CHAPTER VI. 

 CARE OF YOUNG CHICKS IN BROODERS. 



Feed young poultry of all kinds early and late and often. 



Harriet 



The rearing of chicks io 

 i brooders does not differ mater- 

 ially from the ordinary method, 

 except that the intelligent in- 

 stinct exercised by the hen in 

 LAUNCHED IN A COLD caring for her brood has to be 



exercised by the attendant. 



Whether the chicks should be removed from the 

 incubator soon after hatching or be left until nearly 

 all are out of the shell, depends a good deal on the 

 construction of the machine, especially of the egg- 

 drawer. On this point the manufacturer should give 

 explicit directions. As a rule, it is advisable to darken 

 any windows that may admit light to the egg-chamber 

 during the hatching process, and not remove chicks 

 until hatch is completed. It is best to open the incu- 

 bator as little as possible. While the chicks are hatch- 

 ing the temperature is apt to rise but should not be 

 allowed to go above 105 degrees. The removal of a 

 basketful of chicks will cause the temperature to drop 

 suddenly, a large amount of animal heat being thus 

 withdrawn. Care must be taken to replace it by a sur- 

 plus from the lamp. If the regulator at this stage fails 

 to act, the chicks and eggs left in the machine may 



