FEEDING BROODER CHICKS 359 



eggs mixed with bread crumbs may also be used as a first feed 

 for young chicks. Dry cracked grains are sometimes fed, but 

 they are less easily seen. 



3. Grit and Shell. Grit to enable the digestive organs to 

 perform their functions, and shell to supply the lime so essential 

 in the formation of bone, should not be omitted. The sand 

 placed on the floor of the brooder will help, but will not of itself be 

 as effective as two or three handfuls of sharp granite grit and 

 fine oyster shell placed in several conspicuous places in the brooder. 



4. Plenty of fresh water is essential, since the chick gains 

 weight rapidly, much of this gain being water. Stale or stagnant 

 water carries disease germs and is liable to produce digestive 

 disorders in the flock. Keep fresh water before them constantly, 

 using a small siphon fountain, which can be rinsed out daily to 

 keep it from getting slimy. 



5. Dry Cracked Grains vs. Wet Mash. Dry cracked grains are 

 the best, all things considered, since they supply the elements re- 

 quired and in a form which cannot lead to injurious results. When 

 the chicks are from six to ten days old, this can be economically 

 supplemented with bran and dry mashes. Experiments in com- 

 paring cracked grains with wet mash show: (1) That wet-mash 

 feeding will increase the weight only slightly more than the feed- 

 ing of dry mash or dry cracked grains alone. (2) Besides an in- 

 creased weight, a greatly increased mortality was found where 

 the wet-mash system was used. (3) This increased mortality as 

 the effect of the wet mash is not noticeable to any extent after 

 the second week ; hence it is apparent that at this time the chick's 

 digestive system has developed to such an extent that it may eat 

 almost any feed without detriment. The practical application 

 of these conclusions is to feed the baby chick throughout the first 

 two critical weeks with cracked grains and dry mash, paying 

 special attention during this time to health and vigor; after this 

 critical period is safely passed, future feeding should be governed 

 largely by the purpose in view. For example, if the aim is in- 

 creased gain in weight, as for broiler raising, wet mashes can 

 safely be fed; whereas, if the maturing 01 breeding stock is the 

 main object, a dry mash supplemented with cracked grains should 

 be the choice, if normal development at the lowest possible cost 

 is desired. 



6. Wheat bran is an important asset in the feeding of the baby 

 chick, since it is easily digested and contains a form of vegetable 



