REARING CHICKS AFTER BROODING AGE 



ten into roomier quarters as soon as possible in 

 the fall. A greater number than what I have men- 

 tioned sleeping together is not desirable, but this is 

 about as few as economy of time and labor in their 

 care will permit. The chicks in each lot should be 

 as uniform in size and age as possible ; this not only 

 tends to safety and prevents loss, but also results 

 in uniformity of appearance and consequent at- 

 tractiveness of the flocks. 



Cleanliness and health go hand and hand in the 

 poultry business, and nowhere is this more notice- 

 able than in the growing of little chickens. The 

 coops must be cleaned out frequently; fresh, cool 

 water must be frequently supplied in hot weather; 

 lice and mites must be fought unrelentingly. If the 

 chicks have not much yard room, plow or spade 

 up the runs quite frequently; a hard, baked surface 

 in the yards tends to bring the chicks to a standstill 

 in growth, besides making a very unattractive and 

 unpleasant place for them to range. Fresh soil, 

 green grass, fresh air, plenty of good feed and 

 exercise, moderate sunshine, welcome shade, com- 

 fort and activity all along the line all these things 

 play their part in the growth and profit of the 

 chicks. 



Separating the Sexes. The sexes should be sep- 

 arated as soon as the cockerels begin to crow and 

 assert masculine traits, as otherwise the growth 

 and development of the pullets will be greatly 



171 



