NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL BROODING 



99 



but, as hens seldom sit closely on the chicks they do not receive 

 this degree of heat. Hens naturally adapt their methods of 

 brooding to conditions, such as outside, temperature, size 

 of the chicks, and conditions of the weather. In the suc- 

 cessful operation of an artificial brooder these conditions 

 must be met as closely as possible to secure the best results. 

 The brooder should be so constructed as to supply the proper 

 temperature, be readily adapted to meet changes in weather 

 conditions, easy to clean, and well ventilated. Before the 

 chicks are moved from 

 the incubator to the 

 brooder, it should have 

 been in operation for a 

 day or two at the proper 

 temperature before re- 

 ceiving the chicks. After 

 placing them in the 

 brooder, they can be 

 given feed and water as 

 described in the next 

 chapter. It is well to 

 mention at this time that 

 great care should be tak- 

 en when moving chicks 

 from the incubator to 

 the brooder, as they may become chilled. They should 

 be moved in a cloth-lined and covered basket or box. 



. Hovers, brooders, and brooding systems. There is per- 

 haps a wider difference of opinion as to the value of various 

 brooding systems than any other part of poultry equipment. 

 We may thus infer that no system is ideal for all conditions, 

 but that satisfactory results depend to a great extent upon 

 individual handling and care. As previously mentioned, 

 many failures in brooding are due to weak chicks which can 



Figure 101. — An easily constructed A-shaped 

 brood coop that can be folded up and stored 

 when not in use. 



