172 THE BEGINNER IN POULTRY 



the coop gives the birds a better foothold and sitting- 

 down place. A little trough may be introduced at feed- 

 ing time, when many birds occupy the "jail " at once. 

 No poultry raiser should be without this helpful appli- 

 ance. 



The cabinet for sprouting oats has become one of 

 the regularly offered supplies. Such a cabinet may be 

 made by any worker who has more time than money, 

 and who needs to furnish extra supplies of green stuff. 

 This means virtually all town poultry keepers, and many 

 farmers during the winter season. Those who have 

 apples, cabbage, clover chaff, etc., can get along without 

 sprouted oats ; but the oats form a fine addition to any 

 winter ration, and to all rations for fowls in confinement. 

 The cabinet consists essentially of a four-square upright 

 frame, made with cleats to carry a set of four-inch-deep 

 drawers, in which the oats are spread after soaking. 

 In winter, some place a lamp in a boxed compartment 

 below the drawers for added warmth. 



When we get outside the house into free air where 

 the chicks are to be raised, we find several things which 

 can be made at home with a saving of money, if time be 

 available. The netting weaning coop is one of the most 

 desirable aids to raising good birds, as more chicks are 

 spoiled during the weeks after weaning than at any other 

 time. When left alone to take care of themselves (as 

 they think) they are timid, especially at night. Not 

 one in the bunch is willing to be exposed to danger on 

 the outside, near the front ; hence, they crowd and 

 trample for the back corners, and smother on hot nights. 

 The coops soon get too small, and this is too apt not to 

 be noticed. The birds grow too large for the openings 



