VALUE OF SHADE IN SUMMER 77 



very little broodiness, as compared with hens that have no shade, 

 and the eggs come merrily. 



The young stock should be given all the range possible and a 

 good growing feed kept where they can help themselves. 



During the heat of the day, chicks do not want much to eat, but 

 they like to be out early in the morning foraging, and late at night. 

 It is a chick's delight to catch the insect life that ventures out after 

 a warm day. 



A few rows of kale plants will furnish both the forage and shade 

 for a good bunch of chicks. The growing chicks will need a little 

 meat, or milk is better if on hand; in facti, milk is the very best animal 

 food for either old or young poultry at any and all seasons, and 

 especially so during the summer season. Sour or clabbered milk 

 furnishes bone-making elements in a free condition that is easy to 

 digest; for the laying hens it furnishes animal food and lime for the 

 egg shell, but to those hens we desire to rest it should not be fed 

 too freely or they will go to laying more eggs. 



To the hens that are to be disposed of before winter, animal food 

 may be given, in order to get all out of them that is possible, but for 

 stock that is to be kept over another >ear, whether yarded or on 

 range it is better to feed very little concentrated food. 



Ventilation. Another important feature in summering fowls is to 

 give plenty of ventilation in the houses. If it is desirable to face the 

 houses north, as it is in this locality, the houses can be raised from 

 the ground about four or six inches by placing blocks under each 

 corner. The air can then circulate all around, and being under the 

 perches no fear need 'be entertained of danger from draughts. Facing 

 the houses to the north with underneath ventilation gives a cool 

 house night and day; it also prevents mites from breeding under 

 the sills of the houses, as they frequently do when the houses are set 

 on the ground. 



No Fast Rules. As each locality has some little difference in cli- 

 matic conditions, there can be no set rules for all alike and while we 

 face our houses to the north some may do better to face them to the 

 east, south or west, but which ever way they face, they must be well 

 ventilated if the fowls are to do well and keep healthy. 



It is well to remember in this connection that dark, damp places 

 are the breeding place for mites, so let in the light. If your houses 

 are closed up take out one end or side, even if you think you must 

 replace it for winter. Barrels of air are necessary in our climate for 

 all poultry and the old idea of night air being dangerous is done away 

 with. When left to themselves the chickens will sleep in the trees 

 with air all around them, and their combs are the indicators of good 

 robust health. So let us be generous in the matter of air and give 

 the fowls all that is good for them. 



