Chapter 8

Months Amount Per Day Per Pounds For Each 100 Birds Feeding A.M. P.M. November 12 lbs. 4 lbs. 8 lbs. December 12 " 4 " 8 " January 12 " 4 " 8 " February 12 " 4 " 8 " March 12 " 4 " 8 " April 12 " 4 " 8 " May 10 " 4 " 6 " June 10 " 4 " 6 " July 8 " 3 " 5 " August 6 " 2 " 4 " September 5 " 2 " 3 " October 5 " 2 " 3 "

Study this question of mash and grain consumption, for if your birds are not getting enough protein mash, they cannot lay eggs in larger numbers.

* * * * *

~Hatching the Chicks~

For layers or broilers, hatch chicks early. For late markets and home use, you may bring off hatches at intervals throughout the entire summer.

The incubator and brooder are big helps where many chicks are hatched. Pratts Poultry Service Department will gladly advise you regarding makes of such machines which are giving general satisfaction.

Just a word of caution. Operate incubators and brooders in accordance with the directions furnished by the maker. Go slow in making changes.

Sitting hens are very satisfactory if properly handled. Use only quiet, motherly sitters and place them where they will not be troubled by the rest of the flock. Feed whole grain and a little green food and supply plenty of water.

Dust the sitting hens occasionally with Pratts Powdered Lice Killer so they won't hatch a brood of lice with the chicks. And paint the nest boxes with Pratts Red Mite Special to keep the blood-thirsty mites away.

~Growing the Chicks~

Little chicks must be attended to no matter what else is done, because lack of intelligent care in early life will be reflected in poor performance when the chicks reach maturity. One can seldom, if ever, offset the mistakes of brooding time by the best of attention later on.

Protect your chicks against the weather, against their various enemies, against diseases, against lice and mites. Keep them comfortable and happy. Start them right, keep them growing steadily until they attain their full size.

Protection against unfavorable weather conditions--rain, cold winds, blazing sun--is secured by providing well-built coops and natural or artificial shade. Coops should be weather-proof, but well ventilated, and so located that surface water from sudden showers cannot flood their floors. They should also be sufficiently roomy to keep the flock happy during long hours of confinement in periods of stormy weather.

Chick enemies include those that do their work in the coops, usually at night, as rats, weasels and skunks, and those that prey upon the flock when it is at liberty, as cats, dogs, crows and hawks.

Protection against the former is found in proper construction of the coops, which should have tight floors and fine wire netting over openings left open at night. A good dog will discourage these night prowlers and steel traps placed at strategic points will often put a quick end to their activities.

Protection against ordinary diseases lies in keeping the little birds strong and vigorous through proper feeding, exercise, etc., and by close attention to sanitation. Keep the quarters and food and water dishes _clean_. Use Pratts Poultry Disinfectant at frequent intervals.

Aim to _prevent_ rather than _cure_ disease. Should there be any evidence of bowel trouble, give Pratts White Diarrhoea Remedy in the drinking water. Don't let the condition become chronic or general. In "sour weather," when colds may be expected to appear, use Pratts Roup Remedy in the drinking water.

Lice and mites work practically unseen, but they are the source of heavy loss, both directly and indirectly. In extreme cases they actually kill many chicks.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | "~BABY FOOD FOR BABY CHICKS~" | | | |~Pratts~ Buttermilk Baby Chick Food raises every good chick. It won't | |prevent losses from accidents, but it does prevent death from digestive| |troubles and the more common chick disorders which are so often due to | |improper feeding. | | | |The original Baby Chick Food--PRATTS--contains all the food elements | |required to build muscle, bone and feather, to nourish the whole body, | |to give that strong start in life which assures rapid growth, even | |development and profitable maturity. | | | |Feed the original Pratts for the first three weeks--the critical | |period--at least; it may profitably be used much longer. Refuse | |substitutes and imitations. These may be slightly less in _first cost_,| |but in _results_, as measured by _number_ and _quality_ of chicks | |_reared_, Pratts Buttermilk Baby Chick Food is | | | | ~The Cheapest Food on Earth~ | | | | "~YOUR MONEY BACK IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED~" | | | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

~POULTRY~

Early in life, when two to four days old, all chicks should be treated with Pratts Head Lice Ointment. Rub a little of the mild preparation on top of the head, under the throat and beneath the wings. At the same time dust with Pratts Powdered Lice Killer. Treat the mother hens most thoroughly, substituting Pratts Lice Salve for the ointment. When the youngsters are ten days old, treat them again, this time using the salve. And repeat the treatment at reasonably frequent intervals to insure complete freedom from the trouble makers.

The deadly blood-sucking mites do not live on the bodies of the birds, but make their homes in cracks and crevices of walls and floors of the coops. Attack them there. Clean coops carefully, then spray or wash walls and floors with Pratts Red Mite Special. Repeat as necessary. That will fix 'em. But you had best do the work on a bright, sunny day when the flock can be kept outside until the coop dries.

~Feeding the Chicks~

Do not feed chicks for forty-eight hours after hatching. In fact, you may safely wait until they are seventy-two hours old before giving them their first meal. Nature has provided for nourishment during this period and it is best not to upset things.

If possible, start the youngsters off on their life's journey with a drink of _sour milk_. Let them have sour milk to drink exclusively for the first ten days at least, and give it to them all through life, if this excellent food drink is available.

The principal feed for the first three weeks and profitably for a much longer time should be Pratts Buttermilk Baby Chick Food, a real "baby food for baby chicks," a mixture which is properly balanced in composition and in the right mechanical condition to insure quick digestion. As chicks eat so little during this period, as measured by pounds, one is fully justified in paying a relatively high price per pound for this special feed which will give them a strong, vigorous start and put their digestive organs in proper condition to efficiently use less expensive foods when food consumption becomes heavy.

The ideal baby chick food, Pratts, is made of a variety of foodstuffs so blended as to supply, in proper proportion, the nutrients required to build flesh, bone and feather. It is ground exceedingly fine so it may be consumed freely and yet not tax the digestive organs. Obviously such a feed cannot satisfactorily be prepared at home, which explains the rapidly growing demand which has arisen for Pratts Buttermilk Baby Chick Food during recent years.

For the first day or two, feed Pratts Buttermilk Baby Chick Food exclusively at intervals of two to three hours. At first, spread it upon a shingle or piece of board. Later place it in little troughs or shallow dishes. Let the chicks eat a reasonable amount, what they will take in twenty to thirty minutes, then remove it. Supply a bit of fine, bright grit during this time.

_Rohrerstown, Pa.

I have used the Baby Chick Food this season and have had excellent results. I find it to meet all requirements. It makes rapid growth and at the same time maintains vigor.

L.B. SPRECHER, Director, Penna. State Poultry Association._ -----------------------------------------------------------------

The second or third day after feeding has begun, cut out a meal or two of the baby chick food and instead sprinkle a little regulation chick feed (scratch feed) in the litter. There are many good brands of such feed on the market. If preferred, one may be made as follows:

~Scratch Feed for Chicks~

Cracked Wheat 15 lbs. Fine Cracked Corn 15 lbs. Pinhead Oats 10 lbs. Broken Rice 3 lbs. Charcoal 2 lbs.

At the beginning of the second week the scratch feed may be given three times daily, just the quantity they will clean up and hunt for more, and the baby chick food left in open hoppers or dishes to which the chicks may run at will. By this time, too, grit may safely be left in open hoppers before the flock. And if milk is not given freely it is well to supply some additional animal food each day. Fine fish scrap or beef scrap--always of high quality--may be fed sparingly in troughs or on pieces of board. Do not feed too much of this material. If bowel trouble develops, reduce the quantity of animal food. The amount given may be increased progressively as the youngsters gain in size.

While Pratts Baby Chick Food need not be fed longer than the first three weeks, it is good practice to continue its use for two to three weeks longer. But at any time after the critical twenty-one day period one may safely begin to substitute a somewhat coarser and heavier developing or growing mash for the baby chick food. We advise the use of Pratts Buttermilk Growing Mash. Here is a good home-made mixture:

~Growing or Developing Mash~

Cornmeal 10 lbs. Wheat Bran 20 lbs. Feeding Flour 10 lbs. Fine Ground Oats, Sifted 10 lbs. Fine Fish or Beef Scrap 10 lbs.

_"The regular use of Pratts Poultry Regulator in the ration for growing chicks prevents deaths from common disease, increases the appetite and hastens growth. This means less loss, earlier laying or market maturity, bigger profits.

P.G. PLATT, Sec. Delaware Co. Poultry Assn., Wallingford, Pa._" -----------------------------------------------------------------

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 proper weight. Thus you will save for your own use only those which are physically right, which have the health and stamina that will enable them to stand up under the strain of continuous egg-production. And such a flock, after it has undergone the further culling of a year in the laying pen, will give you breeding birds capable of producing worthwhile chicks.

~Poultry Diseases~

Prevention of disease is most essential. And the first step consists of carefully selecting the birds which will he given a place in the flock, retaining only those which are healthy and vigorous, and rejecting the weaklings and physically unfit. The next step is to keep the birds in a high state of vitality through proper management and keep contagious and infectious diseases away by adopting the necessary sanitary measures.

Fresh air, wholesome food and clean water are essential. Equally necessary is the use of Pratts Poultry Regulator, which keeps the birds in perfect condition internally and so prevents such self-developed disorders as indigestion, constipation, and the like.

Most of the serious diseases which take heavy toll of carelessly managed flocks are due to germs of various kinds. These may be introduced in many different ways, and when present in the flock they multiply and spread with great rapidity. Cleanliness and sanitation will largely overcome them, and as each fowl is worth so much money under present conditions, it is really economical to prevent loss even at the expense of some time and of germ-killing preparations.

Pratts Poultry Disinfectant costs but a trifle. A gallon, diluted with water, makes fifty gallons of a powerful disinfectant, one that is highly efficient, but both safe and pleasant to use. Spray the house and furnishings and wash feed and water containers at frequent intervals with this economical germ-killer. Results will surely be seen in healthier, more productive birds, less trouble and less loss from disease.

_Staunton, Va.

I would not have tried to raise expensive poultry without Pratts products in my house. While I was a boy at home we always had a supply of Pratts on hand.

I find that my success is due to the use of the Pratts products kept constantly on the shelf.

H.L. CAMPBELL._ -----------------------------------------------------------------

In this condensed book we can discuss only the more general disorders. The subject is covered thoroughly in Chapter IX, The Poultryman's Complete Handbook, including directions for equipping a hospital, administering medicine, symptom and treatment chart, diagrams of the fowl's digestive system and skeleton, control of poultry vices, etc. Send a dime, in silver or stamps, for a copy, to Pratt Food Co., Philadelphia.

If necessary, do not hesitate to consult the poultry experts connected with Pratts Poultry Service Dept. They will give you personal help without charge. In writing, give all symptoms and necessary facts. Address such letters to our Philadelphia office.

It is important that diseases of all kinds be recognized as early as possible, and equally so that immediate treatment be given.

Watch your birds! If any show signs of being out of condition, examine them carefully to determine the trouble. Then give them the care which is demanded in each case. Quick treatment will often effect a speedy cure of a valuable bird that might be lost if the disease became firmly established.

Pratts Poultry Remedies include dependable preparations for most common poultry diseases. They are guaranteed to give satisfaction and are inexpensive. Keep a supply on hand. Use promptly as occasion demands. The saving of a single good laying or breeding fowl by instant treatment will more than pay the cost of a well-stocked poultry medicine shelf.

~POULTRY LICE AND MITES~

~Body Lice~--There are many different kinds of these parasites and all are serious trouble makers. They cause endless annoyance, check growth and egg production. Lice-free fowls are healthier and more comfortable, therefore more productive and profitable.

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | ~GUARANTEED POULTRY REMEDIES~ | | | |~Pratts~ line of Guaranteed Poultry Remedies is the result of fifty | |years of experience. Each preparation is positively the best of its | |kind. Keep a supply on hand for instant use. | | | |~PRATTS ROUP REMEDY (Tablets or Powder)~ | | | |A sure preventive and cure for roup, colds, canker, catarrh and similar | |diseases. | | | |~PRATTS GAPE REMEDY~ | | | |Guaranteed to bring prompt relief. Use as a preventive the first four | |weeks and your chicks will not be troubled with gape-worms. | | | |~PRATTS SORE-HEAD CHICKEN-POX REMEDY~ | | | |A guaranteed cure for this highly contagious disease. Don't risk having | |your entire flock ruined. Keep it on hand for quick use when the ailment| |is first noticed. | | | |~PRATTS BRONCHITIS REMEDY~ | | | |A quick and effective remedy. Fully guaranteed for a disease that is | |generally fatal unless promptly checked. | | | |~PRATTS WHITE DIARRHOEA REMEDY~ | | | |Will save the chicks and cure completely when used promptly. Valuable in| |preventing the heavy chick losses usually experienced. | | | |~PRATTS CHOLERA REMEDY~ | | | |A sure remedy for cholera, indigestion, sour crop, dysentery, and bowel | |trouble. Guaranteed to satisfy or money refunded. | | | |~PRATTS SCALY LEG REMEDY~ | | | |This disease impairs the vitality of the birds and ruins their | |appearance. Pratts remedy will keep the legs clean and healthy. | | | |~PRATTS CONDITION TABLETS~ | | | |An effective remedy for "run-down" birds. Keeps show birds in condition | |and prevents colds, roup and liver trouble. | | | | "~YOUR MONEY BACK IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED~" | | | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+

_Treatment_--If all poultrymen would use Pratts Powdered Lice Killer on their poultry, lice would be unknown. It is different and better than many like preparations, being stronger, non-poisonous, has great disinfecting qualities, and positively kills all kinds of chicken lice. If you want to make money from your poultry you can't afford to be without it. Pratts Poultry Disinfectant, or the more powerful Pratts Red Mite Special, should also be used in the poultry houses. Lice seek crevices, cracks, openings, etc., that can only be reached by the liquid. This should be sprayed or sprinkled on perches, nest boxes, drop boards, floors and inside walls of all poultry houses. It not only kills lice, but has great disinfecting value. Do not accept a substitute.

Pratts Lice Salve is a sure-fire lice killer in another form. Apply to the feathers beneath the wings and around the vent and quick results will be noticed. A single application will be effective for a considerable time.

~Head Lice~--The big grey lice commonly found on heads of little chicks, causing great mortality.

_Treatment_--Keep on hand all the time a box of Pratts Head Lice Ointment, and use it on your little chicks, and save their lives. Two or three days before the brood should hatch, sprinkle the sitting hen thoroughly with Pratts Powdered Lice Killer.

~Poultry Mites (Red Mites)~--These tiny parasites are poultry killers. They do not live on the bodies of the birds, but in cracks and crevices of the building, coming out for their food. They suck the blood from the fowls, weakening and often killing them.

_Treatment_--Look around roosts and in cracks in warm weather and you are apt to see hundreds of mites. Every week spray perches, dropping boards, sides of houses, and roof near perches with Pratts Red Mite Special; powder birds with Pratts Powdered Lice Killer, and also add this to the dust bath.