HATCHING AND BROODING WITH MOTHER HEN 49 



for them. The two points you need to make sure of are 

 that there are no rats or other vermin to carry them off, 

 and that the coop is placed, if early in the season, in a 

 spot sheltered from wind and open to all the sunshine 

 possible. Later in the season, you will select a place 

 shaded, at least in the heat of the day. Dense and 

 complete shade is at all times to be avoided. Air and 

 sunshine in moderation are the fowls' best friends. 



Improvised Water Fount 



The water vessel for tiny chicks is to be either a 

 patented " fountain " of chick size, in two parts for care- 

 ful cleaning, which may be had in glass, or an im- 

 provised fountain consisting of a tin can reversed in a 

 saucer, having one or two holes near what is now the 

 bottom, which works on the same principle as the more 

 expensive sale fountains ; or, you may use a very shal- 

 low dish with a flattish stone in the center to keep the 

 chicks out of the water, lest the down get wet when 

 they run through it and jostle each other. 



The matter of feeding will be taken up in another 

 chapter, and that of the best kinds of coops will also 



