P.G. PLATT, Sec. Delaware Co. Poultry Assn., Wallingford, Pa._"
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At six to eight weeks of age, or as soon as the youngsters can
comfortably eat coarser grains, the fine scratch feed may be replaced by
a coarser mixture. Equal parts, by weight, of cracked corn and wheat,
form the basis of this, with barley, heavy oats, kafir corn and
buckwheat added for variety if available at reasonable prices. When the
flock is weaned and well feathered, the regular laying mash may be
substituted for the growing mash, though the latter may well be
continued for a much longer period.

Above all things, see to it that nothing but feed of superior quality is
supplied. Moldy, chaffy, grains and weed seeds may be _cheaper to buy_
than sweet, sound materials, but the latter are _cheaper to feed_.

Begin giving green food when the chicks are three or four days old,
cutting it up finely so they can eat it. And continue to feed greens
liberally at all times. It's good for the health and cuts feed bills,
too.

~Care of the Growing Chicks~

As the chicks grow, provide larger quarters if the original coops are at
all crowded. And teach the youngsters to roost early, especially where
brooders are used, so they will not "pile up" in corners when the heat
is removed. When the brood is five to six weeks of age place low roosts,
lath tacked on six to eight-inch boards, in the coops. The sturdier
individuals will soon learn to use them and educate the rest of the
flock.

Pay special attention to the water supply. Have clean water available
at all times. And do not leave the water dishes in the sun, which will
quickly make the water so warm that it is unfit to drink.

Give the growing pullets as much space, indoors and out, as you possibly
can. Feed them liberally. Keep them clean and comfortable. In every way
help them gain the health, strength and vigor which they must have in
order to do full duty in the laying and breeding pens.

Finally, cull your flock without mercy, beginning at hatching time and
continuing to the end. If any baby chicks are crippled or weak, dispose
of them at once. As the flock grows, mark--by toe punching or
otherwise--all individuals which show evidence of being lacking in
vigor, which are stunted or do not make rapid growth, which fail to
feather properly, which are ever noticeably sick. Then rush them to
market as soon as they reach the pro