Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 210, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 September 1913 — POULTRY [ARTICLE]

POULTRY

A HOME-MADE BROODER. Recommended for Its Cheapness and Simple Construction. Almost any broody hen can be made to set if carefully handled. She should not be carried by the legs with her head hanging down, but with her breast resting In the palm of the hand. Transfer should be made at night, and the. nest Into which she is put kept dqrk for twen-, ty-four hours. Lice Is ttygreat enemy to the sitting hen and measures should be taken to eradicate them once they make their appearance. When It is desired to place Incubator chicks to a brood" ben, two things are essential; first, the, hen should be ffee from lice, and second, care must be taken hot to disturb her. In the evening two or three chicks, at least thirty-six hours old, must be placed under her from behind, care being taken not to excite her, lest she step on them. At least one chick of each color should be given her, for hens are apt to bill chickens of another breed, color, or size than those they have already adopted. The following morning she may be expected to mother as many as are given her. Those who prefer the artificial method of raising chicks can make a brooder out of a packing case which will accommodate 50 chicks, at a cost of about a dollar. Such a brooder has given excellent results at the Connecticut station. The first week is the most critical period in the life of the chick. Trouble Is most likely to be caused by chills. The first few weeks’ care Is responsible to a great extent for its success or failure eight months \ later. Feed, regularity of reeding, cleanliness and plenty of grit and water are all Important matters. It is advisable to let the chicks have access to green feed at all times. In order that best results be attained the Connecticut station deems it advisable that outside of the regular feeding times care should be taken that chicks be kept hungry, or at sufficiently so to be eager to eat when fresh food is offered them.