It is better, too, that the little chickens should be kept by
themselves. They need to be fed often, and they cannot eat what the
older ones like. In this way each brood is kept with its mother."
"Will you let me feed them?" asked Robert.
[Illustration: HEN AND CHICKENS.]
"Yes," said Mrs. Spencer. "You may put a large spoonful into every yard.
It is better to give them a little at a time; then the food does not
stay on the ground and get dirty and sour."
"What is this I am giving them?" asked Robert as the chickens ran and
clustered round the food. "They seem to like it."
"It is Indian meal, thoroughly scalded," said Mrs. Spencer. "Raw or
slightly scalded meal is likely to do them harm."
"Isn't it fun to watch them!" said Robert. "What else do chickens eat?"
"They eat a variety of things. The first food I gave these little chicks
was stale bread-crumbs wet in warm water, and I mixed with that the yolk
of one hard-boiled egg. Oatmeal would have been just as good as the
bread-crumbs. I always keep a dish of fresh water, too, in their yard."
"What nice little houses you have for them!"
"They are good little houses, tight enough to keep out the rain and
draughts, for hens and chickens must be kept warm and dry.
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