CHAPTER XXII. 
CARE OF THE GROWING STOCK. 
TuE direct object in the feeding and care of all chicks, from 
hatching time to maturity, is growth. Uniform development is 
necessary for the laying birds or breeders. When meat produc- 
tion is the object, a rapid gain in flesh is desired to bring about 
a maximum profit in the least time. The discussions in this 
chapter will deal with the growing chick from weaning time to 
maturity. 
Weaning the Chicks.—The best time to wean the chicks, 
whether it be from the mother hen or the brooder, will depend 
on the breed, the season of the year, the location of the colony 
houses, and the degree of protection which can be afforded them. 
Leghorns and other light, active breeds are very susceptible 
to sudden changes early in their development. This is due to 
the strain on the system by excessive feather growth. Greater 
care must be used when changing them. They crowd badly if 
the temperature is too low; a heavy mortality follows. In the 
cold weather of early spring the weaning period must be post- 
poned until the chicks attain a greater age than would be required 
if they were hatched later in the spring and were transferred 
during warmer weather. It is very undesirable to wean the chicks 
during damp weather. 
The colony houses should be located in protected spots, espe- 
cially early in the season, and near to the poultryman’s residence. 
For the first few weeks after weaning, the chicks require quite 
close watching, as they have to be protected from sudden showers 
and extreme changes in weather conditions. The coops often 
require special manipulation during cool spells in late spring. If 
it is possible to arrange a portable hover in the centre of the 
colony house the chicks can be weaned much earlier. Such a 
hover may be made two feet square with felt or canvas curtains 
tacked to the edges of the board. Suspend this from the roof 
with cord and pulley, leaving it at first about ten inches from the 
floor. As the chicks develop and become accustomed to the 
changed conditions, the hover can be gradually raised, depending 
upon weather conditions, until they finally require it no longer. 
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