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Show SMALLER UNITS IMPROVE CHICKS A Poultry News j A series of experuntoU -Conduct ed throughout the nation have brought the conclusion that mor-tality mor-tality and slow growth of chicks frequently result from conditions not associated with disease and parasites. Best results ars usually obtained when the chicks ars brooded in units of less than 800, tha authorities authori-ties concluded. When larger units are used, mortality may not be greater, but an uneven growth may result. A house 10 feet by 12 feet is recommended for the flocks of 300 chicks or leas. Reasonable teats should be taken of the brooder equipment before the chicks are put under the hover, to determine its capability of maintaining main-taining proper temperatures during dur-ing the 12 hours of each day. As a rule, temperatures of the brooder should be started at 3 degrees, and dropped about five degrees each week until the chicks are well feathered, at which time the temperature tem-perature should be held at about 70 degrees. Maintaining an unvarying un-varying heat during the night is especially Important. Such management man-agement will prevent crowding in cornera. Authorities believe the chicks should be taught to run -In -the open as soon aa practicable in order or-der that cannibalistic habits may be avoided. Such habits are usually acquired during the first 10 weeks of brooding, frequently causing serious losses if carried into the laying pens. Three days of ths brooding period should be spent in teaching the chicks where the heat Is by constructing a wire fence about the hover three feet from the cover. The chicks then will need to be taught to use greater space. When they are about seven days old, steps should be taken to accustom them to passing through doors. Construction Con-struction of a small chick yard inside in-side the brooder house, with a chick door into the brooder, will provide means of accomplishing the purpose. After the tenth day of brooding, the chicks need free range. Sexes should be separated as soon as they can be determined. Leghorns Leg-horns can usually be identified at four weeks of age. Low roasts must be provided for all chicks as soon aa possible. Chicks that are taught to roost early make the best pullets. |