BEEF SCRAP AND GREENS 



319 



On the other hand, it is a bad plan to feed the scratch grains on 

 a board, once the chicks have learned how to hunt for them, be- 

 cause they are likely to gorge themselves, which defeats the idea 

 of the scratch grains. These grains should be sprinkled in the 

 litter, where the chicks are obliged to dig and work for them. 



Green Food. — Unless the chicks are given outdoor freedom 

 where they have access to an abundance of tender green shoots, 

 they must be given succulence in some other form, such as lettuce, 

 sprouted oats, sliced onions and tops, or ground vegetables, such 

 as mangels or turnips. Chicks are very fond of onions, which 

 seem to act as a tonic. 

 Slice a good-sized onion 

 for each fifty chicks; cut it 

 so as to form rings, and the 

 chicks will tussle and fight 

 for them as though they 

 were worms. 



Clover, alfalfa and rape 

 are all excellent green 

 foods for chicks, and 

 wherever possible they 

 should be given liberty 

 where these crops are 

 growing. This is the most 

 convenient way to furnish 

 green food, and the 



cheapest way. If a grass range is not available, substitutes must 

 be found, because no brood will thrive without greens. Succulence 

 supplies them with roughage for crop development, mineral ele- 

 ments to aid the digestion of concentrated foods, and with certain 

 tonic properties which sustain the appetite. In short, if chicks are 

 given unlimited freedom on a grassy range, they are almost certain 

 to thrive even if the rest of the feeding system is seriously defec- 

 tive. 



Avoid Moldy Feed. — Chicks are susceptible to bowel trouble 

 if given moldy or musty grain or decomposed food, therefore it 



(Courtesy C. L. Opperman) 



Fig. 210. — Colony house fitted with gasoline 

 brooder. 



