llfi 



FARMING FOR LADIES. [chap. 



CHAPTER V. 



Management of Chickens — Cribs — Food and water — Crop 

 and Gizzard — Separation of the Hen and Chickens — Roost- 

 ing — Cost and Value of Chicks and Fowls. 



Most writers on the management of chick- 

 ens recommend the takhig of the chicks from 

 the hen immediately after they come to life, 

 and placing them, one by one, in a basket 

 filled with wool, covered over with flannel, and 

 put near the fire, until the whole brood is 

 hatched : than which nothing can be more in- 

 judicious ; for no care is equal to that of the 

 mother. The instinct with which she is intui- 

 tively inspired, animates her with a desire to 

 perform her maternal duties ; she shrouds 

 them under the downy plumage of her wings, 

 which she folds around them ; dries their 

 clammy feathers in the warmth of her bosom ; 

 and, if left to herself, they will become strong 

 and healthy. The less handling, therefore, 

 the better: "leave well alone ; " and, above 

 all, do not allow young children to stroke 

 and fondle them. 



