SALE OF NEWLY HATCHED CHICKENS 197 
Prices vary considerably in accordance with the time of year 
and the class of fowls. Chickens, for instance, which are intended 
to be used as breeding stock command higher rates than those 
intended for killing or for farmyard purposes. But there is at 
present very little demand except for birds which are intended to 
be raised as breeding or laying stock. The popular varieties are 
largely in demand. Up to the present amateurs and smaller 
poultry-keepers have been the principal buyers. 
The trade in selling day-old chicks to farmers is as yet in its 
infancy, as they have not fully realised the advantages of obtaining 
fresh stock in this way. 
WuHEN To Dispatcu 
The best age at which to dispatch the chickens is when they 
are twenty-four hours old, or as soon as they have dried off and 
overcome the strain of hatching. If sent away too early they 
would feel the change and be liable to take a chill, which would 
be fatal. When chicks are hatched; either by the hen or by the 
machine, it is generally better to leave them in the place of hatch- 
ing for twenty-four to thirty hours before removal to coop or 
brooder, and the same is largely true when they are to be sent 
away. But their dispatch must not be too long delayed, for 
when once they begin to eat the supply of food must be regular. 
Chicks one day old travel better than older ones. Every additional 
day renders them more liable to feel the effects of transportation. 
When sent off at the right age, in suitable boxes, they will travel 
long distances by land or sea quite safely, even when the journey 
occupies as much as thirty-six hours. 
The packages largely used are light wooden boxes, with several 
ventilating holes near the top of the sides and in the lid, and fitted 
with a handle made of thick cord, or tied round with thick string. 
Another useful form of box is made of cardboard with double 
sides to conserve the warmth and to provide ventilation without 
danger of chills. For a dozen chickens a box about 14 inches by 
9 inches and 9 inches high is large enough ; for two dozen, 15 
