310 HOME LIFE IN FLORIDA. 



all seeking the shelter of the center^ of the restless mass 

 of lamenting chickendom ; and so they suffer until dark- 

 ness and sleep overtake them, and thus they continue, if 

 allowed, until the coop becomes too small for their rapidly 

 growing bodies, until at last the slow instinct of their race 

 bids them finally abandon the coop and seek a higher place. 

 But, meantime, they have been crowding and sleeping in 

 close quarters, insufficiently ventilated, until most likely 

 some of them have died, some contracted weakness, and 

 some become stunted in growth. 



All this can be avoided by the simple plan we have sug- 

 gested. In every hen-house there should be some low, flat 

 perches that the little ones can reach and roost upon with- 

 out injury. And right here it is well to remark that nar- 

 row, or small round perches are very injurious to chickens 

 of all ages, being apt to produce curved breast-bones, to 

 say nothing of the nightly discomfort to the birds them- 

 selves. Perches for adult chickens should be two inches 

 wide by one inch thick, the edges beveled, and the perch 

 set with a very slight slope forward. 



The eggs in the nest of a setting hen should be sprinkled 

 daily for eight days before the chicks are due ; if this is 

 neglected, the membrane or lining of the shell is apt to be 

 dry and tough, and then when the chick's "little bill," 

 coming due, is presented, it meets with a protest, and the 

 frail life goes at once into the court of bankruptcy, whence 

 it issues nevermore* 



Keep the eggs moist by this method and the chicks will 

 easily make their way out into the world, but never try to 

 *'help them out" by breaking away bits of the shell and 

 membrane ; leave Nature alone, unless the membrane seems 

 inclined to stick to the little body, after the shell is peeled 

 off, then moisten the stiff parts, but do not pull it away ; 

 a drop of blood drawn is weakness or death to the chick. 



