74 THE: HOME, POULTRY- BOOK 
Truth to tell, chickens seem practically devoid of 
intelligence the first week of their existence. They 
will peck at anything within reach, having an 
especial fondness, apparently, for the eyes of the 
hen mothering them, and will eat sawdust as readily 
as anything else. At the end of seven or eight days 
they appear to reach the age of discretion, for after 
that time they cannot easily be fooled on the subject 
of food. 
Some persons make the feeding of young chicks 
a highly complex matter. It need not be unless they 
are to be raised for a special purpose, aside from 
that of producing eggs. Hard-boiled eggs are the 
time-honored first meal, after the sand, and make a 
ration which is entirely satisfactory, but not neces- 
sary by any means. If the infertile eggs tested out 
have been saved, it is wise and economical to use 
them in this way. Bread soaked in milk and 
squeezed fairly dry may well be given the first two 
or three days. One of the best plans is to feed very 
young grass or, better still, clover cut into very short 
pieces. Too much stress cannot be laid on the value 
of grass and clover for young stock of all ages. 
Common oat meal is an excellent ration for chicks 
just hatched and may be fed freely. 
