80 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 



welcomed. Later in the season, they give excel- 

 lent satisfaction. 



The chicks should not be removed to the brooder 

 until thoroughly dry, and it is well to start the 

 brooder lamp by the time the eggs begin to pip, so 

 that it will be nicely heated and ready for the chicks 

 as soon as the chicks are ready for it. The floor 

 should be sanded like the hen's coop and a supply 

 of clover or alfalfa cut into short lengths for litter 

 provided. The heat should be from ninety-five to 

 a hundred degrees for the first week and decreased 

 at the rate of five degrees a week thereafter, making 

 the reductions gradually, of course. When the 

 chicks are put into the brooder they will run up the 

 temperature several degrees, which should be an- 

 ticipated. 



Although the thermometer is necessary, observa- 

 tion will determine more accurately the degree of 

 comfort which the chicks are enjoying. If they 

 are found stretched on the floor and panting, the 

 heat is too great; if they huddle closely, it is insuf- 

 ficient. If they settle down contentedly slightly 

 apart, perhaps with some heads sticking through the 

 felt, they are satisfactory proof that the heat is 

 just right. Lack of ventilation is a frequent cause 



