78 CHICKS 



is not a fit mother as her poor conditon will soon affect the 

 chicks and their growth will not be what it should. 



If at any time chicks appear dumpish and do not seem to 

 have much appetite, you may be certain something is wrong, 

 and in the majority of cases it will be foxmd that they are 

 troubled with lice. As we have said, lice are the prime cause 

 of most of the ills of chickhood and it is only by constant 

 care and watchfulness that the chicks may be kept free of 

 them. 



Don't' for a moment think that because chicks are well 

 treated for lice when taken from the nest the one treatment 

 will do for the entire season; it possibly may, but the chances 

 are that others will be necessary. It is best to put them 

 through the dusting treatment at regular intervals 

 for the firgt six weeks of their lives; after that at longer 

 intervals. 



The Main Points to be Considered. 



If one were to condense a chapter on the care of chicks 

 raised by hens to a few sentences it might be well covered 

 by the following: Set eggs from healthy, well-mated stock; 

 use as sitters females that are quiet and gentle and in good 

 health; keep hen and chicks frqe from lice; provide a varied 

 and wholesome bill of fare; provide comfortable, healthful 

 quarters and keep them clean. That is about the whole 

 thing in a "nut shell," and it must not be supposed that 

 the raising .of chicks successfully is such a very difficult 

 undertaking, requiring elaborate paraphernalia, a big stock 

 of poultry remedies and much scientific knowledge. The 

 main point is to keep them healthy and keep them growing; 

 do this in the simplest way possible and your way will be 

 a good one. 



Coops must be constructed to meet the demands of com- 

 fort for all kinds of weather; the style of the coop is imma- 

 terial so long as it fills the bill and does the work. The 

 same is true regarding the feed; if any one has found by 

 experience a fine of feed that does the work satisfactorily 

 then stick to it. Any method of treating for lice that does 

 the work should be followed out each season. The aim 

 should be to work out, in each case, the most simple and 

 effective plan, for it must be effective to be successful. 



