POULTRY LABORATORY GUIDE 61 



hedge, or wall, facing it to the south or east and 

 where the chicks can find abundant shade if they 

 desire. Cover the floor about two inches deep 

 with nesting material cut fine. 



If the shelter in which the chicks were hatched 

 is in good condition, it will be best to let the hen 

 brood them in the same nest. Twenty-four to 

 thirty-six hours after hatching carefully remove 

 the chicks for a few minutes while the old nesting 

 material is cleaned out, the nest disinfected with 

 a carbohc spray, and new nesting material re- 

 placed. 



As the chicks are placed under the hen, mark 

 them with a punch well into the web, taking care 

 not to injure the bones of the foot. The marks 

 are to designate different matings. Replace 

 only the strong, healthy chicks, remove and kill 

 any weak ones, allowing twelve to fourteen 

 chicks to a large hen and nine to a small one. 



Keep the hen and chicks close to the coop for 

 the first few days until they get strong and know 

 their home.. If cats, hawks, and other enemies 

 are troublesome, it will be necessary to provide 

 covered runs until the chicks are four weeks old. 



Dust the hen and nest often with hce powder, 

 and watch the chicks for head and body hce; 

 should head Hce appear, rub lard on the head, 

 which will cause them to leave. 



