98 OUR DOMESTIC BIRDS 



and small seeds, but a mash of scalded corn meal and bran, such 

 as is given old fowls, or a baked johnnycake, is better. There 

 is no need of fussing with such foods as finely chopped hard- 

 boiled eggs, cracker crumbs, pinhead oatmeal, and other things 

 often recommended as most appropriate for the first feeds of 

 little chicks. Healthy hen-hatched chicks raised by the natural 

 method on a farm need nothing but one soft feed (such as 

 has been mentioned) in the morning, a little hard grain toward 



FIG. 95. Coops and runs for hens and chicks 1 



evening, and then, just before dark, all the soft food they will 

 eat. The best grain for them is sound cracked corn ; the next 

 best is wheat. The chickens should have good water always 

 before them, and may be given all the milk they want. Skim 

 milk, sour milk (either thin or clabbered), and buttermilk are all 

 eaten with relish and promote health and growth. Vessels in 

 which milk is given must be cleaned often or they will become 

 very filthy. 



1 Burlap bags are used to shade the interior or to keep out rain. When not in use 

 they are turned back on the top of the coop. 



