The Washington herald., 1919-03-23
BY GEORGE T.. HOWARD.

In the first place, all chicks hatch
ed don't live.
II all chicks hatched did live, the
poultry business would be such a
success that IL wouldn't be worth
while.
However. there is every reason for
believing that with a reasonable
amount of care and attention, there
are more chicks living each year
than would be otherwise.
These facts count for the present
success and popularity OF poultry
raising as a profitable enterprise.
In the chick must be recognized
the promises of the profits that are
to come.
When the chick leaves the shell
the impression is created as to its
helplessness and its weakened con-
dition. In a few hours these i'm
pressions are soon dissipated. and
we note an active, promising young
ster that is more than half ready for
the battles of its chicken life.
Certain things are needed to pro-
mote its growth into a strong,
hardy. living fowl. and these things
are warmth, feed. dryness. ard exer-
else.
W I'm lfltSt HtNtsEdly NFSNhNAoAS
and a fairly strong constitution to
build upon, there is every promise
for its future.
Heat is life. The chick was
brought into the world by the
warmth OF its mothers body. and In
the regular order of things she Is
capable Of sustaining this warmth
until the chick is fully able to care
for itself.
Nature provides the way when ma
ture is not interfered with. but when
the natural is changed to the artificial
every means must be supplied to meet
the changed conditions.
The hen and chicks must be housed
in reasonable quarters which are dry,
comfortable and well protected from
the change of the weather.
1t is not the style or pattern of the
coop that counts for the most, so long
as the coop is sufficiently roomy for
accommodating the mother and brood
The coop must be absolutely free from
dampness, without drauGhts, and cas-
fly ventilated.
Have these things strongly in mind
when planning the coop. and the de-
sign Of coop may be anything you
may fancy.
The front of coop should have n door
for confning the hen and chicks as
well as for protection at night.
The chicks should be kept in coop
In early mornings until the dew is OF
the grass and after rains.
While young. avoid chilling the
chicks. as all sorts of troubles and
setbacks follow when once the chicks
become thoroughly chilled.
Too much freedom in the early days
OF a chicks life is against its devel-
opment. The hen and brood should
never be allowed to roam at will until
after the chicks are weaned and able
to Withstand the hardships incidental
to exposure.
The location OF coops should be caro-
fully thought out. with a view as to
dryness and cleanliness Of soil. Young
chicks should always be placed. when
ever possible. on new ground or grassy
soil.
Old soil polluted with filth and de-
caying food should under no circum-
stances be considered as starting
ground for baby chicks. The germs
are found in abundance in such soil,
and it is hardly possible to raise
chicks properly under such a handi-
cap
Gapes in chicks flourish and prosper
in soil that is damp and saturated
with the filth and other nuisances of
the poultry yard.
White diarrhea is another of the
terrors of the young chicks lifa
Dampness and chill has much to do
with this disease, others to the con-
trary Notwithstanding.
II snare ig Iiu7ltp5 it iS n srIapJIJ
idea to lime and renovate the ground
intended for the young chicks some
time before the chicks come. The
plot may be fenced off and sown In
wheat. oats or rye as A better pro-
lection against disease.
When the weather permits, remem-
her that grassy runs perfect freedom,
bright sunshine. with ample shade
for protection and rest. are the ideal
conditions for growing the young
chicks
Chicks cannot thrive outdoors in the
early. chilly weather; they must be
sheltered indoors.
The cOops must be kept perfectly
clean and free from vermin; a little
whttcwash will help wonderfully in
this matter.
Fresh litter for bedding and scratch
ing. literally sprinkIed with insect
powder, will also help the chicks
along. Just a drop of grease or head
lice ointment on the top of the chicks