84 WEANING THE CHICKS 



three inches wide, and of sufficient capacity to ac- 

 commodate the number of chicks comfortably, allow- 

 ing plenty of room for them to grow. 



The trouble with many amateurs is they do not 

 figure on the chicks' growth and development. The 

 house seems large enough when the chicks are placed 

 therein, but soon it shows signs of being too small. 

 Remember, do not build for today, but build for 

 three months hence. It is better economy to have it 

 a little too large than too small. 



As a floor covering for these growing houses I 

 strongly recommend clean sand. If this is scattered 

 about to a depth of about two inches it will readily 

 absorb the droppings, keeping the houses in a more 

 sanitary condition than if the droppings are per- 

 mitted to fall upon the bare floor. If this sand cov- 

 ering is raked thoroughly twice a week it is not 

 necessary to replace it more often than twice a 

 month. 



Where space is limited and the growing stock can- 

 not be given free range runs must be provided of 

 sufficient dimensions to afford the chicks exercise. 

 These runs must be provided with plenty of shade. 

 Small trees, bushes, or shrubbery are the best for 

 this purpose, but where these cannot be provided a 

 canvas or board covering should be constructed at 

 one end of the run. 



The drinking vessels should always be placed in 

 the shade and the water therein should be renewed 



