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 or 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 
