Rural School Leaflet 



"33 



rain. It should face the south and be placed on clean land 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. 



The coop and the water fountain 



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 

 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 snuff 

 mixed with the lard makes it more effective. A liberal application of kero- 



