226 USEFUL HINTS 



Sanitary conditions are absolutely necessary to retain 

 the health and vigor of the little ones. 



It is a good idea to keep the pullets separate from 

 the old hens, as the former can stand heavier feeding 

 without danger of overfattening them. The surplus 

 cockerels should also be excluded from the pullets if 

 good results are to be attained. 



Cleanliness in the runs is just as essential as in the 

 houses. Too often the yards are overlooked. If the 

 runs are bare of vegetation, they should be scraped 

 or raked often enough to prevent them from getting 

 filthy. Occasional spading is advisable. 



Rake the litter in the scratching sheds and houses 

 often, so as to keep it clean and sanitary. A little 

 disinfectant sprinkled amongst the straw will also 

 assist in keeping it sanitary. Of course, the litter 

 must be changed when it becomes too much soiled. 



Boiled rice, from which all the water has been 

 boiled out, is good for chicks; it regulates their 

 bowels and prevents diarrhoea. It should be fed once 

 or twice a week — not thrown on the ground, but fed 

 from a clean dish. 



Either build the nest for the setting hen on the 

 ground, or put some fresh earth in the bottom of 



