Don't Coddle Chickens.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 May 1914, Page 2

Don't Coddle Chickens.

The coddling of chickens by keeping them in outhouses when the weather is dry, or by making their sleeping quarters too comfortable, is a sure' \v"ay of inviting trouble. During rainy weather it is very nice to be able to keep the youngsters comfortable in a greenhouse or .similar place, but personally we should prefer a sheltered spot out of doors behind a wall or building, or perhaps an open shed, in very bad weather. The chickens would in this case become naturally hardy, whereas by rearing them indoors one risks exposing them to chills while hardening them off out of doors in any changeable weather which might come along. Moreover, those who use artificial brooders should make a point of gradually hardening the young birds off from the very first. A temperatare of 90 deg., though very well for a start, must not be main- I tamed continually. A gradual re- , duction should be made, 80 deg. being sufficient at the end of a fortnight, and the operator should, • after trimming, the lamp at night, go round an hour later and see how the temperature is, for the flame of the lamp will have increased considerably. In the daytime the temperature should be reduced 5 deg. after the first two days, and the chickens should be encouraged to stay in the outer run as much as possible. The advantage of a broody hen for those who are compelled to go to business and leave their poultry during the day lies in the fact that she will turn her chickens out for a run occasionally, whilst in a rearer the young birds are often tempted to remain in the warmth when they would be much better outside.