The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-22

Inc.)
 Under proper conditions hens will rear very large percentage of their young Losses of chicks during the time they re- ouire the care of the hens are usually due to preventable causes.
 Professor Stoneburn points out below the essentials of proper management of ; the hens and their broods, not only what to do. but-equally important-what dan gers to guard against.
 Ky FREDERICK H. STONEBuRN
 Chicks matched and reared by hen pow CT are, in the opiinon of many experienced poultry growers, possessed of greater vi- tality and physical vigor than those pro- duced by artificial methods. That this opinion Is well founded has not been fin- ally demonstrated. However, 1t is true that naturally reared chicks are usually good ones, and 1t is always good policy to raise a few of them each season. When operating in a small way one may we'll use this system exclusively, especially If no fall or winter chicks are required.
 Hens have been rearing their broods for untold ages, much longer than man has been building breeders. They instinctive- ly give their babies the best of care and when the attendant does his share the re- suits will usually be entirely satisfactory.
 On the majority of large farms the ar tiicial brooder is mainly relied upon, but there are many tablishments of eonsid- erable size where hen-brooding is followed exclusively. The detail work of caring for several hundred hens and their fam files Is tremendous. but when a system of management Is carefully worked out and all necessities provided, the task Is great ly simplifed. Right here the attendant has an opportunity to make use of his knowledge and experience and-to use an old expression-"make his head save his heels He can anticipate trouble and avoid 1t. He can provide comfort and pro- tection and so prevent the losses which Invariably accompany careless manage ment
 Four Important Factors
 To be successful in raising chicks by the natural method several facts demand consideration The chicks themselves must be of good quality; they must be kept comfortable; they must be protected, they must be properly fed.
 Regarding the first consideration little need be said in addition to what has al- ready appeared in previous articles in this series. Weddings are not only valueless, but they are an actual source of loss. Even if they survive until they reach ma turity they are the first to contract any disease which may appear, are usually poor layers, and if by any chance they are permitted to get into the breeding flock, they merely produce more weak lings to cause endless trouble. It is al- ways the part of wisdom to promptly kill all inferior chicks at matching time, and take a small loss then rather than a larger one later.
 It pays to provide comfortable condi- tions for the growing youngsters. Under this head we may group several important things. First Is the matter of guarding against unfavorable conditions of the weather. The GOODS must be waterproof and large enough to give the broods a reasonable amount of space when storms prevent them from running outside. It is noticeable that on farms where many hundreds of chickens are reared each year by hens, the coops are usually roomy, three or four feet square and are well built in order to keep the interior snug and dry, regardless of rain or wind. Such structures usually have provision for admitting ample light and air, both of which are essential to the well being of their occupants.
 Frequently we observe poultrymen adoptng policy of false economy, build- ing tiny GOODS which are just large enough to shelter the hen and her chicks at night. These may do nicely during fine weather, but when the little ones are compelled to remain under cover during rainy periods they are crowded and un- comfortable, cannot take the exercise they need, and the results are apparent in stunted growth and general unthriftiness. A few chicks of this kind will go far to- ward runing a promising brood.
 Provide Shade
 The youngsters require shade also. A sun-burned yard without sheltering trees bushes or other protection is far from being an ideal place for adult stock and much less so for the young The latter are tender and their coats of down or tiny feathers afford but slight protection against the direct rays of the sun. They must therefore, be given access to some shady spot to which they can retire at in- tervals. The coop will not serve this pur- pose, as free movement of air is de- handed
 Trees, shrubs or growing corn furnish suitable shade. If these are not avail able artificial shelter may easily be pro- vfded. Elevated frames, covered with sheeting, burlap bags or roofing paper are commonly used for this purpose.
 Give the chicks plenty of room in the yard or on the range. Overcrowding is a fertile cause of trouble. This must not be construed to mean that it is no possi- ble to grow good chicks in limited space because it is, a fact which is being dem- onstrated on unnumbered city and village lots. But the intensive system of poultry raising, the plan which must of necessity be adopted by town dwell lers, demands more work and closer at- enton to detail on the part of the attend ant. A very few chicks can, without trouble, be reared on small lot each season. but when the number is increased