Raising Chickens with Hens 155 



and exposes only a little water, keeping it fresh 

 and clean for a long time. 



When the mother finally decides to lead the 

 brood away from the nest, take the nest and 

 unhatched eggs away, as it will be better for her to 

 cover her chicks in a comer of the coop on fresh 

 sand, ashes, or dirt. Insect life grows in the hatch- 

 ing nest, and the quicker we can get it out of the 

 way the better. 



The First Meal. — The first feed for the chicks 

 after they have had their grit is an important 

 matter. Among various feeds, one has found 

 favor with so many experts, has given satisfaction 

 over so wide a field, to such a vast ntimber of 

 chicks, as well as their owners, is right at hand in so 

 many localities, and requires so little care to keep 

 ready for the infant fowl, that it is recommended 

 first, and before aU others. This food is rolled oats. 



In the literaturie of poultrydom we find many 

 receipts for preparing the first meal for baby chicks, 

 and many of these doubtless prove satisfactory. 

 Rolled oats, however, is the best diet for the small 

 flock, for several reasons: 



Rolled oats do not vary. " Chick feed, " as it is 

 known in the trade, may be one thing in Oregon, 



