Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1915-06-01

In bringing the chick from the
hatch to maturity, the hind of feed
to be used depends much upon the
use to which the bird Ia going to be
put. IL the fowl is to be marketed
at an early age. rapid growth is es-
sential The milk feeding method
villa stimulate this rapid growth.
If the bird is to be used as layer
or breeder, on the other hand. there
should be q slow but steady growth.
This can best be obtained by feeding
q wheat and corn or kafir ration sup
beef scraps, clover, oyster shell, and
grit.
Many a poultrymAn makes the mis-
take OF feeding only fat producing
foods He expects the chick to pro
duce bone. sinew and feathers from
this one food. Perhaps the grain
that is most frequently used in this
way 10 corn. A certain amount OF
corn is essential in producing energy
and animal heat, but the mistake
pA0ubu kfOS sDO Vi lCVAAAc ~ Va
clusively and expecting the little chick
to develop bone and muscle.
Ash and mineral matter are essen
tial parts of the chicks rations II
you expect il to develop into large
strengthened bird. Some of this min
eral matter the chick gets from
clover, alfalfa and other green foods
but not enough. Mineral matter
therefore, Is supplied in the form Of
beef scrap and finely ground oyster
shell. The beef scrap should be fed
in small quantities, and the amount
increased as the chicks grow older
Poultry authorities do not agree as
to whether or not. the chick should be
made to scratch for his food. Some
advise shallow litter of light straw
or chaff, some a deep litter. while
some say to use no litter at all. One
thing Is certain. hewever-the chick
must have exercise.
When the chicks are kept cooped
up and cannot run on the ground
they soon form the habitnof standing
around, and then the poultryman' &
troubles begin. Artificial exercise
must be supplied. Some poultrymen
make the chick scratch for his food
others suspend vegetables at which
the chicks jump. When the chicks
can have access to an outdoor run
way they will, as ru8e, exercise suf
ficiently so that no artificial form OF
exercise need be supplied.
For the first week after Matching
feed composed of hard boiled eggs
ground shell and all. mixed with five
times as much rolled oats as eggs
will serve as a good feed. A little
finely ground chick grit and pulver
lied charcoal should be sprinkled
over the food. Plenty Of clean. fresh
water must be supplied at all times
Sour milk is good if it can be Sc
| cured. Finely cracked wheat and corn
should gradually be added after the
first dag or two. A shallow box con
tanning bran should be kept before
the chicks at all times. This should
be given to them on the first day sc
that they will form taste for 1t. A
little beef scrap and cornmeal car
gradually be added to the bran.
Constant care, wRtchfulness and
patience are qualities of the good
poultryman, and the person who ap
plies these TO the raising of young
chicks is bound TO succeed.
he particular to keep supply oi
pure water IL clean vessels for the
hens, and grit where they can get it
II a hen becomes broody when she
is not needed for Matching do not LEI
her sit single day. AS soon as she
begin to cluck shut her in 6 cage with
Slated bottom and set the cage on
supports where the air can circulate
under II. and the broody fever will be
cooled ia two or three days.
Keep the chicks growing. Do not