74 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



the greater will be the rate of growth during that period. 

 Consequently early hatched chicks having the advantage of 

 a more favorable growing season make greater gains during 

 the first four weeks of their Hves than chicks hatched later 

 in the spring. 



February, March, and April are the best months for 

 hatching in the North Atlantic, North Middle West and 

 Northwestern states, while January, February, and March 

 are the best months for hatching in the South and South- 

 western states. 



The smaller breeds, such as those of the egg class, can 

 be hatched a little later than those of the heavier breeds, as 

 they develop more rapidly and mature earher. Chicks 

 hatched early with proper care and attention should reach 

 maturity and start laying in September, October, or No- 

 vember. 



It is during the fall months that the hens are getting 

 ready for winter by molting and growing new feathers and 

 few hens grow feathers and produce eggs at the same time. 



When hens are molting, eggs are scarce and when eggs 

 -are scarce prices are high. The solution is to hatch early, 

 so as to have early maturing pullets that will produce eggs 

 when hens are molting. 



When not to hatch. Great numbers of late-hatched 

 chicks die each year as the result of being infested with 

 lice, which are very prevalent in the summer. Then, too, 

 hot weather retards the growth of chicks. Chicks hatched 

 in early spring will get a good start before hot weather ar- 

 rives and will not be so subject to lice as those hatched dur- 

 ing the hot weather. Late-hatched chicks are usually the 

 ones that become infected with roup in the fall, thereby 

 endangering the rest of the flock. 



NATURAL INCUBATION 

 With proper care and attention sitting hens will produce 



