4 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I904. 



The wire on the sides is of one inch mesh, but on top two inch 

 mesh is sufficient. The coop is easily kept clean and the coop 

 and yard can be set over onto clean grass by one person. 



The small run is sufficient for the first few weeks, but soon 

 the chicks need a greater range and then the farther end of the 

 run can be lifted up 3 or 4 inches and they can pass in and out 

 at will, while the mother will be secure at home, and they will 

 know where to find her when they get cold or damp, and need 

 brooding. Such a coop accommodates 15 to 20 chicks until 

 they no longer require brooding, after which several flocks are* 

 combined in one and put in a portable house on a grassy range. 



Whenever the hen is allowed to hatch, or to mother chicks, 

 much care must be experienced or lice will get a foothold and 

 ruin the birds. The free and frequent use of fresh insect powder 

 upon the hen, working it through the feathers to the skin, is one 

 of the best methods for destroying the pests. Grease or oil are 

 effective when applied to the heads and under the wings of 

 young chicks, but care must be taken not to get too much on 

 them, especially during damp weather. The feeding of chicks 

 raised in coops with their mothers does not vary much from 

 those raised in brooders. 



RAISING CHICKENS BY ARTIFICIAL PROCESSES. 



Incubators have been so much improved that there are several 

 kinds on the market that we feel sure will hatch as many chicks 

 from a given lot of eggs as can be done by selected broody hens. 

 They require little care, maintain an even temperature, and are 

 easily adjusted to meet the increase in temperature arising from 

 developments going on in the eggs. In some machines the mois- 

 ture supply is automatic and adapted to the requirements. In 

 others it has to be supplied, and skill is necessary in determining 

 the quantity needed. The economy of the incubator is very great. 

 A 360 egg machine will do the work of nearly 30 broody hens, 

 and can be kept at work continually, if desired. We commenced 

 our work in artificial incubation years ago, by trying to main- 

 tain the temperature in a home-made wooden box, with- double 

 walls, by the use of jugs of warm water. By locating the box 

 in a suitable room and keeping close watch on conditions, good 



