242 POVLTllY PUoDVCriON 



stove brooders in which the hover acts largely as a deflector, 

 there is usually a K<'od circulation of air. With those ha\ ing 

 a long fringe or curtain, the latter should not he allowcil to 

 reach the floor hy at least three inches if the air underneath 

 is to he ke])t sweet. 



Darkness. — "For the very hest results the liovcr should 

 he at least partially darkened. The reason for this is e^■ident. 

 Not only does tlie chick normally seem to enjoy seclusion, 

 hut when anytliing occurs to frighten him the first thhig he 

 wants to do is to get out of siglit. In natural hrooding he 



All Mirliaid 1.S a great place for I he ehieks. (r'ourte>,v of Punlue Agiicailtural 

 Experiment Station.) 



ducks Turder^the mother hen. As soon as he get out of sight 

 or where he cannot see the thing that friglitened luni, he feels 

 safe. This is a case where it pays in dollars and cents to 

 humor the chicks."' Fright interferes with proper growth 

 and comfort aids it. 



Dryness. — Chicks cannot thrive in damp quarters. While 

 heat is supplied the floor of the hover is likely to he dry. 

 This should be true of the whole room or pen in whit-li the 

 brooder is located. Dampness makes filth out of litter and 



' Card and Kirkpatiiok: Storrs (Conn.) Bulletin, No, 96. 



