REARING 



187 



Set the hens all in the same room or building, in 

 which they can have a good dust bath every day, 

 and which can be closed to make sure that all re- 

 turn to their nests. Feed only corn and clean water 

 and take them off at a regular hour each day. 



PORTABLE COLONY HOUSE 



Sills are runners, to which frame is bolted. Walls, tongue 

 and groove siding. Floors tight. Ventilators and other open- 

 ings screened to keep out rats, etc. Size 6x8 feet, 6 feet high. 

 in front, 4 at back. Painted. Cost about $15. 



CARE OF LITTLE CHICKS 



As the chickens hatch, remove them from under 

 the hens every hour or two to make sure that none 

 get trampled to death in the nest. When at least 

 one day old, feed millet seed and oatflake five times 

 a day and give clean water as often. One of the safest 

 ways to vary this diet later is a johnnycake made 

 of two parts cornmeal, one of middlings and a fourth 

 part made up of oilmeal and meat scraps. Stir in 

 some finely broken egg shells so that the food will 

 not harden in the crop, and feed dry. 



