238 MY POULTRY DAY BY DAY 
allowed the full run of the pen, some attention must be given to 
see that all the chicks can find their way back to the warmth, and 
if it is noticed that any are standing about or lift their voices, these 
must be put under the pipes, and the operation is continued till 
all know their way back. 
The first feed is given when the chicks cry out, and consists of 
“kibbled ” wheat or an ordinary commercial chick food. But if 
the latter, see that you give a kind which does not contain “ grit ” 
nor too much maize. The coarse sand on the floor is quite suffi- 
cient for the chicks in the way of grit. Water, in which a very 
little permanganate of potash is put, is given at the same time as 
the first feed of grain, and thereafter during the chicks’ life in the 
brooder-house it is given twice a day, the drinking vessels on each 
occasion being thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with disinfectant. 
This is most important. It is nearly impossible to keep water for 
chicks clean, and the cause of many chick troubles can be traced 
to an insufficient supply of perfectly clean water given in clean 
vessels. When the chicks have the full use of their brooder-house 
pen, sufficient grain is scattered in the chaff to last for two days, 
and a little ground charcoal is given ina tray. That is the whole 
attention required for the first week. The charcoal keeps the 
bowels in order and seems to prevent many chick disorders. 
The second week the sacks are taken from the boards over the 
pipes, and a dish containing broad bran mixed with charcoal is 
left in every pen, enough grain is fed to last two days, water 
given as usual, and if the weather is reasonably fine the chicks are 
allowed out in the outside run which is attached to each inside run. 
There they find green food in the shape of kale or turnips or 
lettuce. During the first day or two of their new experience 
fairly constant attention must be given to them in order that 
none that are outside cannot find the way home. They easily 
get cold, and bowel trouble ensues. 
The third week dry mash is given in place of the bran, every- 
thing else being the same as for the second week. 
In the fourth week the chicks are given a rather larger sample 
of grain, for it is cheaper. The board is removed from the top of 
