THE INCUBATOR-BROODER METHOD OF RAISING GROUSE 487 



reason it is wise to check thermostats to make certain that they are functioning properly and 

 to test their wafers for any leaks before chicks are placed in the brooders. If the battery is 

 new it should be thoroughly scrubbed with a strong soap solution to remove the protective 

 grease film which is applied at the factory. Batteries previously used should also be cleaned 

 and disinfected. 



At the Research Center the temperature in the heated compartment is adjusted to 95° F. 

 with the thermometer suspended so that the bulb is even with the backs of the chicks. This 

 may then be reduced at the rate of about five degrees per week depending somewhat upon out- 

 side conditions. Thus, when the weather is warm, it may be lowered more rapidly. The 

 actions of the chicks are, of course, the best criterion. If they crowd together and stretch 

 their heads toward the source of the heat, it is usually an indication that they are too cool. 

 If this condition is not quickly remedied, chilling may bring on diarrhea and lung conges- 

 tion. On the other hand, if they stand hunched with wings drooping weakly, the temperature 

 probably is too high. Such a condition not only may lower the vitality of the birds but also 

 may stunt growth and provoke nutritional disorders. 



Care of the Chicks 



As soon as the chicks are dried off in the incubator, they should be banded immediately 

 and removed to the battery brooder. Here all should be in readiness for the ensuing critical 

 period. Eighteen to 20 chicks are placed in each section which, incidentally, has a capacity 

 for 100 chicks of domestic fowl. Here they are confined to the heated compartment of the 

 battery for the first two days, after which they are permitted to venture into a portion of 

 the unheated run for brief intervals. 



Travel is limited by an adjustable partition in the runwav. At first the chicks are allowed 

 only about a foot of space until they become accustomed to the source of heat. An attraction- 

 light burning in the heated compartment helps guide them to its warmth. The partition may 

 be moved farther out from day to day until finally the chicks have access to the entire run. 

 Since some chicks are slow to learn it is well to make frequent inspections to see that none 

 becomes stranded in the run and chilled. As soon as all have identified the source of heat 

 they may be left to come and go at will. 



The chicks remain in the battery for a period of about 12 days and are then transferred to 

 the colony brooder house. There they are brooded under a flat-topped box-type hover with a 

 heating unit at the rear so arranged to provide a constant circulation of warm air. A curtain 

 over the front edge helps to maintain an adequate temperature. By the time the chicks are 

 moved to this unit, a brooding temperature of 85° F. to 90° F. is optimum. 



A maximum of 30 chicks are placed in each unit of the colony house. Again, they must 

 be confined close to the hover for the first few days until they have become thoroughly ac- 

 quainted with the new source of heat. Then they may be allowed the full range of the in- 

 terior pen, and the run as well, in warm weather. 



Though at one time the birds were placed directly on a wire floor which formed the pen 

 bottom, this was soon found to be unnecessary as a disease preventive measure. Further- 

 more, it encouraged drafts. Litter, either sugar cane pulp or softwood shavings, accordingly 

 is spread over the floor to a depth of about two inches. 



When it is desired to start the newly hatched chicks in this unit instead of in the battery 

 brooder, the operation of the box-type hover is similar to that described for the battery. To 



