44 CHICKS 



The time for hatching and rearing of chicks for winter 

 egg production varies according to the breeds used. The 

 heavier breeds should be hatched by May 1st at the latest, 

 and chicks of the Mediterranean class from ;\Iay 1st to June 

 1st. Stock so hatched will lay all Winter if properly raised, 

 matured, put into good winter quarters and given good care. 

 Late hatched chicks are hard to rear, as they do not mature 

 before cold weather sets in and then their growth is checked. 

 They never make good breeders, as they are bom weak and 

 bowel complaints commence early. Late in the season the 

 eggs are weak in fertility and therefore produce weaker 

 chickens. Late hatched chickens are troubled more by 

 lice and diseases and in consequence cost more to raise. 

 Operating the Brooder. 



Before putting &hickens into the brooder see that it is 

 thoroughly disinfected and cleaned. Warm the brooder and 

 see that it is at the proper temperature. . This temperature 

 should be 95 degrees when the chicks are introduced. Use 

 nothing but the best oil, as it causes less irregularity in the 

 flame and gives better all around satisfaction. The lamp 

 should be filled twice dailj'. Be sure to keep the burner 

 clean and bright; the wick tube should be kept free from 

 accumulation of crusts. 



Trim the wicks twice daily by means of a nail which 

 takes off the burnt material and makes a uniform surface. 



The temperature of the brooder should be 95 degrees 

 when the chickens are first put in and gradually reduced 

 to 90 degrees by the end of the first week; at the end of 

 three weeks 85 degrees is sufficient. The first week is the 

 most critical period of the life of the chicks. Trouble is 

 most likely to be caused by chills and overfeeding. In or- 

 der to have a good early pullet it is necessary that she get 

 a good start. The first few weeks care is responsible to a 

 great extent for her success or failure later on. 



Feed, regularity of feeding, cleanliness and plenty of 

 grit and pure water are all important factors in the rearing 

 of chickens. Chicks should be carefully protected from 

 storms and sudden changes of weather, since these, together 

 with low vitality of the parents, are responsible for more 

 deaths than is improper food. Keep the chicks near 



