THE INCV BATOR-BROODER METHOD OF RAISING GROUSE 



489 



After the birds have begun to eat regularly, paper plates may be substituted for the towels. 

 These should be filled with mash to which four per cent insoluble grit has been added. Grit 

 at the same rate should be added to all feed, the size of the grit being increased with the age 

 of the birds. 



Chopped lettuce should be freshly supplied each day. A paper towel or plate which 

 can be thrown away when soiled makes a good tray for this purpose. A leaf hung here and 

 there in the brooder after the fifth day will be eagerly picked at by the chicks. As soon as 

 they are taking the leaves readily, the chopped lettuce may be discontinued. At three to four 

 weeks of age, tender apple leaves are substituted for the lettuce at the Research Center. The 

 birds eat these greedily. From that time on through the brooding and rearing period apple 

 leaves appear adequately to fulfill the green feed requirements. 



It is wise to warm the drinking water for the first few days. After that time it may be 

 taken directly from the cold water tap, although lukewarm water will be more rapidly ac- 

 cepted. As the weather becomes hot, cool water is preferred by the birds. It should be 

 changed at least once daily, oftener if it becomes dirty. 



Complete feeds and feeding schedules for all ages and seasons of the year are set forth in 

 simplified form in figure 41. 



FIGURE 41. FEEDING SCHEDULE FOR YOUNG AND FOR ADULT GROUSE 



Comments 



1. Chicks are introduced to starter mash that is placed on wet suspended towels and sprin- 

 kled on dry towels on the floor. 



2. After three days, low six-inch hoppers are introduced. 



