Two groups of 50 chicks each (100 grs. initial weight) were put into competition during 25 days to see whether or not the addition of 5% of charcoal in the feeds is benefical. At the end of the experiment, the average weight of the group which received charcoal was 174,9 grs., and of the control 262,2 grs., revealing the chicks of the latter better general appearance. This result shows the detrimental effect of the charcoal, but since mortality was greater in the group fed without it, a benefical effect of the charcoal in protecting weaker chicks against mortality may be admitted. This contentation, however, needs comprobations.