Dumb question #15 or so..."the carb tickler"

OK, sorry for another dumb newbie question, but I'm getting ready to start my MKIII and need to know what the "ticklers" do and how and when to use them to start my bike? I did a search and have a very rough idea but still have these questions. Thanks again!

The tickler acts as a choke sort of. They flood the system for cold start. Push them down till gas come out, start, go ride.

Thanks for the info!