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

 are thus injured or killed. This may be overcome by using a "cold hover" so arranged that crowding is prevented. Make a table. say three to four feet square with legs six to eight inches high. Tack a sashed curtain to the edge clear around. reaching nearly to the floor. Set this in the center of the floor. The chicks will naturally run under this shelter which to a certain extent. replaces the warm hover to which they have been ac- customed. The animal heat retained by the curtains will prevent chilling, and if they begin to crowd there is no chance of any being caught in corners and crushed. This hover may soon be dispensed with entirely
 It is good plan to confine the flock in the house for day or so until the latter is recognized as home. Or, better provide a small temporary yard in which the chicks may be confined for a few days until entirely accustomed to their sur roundings. This will go far toward pre- venting them from wandering when given full liberty, something which is to be avoided if possible.
 The period between leaving the brood CTS and entering the laying pens Is one of rapid growth for the chicks. During this time their management is simple, but certain duties must be attended to regularly.
 They must have an abundance of food of the right character. A combination ration containing whole and cracked grains, ground grains and byproducts, animal food and green food gives best results. The manner of feeding is com paratively unimportant, but the quantity is. Bear in mind the fact that rapid. steady development is required and that this can only be secured by liberal feed ing. It is mistaken economy to save on grain bills now; insufficient nourishment during the growing age invariably results in stunted growth and unprofitable ma turity.
 When healthy. growing chicks are on free range 1t Is practically impossible to overfeed them on a well -ba lanced ration The constant exercise insures rapid di- gestion and no trouble need be anticipated from this source Under these conditions the writer prefers to keep food constantly before the birds-dry mash in open hop pers and scratch grain in automatic feed CTS. This simplifies the feeding problem, since it is only necessary to refill the various receptacles at intervals of several days There is always a supply of food 10 wnicn the youngsters can help them serves at will, no rushing and crowding as when meals are given at stated inter- vais' no danger of the weak being crowd ca away from the feed troughs by the strong. Y
 A constant supply of water is also of prime importance. At no time permit the water dishes to become empty or their contents warm or filthy. The common practice of setting open pans of water on the ground is a bad one. The chicks will loui the water with droppings and dirt scratcned in, and the sun will speedily make It too warm to drink. Use foun- tains of large capacity and place thesa m the shade of brush or under other shelter. o'"er
 Green Feed Needed
 IT Ine range is large. the chicks will usually lind plenty of green stuff, When tne available supply is limited, this ma tenal must be furnished from other sources. IL IS an excellent practice to sow sIain at frequent intervals in places near the coops. and let the chicks heIn thenos selves as the green shoots push their way above the ground way
 The Tree use of animal food always proves profitable. Sweet beef scrap is the standard, since 1t can be obtained almost anywhere. Skim milk has Wonderfully fish," and this should be used Wherever possible. The value of sour milk in the ration has been referred to so freouertIv in this series of articles that further argument is unnecessary
 Cleanliness, perfect sanitation, are es- ScHtidi to suCCoS5. r1ltn ana Vernfn together, and these are a fertile source of trouble and loss Keep the coops clean. Spray thief regularly with tome powerful disinfectant Let in the sun and air Wash the feeding troughs and water founts frequently, scalding them if pos- sible. scrape the droppings from tho ground about feed hoppers so that none will be picked up with the food. Burn all dead chicks. Tn short do mt invite trouble; avoid 1t if possible
 The Roostlng Age
 An the youngstefs reach the age where they naturally begin to roost instead of 1 squat on the floor. provide roost poles. | Frequently 1t Is difficult to teach the flock to use them. in which case a little | strategy muet he employed. Place the roosts on supporters only a few inche1 I from the floor. and they will usually pe I occupied very soon. After . time the