RrRAi. School Lkafli.t 



7T50 



ix. brooding and care of chickens with a hen 

 Clara M. Nixon 



When the eggs are hatched, as they should be by the end of the twenty- 

 first day, take the hen and chickens from the nest and put them in the 

 coop that you have prepared for them. 



The coop. — The coop should be large enough to permit the hen to move 

 about, and high enough for her to stand comfortably in it. If it has no 

 floor, set the coop on a platform of boards. This will help to keep out 

 rats and weasels, as well as to keep the coop dry. The separate floor 



The first meal. After chicks have been hatched for from 24 to j6 hours they will begin to 

 hunt for food. Feed little and often. Provide fine grit and pure ivater at all times and 

 a cleati grass sod for pasturage 



is more easily cleaned and dried. The coop should be slatted in front, 

 but closed on the other sides; it should have a roof that will keep out thG 

 rain. It should face the south and be placed on clean ground on which no 

 chickens have recently been reared. This is a precaution against disease. 

 Everything should be clean, thoroughly disinfected with a coat of white- 

 wash, and kept dry. Dampness is fatal to young chickens. 



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. 



