Chapter IV: Part 4

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.

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_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._
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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.

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_"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._"
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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 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.

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_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._
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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.

~Depluming Mites~--Parasites that attack the roots or base of feathers which break off leaving bare spots. Will quickly spread through an entire flock. Usually found in spring and summer.

_Treatment_--Separate all affected birds from the rest of flock. Rub Pratts Head Lice Ointment on and around the bare spots every few days, until the mites have all been destroyed. Spray houses, roofs, runs, etc., with Pratts Poultry Disinfectant. Persistent treatment is necessary to get rid of these pests.

~THE MORE COMMON POULTRY DISEASES~

~Symptoms and Treatment~

~Apoplexy~--_Cause:_ Fowls too fat, general poor condition. _Symptoms:_ Paralysis, sudden death. Birds frequently found dead under roosts. _Treatment:_ Affected birds will not usually respond to treatment. Flocks should be treated to prevent further loss. Reduce the amount of feed, give less corn, supply Pratts Poultry Regulator to improve general condition.

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_Reading, Pa.

Have been using your poultry remedies for many years. Have used
your Baby Chick Food and had wonderful results. I think it is
great. I also use your Disinfectant, Lice Powder and Roup Remedy.

WM. FAUST_
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~Aspergilosis~--_Cause:_ Growth of mould in air passages. _Symptoms:_ Rapid breathing, rattling in throat, loss of weight, dragging wings, weakness, exhaustion. In chicks, sleepiness, diarrhoea, yellowish growth on lungs. _Treatment:_ Avoid mouldy grain and litter to keep flock free from infection. Disinfect with Pratts Poultry Disinfectant. Put flock in condition with Pratts Poultry Regulator.

~Bacillary White Diarrhoea~--_Cause:_ Bacteria. The disease may be inherited from hens having infected ovaries, or pass from chick to chick. _Symptoms:_ Chicks have diarrhoea, usually white or creamy. Sleepy, chilly, thin, rough plumage, drooping wings. Heaviest mortality under three weeks of age. _Treatment:_ Badly infected chicks should be killed. Prevent epidemics by disinfecting everything with Pratts Poultry Disinfectant. Give Pratts White Diarrhoea Remedy in drinking water. Give chicks strong start by feeding Pratts Baby Chick Food.

~Bronchitis~--_Cause:_ Development of common cold, breathing in dust. _Symptoms:_ Cough, rapid breathing, whistling, rattling and bubbling in throat. _Treatment:_ Keep patient dry, give laxative, treat with Pratts Bronchitis Remedy.

~Canker~--_Cause:_ Development of pus germs following injury or digestive troubles. _Symptoms:_ Cheesy growths in mouth and throat. _Treatment:_ Scrape off canker and swab with full strength Pratts Poultry Disinfectant. Improve general condition with Pratts Poultry Regulator.

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_Summerville, S.C.

I have used Pratts White Diarrhoea Remedy, and I wish to say that I
have had some chicks that started with the white diarrhoea and I
have given them the tablets in their drinking water, and have not
had any trouble since. They are growing fine.

R.C. FOSTER._
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~Catarrh~--_Cause:_ Draughts, dampness, exposure. _Symptoms:_ Thin discharge from eyes and nostrils, sneezing, difficult breathing, dullness. _Treatment:_ Pratts Condition Tablets to quickly tone up the system and Pratts Roup Remedy to overcome the disease.

~Chicken Pox or Sore Head~--_Cause:_ Bacteria. _Symptoms:_ Eruption on unfeathered areas of head. At first small and gray in color, increasing until head is covered with scabs. Eyes frequently closed. _Treatment:_ Disinfect most thoroughly with Pratts Poultry Disinfectant. Treat with Pratts Sore Head (Chicken Pox) Remedy.

~Cholera~--_Cause:_ Bacteria. _Symptoms:_ Weakness, thirst, head drawn down, drooping wings, intense thirst, frequently full crops, yellow or green diarrhoea. _Treatment:_ Give Pratts Chicken Cholera Remedy to whole flock as remedy and preventive. Improve general health with Pratts Poultry Regulator. Disinfect most carefully and frequently. Burn all dead birds and everything taken from poultry house. A most difficult disease to control if it gets established.

~Gapes~--_Cause:_ Small Y-shaped worm, about one-half inch long. May be either pale or red in color. Attaches itself to interior walls of windpipe, weakening the chick by sucking the blood, and also causing strangulation. This apparently double-headed worm is really two worms, one of each sex, joined together. _Symptoms:_ Usually afflicts young chicks. Frequent gasping; gaping; coughing; discharge of mucus and worms from throat. _Treatment:_ Use Pratts Gape Remedy. Disinfect floors of coops and runs with Pratts Disinfectant. Move to new ground and keep chicks off wet grass.

~Intestinal Parasites (Worms)~--_Symptoms:_ Dullness, poor condition. Worms found in droppings. _Treatment:_ Fowls regularly receiving Pratts Poultry Regulator are almost invariably free from this trouble. See details of individual treatment in The Poultryman's Complete Handbook.

~Leg Weakness (Chicks)~--_Cause:_ Feed lacking in bone and animal matter; close confinement; lack of exercise; over-heating in brooders. _Symptoms:_ Chicks walk in a wobbly, weak-kneed fashion, often resting or hobbling along on the joints. _Treatment:_ Feed young chicks on Pratts Baby Chick Food. Give fair amount of beef or fish scrap and bone meal. Afford opportunity for exercise, especially on the ground. Avoid bottom heat in brooders. Feed liberally on green food. Add small quantity Pratts Poultry Regulator to the ration.

~Liver Disease~--_Cause:_ Improper food, as overfeeding of corn or animal food, lack of exercise, general inactivity of intestinal tract. _Symptoms:_ No prominent ones. If flock is not doing well and birds are lazy and sluggish, kill one or more and examine the livers. If found diseased, treat the flock. _Treatment:_ Use Pratts Poultry Regulator to improve general condition. Feed plenty of green food. Disinfect the buildings, and admit a big volume of fresh air. Induce the birds to exercise.

~Rheumatism~--_Cause:_ Exposure to dampness, and cold. _Symptoms:_ Swelling of joints, stiffness, lameness. _Treatment:_ Make house dry and sunny. Use Pratts Poultry Regulator to improve general condition. Rub affected parts with Pratts Liniment. (This fine liniment should be in every household. It has a hundred uses.)

~Roup~--_Symptoms:_ Bad-smelling discharge from the nostrils; sticky discharge from the eyes; feathers under wings and on back smeared and sticky, where bird has wiped its head; sometimes coughing and sneezing; eyes stuck shut; eyes closed and swollen out; mouth forced open by cheesy growth; patches of canker in mouth and throat. _Treatment:_ The disease is very contagious. Remove all birds showing symptoms. Clean up and disinfect the quarters, using Pratts Disinfectant liberally. Give sick and well birds Pratts Roup Remedy. Give the healthy flock Pratts Poultry Regulator. Treat the sick with Pratts Condition Tablets in addition to the Roup remedy. Burn all dead birds and all material removed from the hospital.

~Scaly Leg~--_Cause:_ A tiny mite which burrows under the scales and into the tissues of the leg. _Symptoms:_ Scaly, rough, crusty appearance of feet and shanks. _Treatment:_ Apply Pratts Scaly Leg Ointment.

~Tuberculosis~--_Cause:_ A minute germ. _Symptoms:_ Steady loss in weight; paleness of comb, wattles and face; general weakness; lameness, ruffling of feathers; frequently diarrhoea. Eye bright; ravenous appetite. _Treatment:_ The disease is contagious and will spread through the flock unless proper precautions are taken. Remove affected birds. Disinfect the poultry plant and surroundings with Pratts Disinfectant. Kill birds in advanced stages. Give the whole flock a nourishing ration, and include Pratts Poultry Regulator. Use lime freely. If disease continues to spread, dispose of entire flock, disinfect with greatest care, start anew with healthy stock.

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_Pleasant Valley, N.Y.

I gave Pratts Roup Remedy a careful test on a flock of 50 growing
white Wyandotte chicks in October which were infected with bad
colds, and after treating one week with your roup remedy nearly
every one was well.

EDGAR BRIGGS_
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Pratts PRACTICAL POINTERS on the care of LIVESTOCK and POULTRY

GET YOUR PRATTS FROM LAING BROS. WINNIPEG MAN. FLOUR & FEED.