POULTRY RAISING CHICKENS 303 



25. After the first shell is pipped close the egg drawer and do not open it 

 unless for a very urgent reason until all the chicks are hatched. 



26. Do not try to help a chick out of its shell. If it is not strong enough 

 to get out alone it is not worth saving. 



27. It is but natural for the chicks to struggle and gasp when they first 

 come from the shell as it gives them strength. Do not help them at this time. 



28. When a very good hatch is coming off, the chicks will sometimes gather 

 at the glass in front and pile up. To prevent this put a cloth over the glass and 

 thus darken the machine. Never open the machine to take out a few chicks. 

 Wait until hatch is over. Never take any out unless there is danger of losing 

 some chicks. 



29. Leave the chicks in the incubator from 24 to 36 hours. If they are 

 left that long no harm will come to them. 



30. "My best success has always been with a temperature ranging not over 

 102 the first week, then 103 to the time of hatching when I allowed the tem- 

 perature to go as high as 105." 



31. Follow the directions with your machine very closely as the manufac- 

 turer knows the way that that particular machine should be run to produce the 

 best results. 



Brooders. 



1. A brooder is a necessity for those who use incubators. 



2. Keep the brooder disinfected. Disinfect it between each brood of chicks. 

 Have the bottom covered with good clean straw. 



3. Operate the brooder a day or two before putting chicks into it. 



4. Do not overcrowd the brooder. It is the worst mistake one can make. 

 Have the chicks comfortable. 



5. The capacity of a brooder is generally greatly overestimated by the 

 manufacturers. 



6. Have the brooder regulated at a uniform temperature day and night. 

 Low and irregular temperatures in brooders have caused more disease and deaths 

 than any other one thing. 



7. The temperature after the first day or two should be governed by the 

 action of the chicks, not by the thermometer. 



8. Crowding of chicks to outside of brooder, panting or breathing hard, 



indicate too much heat. 



9. Crowding and huddling about the heater indicates a need of more heat. 

 10. When the chicks spread out comfortably at night, midway between the 



heater and brooder walls, or just inside the fringe, where a hover is used, it 

 signifies a right amount of heat. 



11 The chicks should not be allowed to huddle together outside the brooder. 



12. If the chicks are not supplied with artificial heat they will crowd no 

 matter how few are in the brooder. 



13 Do not take the heat away from the chicks too soon. Keep the brooder 

 heated until they are far enough developed that they do not go under the hover. 



