170 The Hen at Work 



moistened litter, will keep them busy between 

 times. 1 



Clean away the litter just beneath the edge 

 of the hover every two or three daysr to keep 

 it fresh. 



As the chickens grow, a yard must be provided 

 for them outside the brooder house. When first 

 letting them out, open the door at evening, so they 

 will not forget the way back into the house. 



The hover curtain is gradually raised as they 

 develop, and on warm days, after they are three 

 weeks old, the fire may be kept low, as a gentle 

 warmth over their backs is aU they require. 



Danger comes to the flock when they are five or 

 six weeks old, about the time when the hover fire 

 is put out, if cool evenings arrive. At such times 

 they will crowd into comers and smother two or 

 three in the jam. Curved pieces of chicken wire, 

 two feet high, nailed into the comers, will reduce 

 the fatalities ; but it is bad business to have them 

 crowding together so, even if death does not result. 

 The better plan is to light a small fire in the brooder 

 stove. This will get them about in a social circle, 

 and start them off safely for the short summer 

 night. 



