The Onslow County News And Views

OVERCROWDING LOSES CHICKS.

One of the major errors in brooding is the tendency of poultrymen to overcrowd their chicks, says R. S. Dearstyne, head of the Poultry Science Department at N. C. State College. He also calls attention to the fact that this overcrowding is further emphasized as the chicks grow in size because they naturally require more floor space, feeding space and water containers.

Along with a warning against the overcrowding of chicks, he urged that the sexes be separated as early as possible, since this is a well recognized practice of all good poultrymen. The separation of the sexes not only provides the needed extra floor space but it also allows for a better and more uniform development of the pullets.

According to Dearstyne, the separation of the sexes can be made at about five to six weeks with the Mediterranean breeds. With the American breeds, the chicks are generally eight to ten weeks old before the sex can be accurately determined.

In getting the chicks out on the ground he suggests that they be allowed to follow their own inclination and not be forced out of doors. Where an entire confinement system is not practiced and where a clean range with a grazing crop is available, it is well to allow chicks outside of the house any time after they are a week old, weather permitting.