CHAPTER XXIII 

 FEEDS FOR BABY CHICKS 



Baby chicks seem like such helpless, frail little creatures that 

 the first month of their life is likely to be a period of much con- 

 cern to their keeper, especially the beginner. A certain mystery 

 seems to attach itself to the undertaking, which forebodes dis- 

 tressing, troublesome times ahead, maybe serious losses, even 

 failure. We speak of it as the brooding period, and it is well 

 named. According to the dictionary, brooding means "to dwell 

 upon with anxiety." 



Rearing young stock is the most difficult operation, though 

 largely because it requires the closest attention to details. Other 

 than this it need hold no fears, even for the novice, because the 

 work is really quite simple, and almost certain of success, pro- 

 viding a few elemental facts are borne in mind. Moreover, there 

 is comfort in the fact that once a chick is weaned from the brood- 

 ing period, which lasts from four to six weeks, depending upon the 

 season and weather conditions, it is practically as hardy as a 

 mature fowl. 



In its fullest sense, brooding means to provide shelter, warmth 

 and comfort, a quiet retreat for the chicks, a resting place and a 

 place to sleep, under the most healthful conditions, such as sani- 

 tation and ventilation, which will promote rapid development 

 and a strong constitution. 



Hatch all the chicks you can during March, April and May and 

 the problems of brooding are greatly simplified, because condi- 

 tions at this time are naturally favorable. The weather is on 

 your side, also plant life, because it is fresh and appetizing. Then, 

 too, March, April and May hatched pullets will start laying in 

 the fall and furnish winter eggs, which is the goal of every poultry 

 raiser. 



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