ARTIFICIAL BROODING 



245 



was 10 per cent. The fourth brooder had an initial hover 

 temperature of 90°, which was gradually reduced to 74° 

 at the end of the period. The average temperature was 85° 

 and the mortality was 24 per cent. 



As the result of this experiment, Lewis suggests 100° 'as a 

 suitable temperature for the first week, 96° for the second, 

 92° for the third, and 88° for the fourth, where the chicks 

 are Leghorns. 



A continuous brooding system. (Courtesy of Kansas Experiment Station.) 



It is unsafe to lay down absolute rules for all breeds and 

 conditions. First and always the chicks must be comfortable. 

 In quite cold weather it is likely to take a higher temperature 

 to accomplish this than in more moderate weather. Less heat 

 is required for snappy, vigorous stock than for birds of less 

 vitality. The temperature should in all cases be reduced as 

 rapidly, as the chicks grow older, as is compatible with their 

 comfort, and artificial heat taken away altogether as soon 

 as they are well feathered out. 



