POULTRY HOUSE 



whole flock. No inconvenience and annoyance of a lot of 

 chicks of different ages, trying the patience and taxing the 

 ability of the caretaker to minimize the customary attend- 

 ing drawbacks. 



Agricultural experts and county agents in many states 

 are advising those who start in the poultry business to buy 

 baby chicks from reliable sources, because it affords the 

 most practical way to establish a flock strong chicks in 

 full number, minimum initial investment, and economy of 

 time and energy. 



Responsible baby chick men quote very reasonable 

 prices on chicks from various grades and breeds of poultry 

 in keeping with the quality of stock, and guarantee sat- 

 isfactory delivery to the customer. The shipping of baby 

 chicks is made possible by the fact that the egg yolk which 

 is absorbed into the chick's body just before it breaks the 

 shell is sufficient to last the chick as food for at least 72 hours. 

 In fact, harm results in feeding during that period. Ship- 

 ment can be safely made to any point reached in that length 

 of time. Express service is the only means of transporta- 

 tion at present, and the express companies make special 

 provision for handling chick shipments. The parcel post 

 has made no provision for handling live stock of any kind 

 as yet. 



In filling chick orders none but husky, vigorous chicks 

 are sent out. Any cripples, weaklings or "sports" are culled. 

 Specially designed boxes are used which protect the chicks 

 from ordinary exposure, the natural body heat of the chicks 

 keeping them warm while on the road. 



The baby chick industry is not new. It is not an experi- 

 ment, but an established business growing in proportions 

 and in popularity. More than 20,000,000 chicks were shipped 

 during 1916, ranging from 25 chicks to several thousand in 

 a single order. There are no more dangers connected with 

 the shipment of chicks than with eggs for hatching. Any 

 injury to chicks received in transit are usually noticeable 

 immediately and adjustments readily made. Eggs roughly 

 handled in shipment may not show the results of their in- 

 jury for two or three weeks. 



Eighteen 



