FLYING THE COOP

Unlike adult chickens, young chicks are pretty adept flyers. Don’t be surprised if you find a gaggle of gals perched on the brooder walls. For their safety the easiest remedy for new flyers is to place a layer of bird netting or chicken wire over the open brooder. Give them small sticks to perch on instead; thin tree branches, hoisted about 5 to 6 inches from the ground, work beautifully.