The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-31

 from hens and breeders to the colony coops. But those who then relax their attention. who fail to give the young sters untiring care during the entire growing period, may fall short of se- curing the satisfactory results which they anticipate.
 The details of chick care from brooder to laying or market maturing are pre- scented by Professor Stoneburn in his sub joined contribution.
 By PROF. F. H. STONEBURN
 Several distinct factors regulate the date upon which brood of chicks may safely leave the brooder the care of the motherly hen and enter upon the more independent life of the colony coop and range. The prevailing weather conditions, the season of the year. the size and vigor of the chicks, the abundance of their coat of feathers, all have bearing upon the matter. and all should be considered. It is waste of labor and fuel to hold the chicks in the breeders longer than neces- sary. On the other hand, much loss may be caused by transferring them too early.
 One will do we'll to let the youngsters indicate when they are ready. When they forsake the warmth of the hover and spend the night outside the hover cur tains. they. may safely be shifted. Oc- casionally it may be advisable to leave the weaker individuals in the breeders for d short time. but ordinarily the whole brood may be moved together.
 Colony Breeders Convenient
 Oi farms where the colony system of breeding is practiced. portable breeders being placed in colony houses, the ma chine-not the chicks-is removed This main in their accustomed quarters, and do not require "breaking in'' to new homes. Youngsters raised by hen power may also be permitted to make their headquarters in the small coops after the hen has been replaced in the laying flock, provided these small structures are suffi- cient1y roomy. Even if it is necessary to place these in a different location, the chicks seem to recognize their old home and accept the transfer without causing trouble.
 Those who use the pipe system of breeding or the ordinary outdoor type of breeders, must of necessity provide colony houses, to which the youngsters must go when sufficiently developed.
 The exact shape and sizes of these houses matters little. provided they are large enough to comfortably accommo- date the number of birds placed in them, are well ventilated and afford protection from sun and storm and such prowling enemies as may visit them. The poultry man who values his time will also see to it that all such structures are so planned as to make easy the work of cleaning them.
 While earth floors are desirable for many reasons, board floors are usually preferred for coops which are frequently moved from place to place. This latter afford protection against dampness and those enemies which dig their way under the walls. Further, they save the labor of trenching and filling which is so neces- sary where dirt floors are used.
 Wherever possible, the growing stock should be given a liberal range. It must be admitted that good chicks may be successfully grown in small runs, but this entails much additional labor, more at- tention to detail, greater care in keeping everything in sanitary condition. If an unrestricted range is available, and the chicks may be permitted to care for them selves, the problem is greatly simplified. It is almost universally conceded that other things being equal-stock grown on free range is much superior to that pro- duced under intensive conditions.
 Of course, the above refers only to the
  Youngsters designed for market at broil- CT age may better be kept in small runs, where they may be properly fattened and prevented from taking unlimited exercise, which develops hard muscle.
 The ideal range includes grass and or chard or woodland. tract of growing corn is also most desirable, since it af- lords protection from sun and hawks and fEsures plenty of loose earth, in which the birds delight to scratch and wallow. 1T small stream runs through the range, so much the better This will furnish a constant supply of the essential fresh water, and will also be a great source of comfort to the stock during the hot, dry weather of midsummer.
 Broods of Fifty Chicks
 The ideal number of chicks to place n. one colony is about 50 This unit is small enough to give each individual fair chance to reach full development and large enough to economize labor. In many cases 100 chicks are housed together when taken from the breeders and the number reduced later by sending the cockerels and cull bullets to market. This procedure usually cuts the flock down to 50 or less This plan works out well if the surplus stocks is removed early. But it not in- frequently happens that through pressure of other work or neglect the culling Is not done promptly and small coops become overcrowded, to the great injury of their tenants. It must not be forgotten that l though the chicks grow rapidly the coops do not, and that a shelter which com- | fortably accommodates hundred chicks | at weaning age will not do so after the | latter have made considerable additional | development.
 When removing the chicks from the | breeders, handle them carefully in order | to avoid undue excitement. Take ad- | vantage of this opportunity to attend | to several important matters. Inspect | toe markings and fix any which are be- coming obscured. Dust each chick thor oughly with some good powdered lice | killer. Sort the stock carefully so that | if possible each flock will consist of in- | dividuals of the same sex and size. | Carefully mark all which seem lacking | in strength and vigor so they may be | marketed when sufficiently grown and | not find their way into the breeding pens.
 Danger From Crowding
 When the youngsters are first placed In strange quarters they frequently crowd together. pile up in the corners, and many | - = -