THE BROODY HEN 81 
will allow the bottom to be cleaned easily. Everyone will tell 
you to clean out the coop daily, and it is sound advice, but very 
few are zealous enough to carry it out. If, however, it be cleaned 
out, say, three times a week the chicks will come to no harm. Some- 
times I have been so busy that I have cleaned out the coops only 
once a week, but this only in dry weather. When wet and damp 
the coops simply must be swept clean several times a week. No 
hay or straw is necessary for the baby chicks. A thick layer of 
sawdust on the wooden floor, or failing that a good sprinkling of 
fine ashes, will be found a good sanitary arrangement. You need 
not fear about the chicks bemg warm enough. The hen will see 
to that. 
