CHAPTER VI 



Hatching and Rearing the 

 Natural Way 



The old hen must continue to be the means of 

 hatching and rearing chickens for a vast number of 

 poultry keepers, particularly those who have small 

 flocks. The two great advantages of using artificial 

 methods are in being able to handle a large number of 

 chickens and eggs with the least expenditure of time, 

 and in getting the eggs hatched during the winter and 

 early spring months when it is difficult to obtain' 

 broody hens. 



The first essential in the rearing of chicks is to 

 procure fertile eggs with strong vigorous germs. 

 These can only be obtained from healthy, well-cared- 

 for stock. Fowls which are forced to heavy winter egg 

 production are not likely to produce strong, vigorous 

 eggs or chicks. For success in chicken raising com- 

 fortable houses and judicious feeding of the breeding 

 stock during the winter are positively necessary. 

 Gather the eggs frequently during cold weather to pre- 

 vent chilling and keep them at a moderate, even tem- 

 perature. 



Early hatching is desirable to get pullets laying 

 early in the fall or in order to sell the first brood for 

 broilers during May and June, when prices are highest. 

 However desirable it may be to have early broods noth- 

 ing will be gained by anticipating the natural order of 

 spring unless prepared with certain fixtures needed for 

 the comfort and health of the young birds as well as 

 the mother hen. There is also profit in late broods. 



