickens 



The first meal. After chicks have been hatched for 24 to 36 hours they will begin to hunt 

 for food. Feed little and often. Provide fine grit and pure water at all times and a 

 clean grass sod for pasturage 



run if the weather is fine; they will not go far from the hen. In case the 

 winds are cold, a little yard covered on the sides with coarse muslin in- 

 stead of chicken wire will give protection. As soon as the chickens can 

 run well, the hen may be allowed her freedom in fine weather, but she 

 should be fed near the coop. In rainy weather it seems best to keep the 

 hen and chickens out of the wet. 



Enemies and disease. — Be sure that the hen and chickens are free from 

 lice. A wise precaution against these pests is to apply a little fresh lard 

 to the hen's body under the wings. An equal quantity of scotch snufi 

 mixed with the lard makes it more efl^ective. A liberal application of kero- 

 sene and whitewash to the inside of .the coop several days before the hen 

 and chickens are placed in it will be a wise precaution against red mites. 



