210 SHIPPING BABY CHICKS 



ing more quiet when the compartment is dark, thus 

 preventing jostling and trampling. The bottom of 

 the box should be covered with short-cut alfalfa, 

 clover, or straw, to the depth of about a half an 

 inch. The lid should be securely fastened on, tied 

 down, which will keep the curious from opening 

 the box. Then the package should be labeled, de- 

 noting its contents. 



It is very important to notify the purchaser just 

 when the shipment is to be made, so that the party 

 can be on the lookout for them, preventing unnec- 

 essary delay, and also making it possible to have 

 brooder, etc., in readiness when the little fellows ar- 

 rive at their destination. In cases where the shipper 

 does not take this precaution it often turns out very 

 disastrous. 



The month of May is an excellent time to pur- 

 chase baby chicks, weather conditions have set- 

 tled and the germ of the eggs are stronger, thus 

 bringing forth good vigorous chicks. May chicks 

 develop very quickly, and it is a matter of record 

 that many of the New York Madison Square Garden 

 and Chicago Coliseum Poultry Show winners for 

 several years have been hatched in the "Merry 

 Month of May." May hatched chicks are all right, 

 and if properly fed and cared for will fill the egg 

 basket the following winter. Some of the very 

 highest authorities throughout the country agree 

 on this point. 



