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Rural School Leaflet. 



Care of the growing chicks, — When the chicks begin to care for them- 

 selves see that they return to the coop at night and are protected from 

 dampness. They may now be given food in a hopper or feed rack, 

 and will grow faster if part of the grain is ground. The ground food 

 also may be fed dry from a hopper. Chicks of this age need some ad- 

 ditional animal food. The insects which they catch give some. Com- 

 mercial beef scrap is good, if fresh and of good quality, but cottage 

 cheese is thought to be better. This should be fed only when fresh, 

 before it begins to ferment. Unless on free range the chicks will 

 need grit of a size they can easily swallow. 



Enemies and disease. — In case of the mysterious disappearance of the 

 chicks, look for cats, rats, crows, hawks, weasels, and other thieves. 

 Crows and hawks catch the chickens in the daytime, when they are 



The coop and the water fountain 



roaming about. Rats and weasels often get in the coop at night, and 

 may destroy an entire brood in one visit. Cats are often bad enemies. 

 Your pet cat may be the one to eat your chickens. Watch her until 

 you know she is safe. 



