ARTIFICIAL BROODING 



251 



Where several groups of chicks are being brooded, it pay's 

 to have a cleaned and disinfected hover in reserve, which may 

 be used to replace one that needs special attention. 



The necessity for constant watching during the early 

 weeks is fortunately made possible by the frequent feeding, 

 which is an essential of good feeding practice for little chicks. 



It is considered good practice to get the chicks out onto the 

 ground just as soon as possible. This may be done as soon 

 as they have the hover sufl&ciently well located so that they 



A muslin windbreak tor little chicks. (Courtesy ot Kansas Experiment 



Station.) 



may be allowed some distance away from it with reasonable 

 BiSsurance that they will come back to it when they feel cool. 

 It will be sooner with some bunches than with others. 



This should be done even with early chicks in quite cool 

 weather. If it is inclined to be a bit brisk, the chicks may 

 be protected by a cloth-frame enclosure, as in Fig. 131. An 

 easy approach to the house or brooder should always be 

 provided. If it is at all steep it should be fitted with cleats 

 or have poultry netting tacked down for the chicks to hold 

 to with their toes, as shown in Fig. 132. 



