Food for Little Chickens 225 



handling and suitable food, particularly during the 

 first few days of their existence, or until they become 

 strong enough to seek food for themselves. 



FOOD 



The little chickens will require no food for the 

 first twenty-four or forty-eight hours after hatching. 

 A mistake is often made- in feeding them frequently 

 before the system requires food. The close observer 

 will readily determine by the action of the chickens 

 when food is required. The first food should be of 

 such a character that it may be readily digested 

 without the aid of grit; consequently, soft food is 

 preferred. Stale bread thoroughly moistened with 

 milk makes a most excellent food for newly hatched 

 chickens. An experienced poultryman will recognize 

 that there is no best food for little chickens. There 

 are many good kinds, if fed judiciously. Again, 

 it may be said that the manner of feeding is of the 

 utmost importance, and that the attendant who 

 fails to study closely the condition and wants of the 

 little chickens will fail to reach the best results. 

 While stale bread dipped in milk makes an excellent 

 food, yet it may be so treated as to be quite unfit 

 for use. It should be allowed to drain, after dipping, 

 so that the bread is only thoroughly moistened. In 

 this condition, if finely crumbled, it makes a most 

 satisfactory food. On the other hand, bread that 



