278 



COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



there is no greater non-conductor of heat or cold, weight, strength 

 and other quahties being considered. Carriers of this descrip- 

 tion are made expressly for the purpose. They are strong, — 

 capable of withstanding the weight of a man, — durable, easy to 

 assemble and handle, and represent a great saving in transporta- 

 tion charges by reason of their light weight. They are usually 

 made in three sizes, for shipments of 25, 50 or 100 chicks; the 

 small size containing but one compartment, the 50-chick size 

 two compartments, and the large size four compartments. 

 Early in the season, when the weather is quite cold, more chicks 



may be shipped in each 

 box than is stated above, 

 because the chicks huddle 

 closely together and re- 

 quire very little space. 

 Similarly, in very warm 

 weather the number 

 should be reduced to about 

 twenty chicks to a com- 

 partment, to prevent over- 

 heating. 



Ventilation is obtained 

 by cutting small holes in 

 the sides of the box near 

 the lid, and in such a way that drafts are prevented. In the winter 

 very few holes will supply all the air necessary, while as the season 

 advances, depending also upon the climate to which the shipment 

 is made, more holes should be cut. 



To prevent the chicks from slipping around over the smooth 

 surface of the bottom of the box, cut hay, straw, alfalfa or other 

 material is placed in the bottom to give them a foothold, and to 

 absorb any manure. If the weather is extremely cold, feathers 

 may be substituted, which will make the little fellows as warm 

 and comfortable as though in a brooder. As a matter of fact, 

 these shipping boxes are precisely the same as fireless brooders, 

 in which the heat from the chicks' bodies is bound to keep them 



(Courtesy Smith Standard Company) 



Fig. 177. — Hatchery of 600,000 egg capa- 

 city ; it resembles a warehouse or refrigerat- 

 ing plant. 



