Early Chickens

Early hatching is necessary to sucness in the poultry yard. Now, as warmVj is a requisite for rearing early chickens, provident poultry keepers have made provisions for securing the same. The hens are provided with dry houses, well sheltered from east winds, in which to set, and are punctually fed and watered. The chicks may be sa ved by farmers and ordinary poultry keepers who do not use incubators by the use of artificial brooders. These latter, unlike the incubators, may be employed by any one who exercises average conimon sense in their management. Thenewly hatched chicks are taken from the nest as soon as out of the shells and placed in the brooder, where they are kept untü the brood is all out. The hen and chicks are then placed in a warm glazed coop, and there kept until strong enough to look out for themselves. The principal conditions necessary to success in brood ers are plenty of fresh air and sufficient heat to prevent the chicks from crowding. Some brooders are warmed by tanks or pipes of hot water. The hot water may bo supplied by an ordinary stove "water back" or by a coil of pipe in a stove. A well sustained heat of about 80 degs. is essential for the first week, as a chili is fataL After that time the temperature may be lowered to about 70 degs. In severe weather it is necessary to keep the chickens within doors until about three weeks old. In ordinary weather they may be allowed a run fenced in with small mesh wire netting and connecting with a warm, dry and well protected coop. Chickens hatched out of season ought to be fed with great punctuahty. Corn should also be given to them very early in the morning and very late in the day.