Fig. 95. Coops and runs for hens and chicks[11]
[11] Burlap bags are used to shade the interior or to keep out rain. When not in use they are turned back on the top of the coop.
Management of growing chicks. Of course, healthy chickens are growing all the time, and growing at a very rapid rate, too; but after the chicks are weaned, they have usually reached the point in growth when the increase in size in a short period is very noticeable. So poultry keepers commonly speak of chickens from weaning time until maturity as growing chicks. At this time the rudest kind of shelter will suit them as well as any. Indeed, they hardly need shelter from the weather at all. The most essential things are a good range, apart from the old fowls, and an abundance of food. They should be able to pick up a great deal of food for themselves, but should have enough given them to make sure that they always have all the food they can eat. It does not pay to stint them to make them forage farther. Young chickens will always take all the exercise that they need if they have the opportunity, and the more they eat the better they grow.
Fig. 96. Small house for growing chicks, in Maine orchard
Fig. 97. Small house for growing chicks, in orchard in New York State