CHAPTER XXII. 

 CARE OF THE GROWING STOCK. 



The direct object in the feeding and care of all chicks, from 

 hatching time to maturity, is growth. Uniform development is 

 necessary for the laying birds or breeders. When meat produc- 

 tion is the object, a rapid gain in flesh is desired to bring about 

 a maximum profit in the least time. The discussions in this 

 chapter will deal with the growing chick from weaning time to 

 maturity. 



Weaning the Chicks. — The best time to wean the chicks, 

 whether it be from the mother hen or the brooder, will depend 

 on the breed, the season of the year, the location of the colony 

 houses, and the degree of protection which can be afforded them. 



Leghorns and other light, active breeds are very susceptible 

 to sudden changes early in their development. This is due to 

 the strain on the system by excessive feather growth. Greater 

 care must be used when changing them. They crowd badly if 

 the temperature is too low; a heavy mortality follows. In the 

 cold weather of early spring the weaning period must be post- 

 poned until the chicks attain a greater age than would be required 

 if they were hatched later in the spring and were transferred 

 during warmer weather. It is very undesirable to wean the chicks 

 during damp weather. 



The colony houses should be located in protected spots, espe- 

 cially early in the season, and near to the poultryman's residence. 

 For the first few weeks after weaning, the chicks require quite 

 close watching, as they have to be protected from sudden showers 

 and extreme changes in weather conditions. The coops often 

 require special manipulation during cool spells in late spring. If 

 it is possible to arrange a portable hover in the centre of the 

 colony house the chicks can be weaned much earlier. Such a 

 hover may be made two feet square with felt or canvas curtains 

 tacked to the edges of the board. Suspend this from the roof 

 with cord and pulley, leaving it at first about ten inches from the 

 floor. As the chicks develop and become accustomed to the 

 changed conditions, the hover can be gradually raised, depending 

 upon weather conditions, until they finally require it no longer. 

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