Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 66, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 March 1918 — FOR THE POULTRY GROWER [ARTICLE]

FOR THE POULTRY GROWER

That the importance of the brooder In rearing large numbers of incubator chicks cannot be overestimated, is the opinion of N. L. Harris, superintendent of the Kansas State Agricultural collegepOUltry farm. “Some artificial means of brooding chicks must be provided when incubator chicks hatch in cool or cold weather,” said Mr. Harris. “Where a small flock of birds is to be raised it is not profitable to use either the incubator brooder, but where large numbers of chickens are handled the brooder becomes a matter of convenience.

“Keeping chicks in large flocks minimizes the labor and reduces the cost of houses and yards. Where hens are used for brooders in cold weather only a few chicks can be given to each hen. This requires a large number of coops and the attendant is compelled to give each group nearly as much attention as would be required for one large flock cared for by the brooder.” A large percentage of the hen brooded chicks suffer from the effects of head lice, Mr. Harris pointed out. These not only are bothersome to the newly hatched chick, but continue to be a source of trouble through the entire season.

Where hens are not available and only a few chicks are to be raised it is possible to construct a homemade brooder. These usually require considerably more attention than those on the market but will give fairly good results. The most common method of heating these homemade brooders is by means of a jug of hot water. A box which contains sufficient room for from 50 to 100 chicks and which is tight on all sides excepting the front, is the first requirement. Some method of ventilation should be provided on the top of the box. A two gallon jug of hot water furnishes the heating plant. The jug should be wrapped In burlap to protect the chicks and aid in retaining the heat. This brooder will keep a limited number of chicks perfectly comfortable.