172 The Hen at Work 



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out all birds but the best will prove most profitable 

 in the end of the season. 



Moving to the Roost. — There is a general opin- 

 ion that it is unwise to hasten chickens on to the 

 roost, as this tends to develop crooked breasts, 

 though there is probably no good foundation for 

 such advice. Where we have a good brooder 

 house, there is no trouble on this point, for they 

 are well off and content there/ till at least three or 

 four months old. At that time low roosts may be 

 installed for their use until ready to move into 

 the lajdng house. 



Small Flocks and Small Hovers. — Many would 

 like to raise day-old chicks in small flocks, and wish 

 to save every cent possible on the outfit. For 

 such there are the small hovers of the same style 

 which brood from fifty to seventy-five chicks 

 with perfect success, if given a proper location. 

 These have the same sheet-iron drum, with the 

 warm zone around the rim, and use oil instead of 

 coal. 



In using these small brooders, be sure, abso- 

 lutely sure, that they are located where they can 

 maintain ninety-five degrees of heat. They prob- 

 ably can not do this in outbuildings during April and 



