THE YEAR'S WORK 149 



The brooder must not be overcrowded and re- 

 quires close watching. The actions of the chicks 

 are the best indications as to temperature. 



Sunlight and fresh air are most important if a 

 large percentage of chicks is to be raised. Look 

 to the ventilation. Often muslin can be substituted 

 for glass in at least a part of the window. 



The little chicks should get on the ground as 

 soon as possible. A little yard of poultry wire 

 can be used at first, but must be round, so that the 

 chicks working their way along the fence will soon 

 find themselves back in the warm hover. 



Chicks with hens require less attention, but biddy 

 should not be allowed to drag them through the wet 

 grass and they must be treated for lice frequently, 

 using powder on their backs and a bit of grease on 

 their heads. 



Clean the incubator and give it a thorough sun 

 bath before -filling it a second time. 



All litter should be cleaned out of the poultry 

 house this month. If there is an earth floor, it is 

 well to remove an inch or more of the surface and 

 replace it with clean sand. This is also a good time 

 to remove all fixtures and give the house a thor- 



