74 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 



Truth to tell, chickens seem practically devoid of 

 intelligence the first week of their existence. They 

 will peck at anything within reach, having an 

 especial fondness, apparently, for the eyes of the 

 hen mothering them, and will eat sawdust as readily 

 as anything else. At the end of seven or eight days 

 they appear to reach the age of discretion, for after 

 that time they cannot easily be fooled on the subject 

 of food. 



Some persons make the feeding of young chicks 

 a highly complex matter. It need not be unless they 

 are to be raised for a special purpose, aside from 

 that of producing eggs. Hard-boiled eggs are the 

 time-honored first meal, after the sand, and make a 

 ration which is entirely satisfactory, but not neces- 

 sary by any means. If the infertile eggs tested out 

 have been saved, it is wise and economical to use 

 them in this way. Bread soaked in milk and 

 squeezed fairly dry may well be given the first two 

 or three days. One of the best plans is to feed very 

 young grass or, better still, clover cut into very short 

 pieces. Too much stress cannot be laid on the value 

 of grass and clover for young stock of all ages. 

 Common oat meal is an excellent ration for chicks 

 just hatched and may be fed freely. 



