REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 



(A. G. Gilbert.) 



To William Saunders, B q., 



Director Dominion Experimental Farms, 

 Ottawa. 



Sir, — I have the honour of submitting to you the fourth annual report of the 

 operations of the poultry department for the year ending 29th February, 1892. In 

 the beginning of my report of last year a formula was given of a warm stimulating 

 morning ration for winter, but varied so as to suit the Asiatic or Spanish families, 

 for the stated reason '' that the generous diet suited to the latter breed would tend 

 to make the former too fat to lay well." The result of the treatment was con- 

 sidered satisfactory, so far as egg production was concerned, but it was thought that 

 a ration just as effective, but a little more economical in its constituents, could be 

 prepared. The importance of a cheap winter ration will be evident, for it is at this 

 season when eggs are high in piice — because they are scarce — that the margin of 

 profit is greatest. Eggs are more difficult to obtain because the stock are confined 

 to limited quarters, and they are more expensive to obtain because the layers 

 require a more stimulating diet and more careful attention. Notwithstanding all 

 that has been written on the subject of winter laying, correspondents write, visitors 

 ask the questions: "What is the best method of feeding and caring for fowls in 

 winter, so that I can obtain eggs?" From the North- West a correspondent writes: 

 " Eggs are worth 60 cents per dozen here in winter. What kind of fowls are best, 

 and how should I feed them to get eggs in paj'ing quantities?" Again, a visitor 

 says: "I can sell all my eggs at 40 cents per dozen in winter, but just as I am 

 getting them in liberal numbers my fowls begin to lay eggs with soft shells." 

 Another exclaims : " I am very much troubled with my fowls eating their eggs and 

 one another's feathers." 



These questions open up the whole subject of the proper winter treatment of 

 laying stock, and they embrace three of the greatest and most discouraging draw- 

 backs to the beginner's success in the shape of eggs laid with soft shells, and egg 

 and feather eating. Answers can best be given by describing the rations fed this 

 winter, and the reasons for so doing, other than that already mentioned. 



The Eations op the Present Winter. 



The hot morning ration fed during the winter was comjjosed of — 



Lbs. ozs. 



Bran 2 8 



Shorts 2 8 



Ground meat .- 1 8 



Clover hay — steamed and taixed in liberal quantity. 

 Salt — very small quantity. 



Coarse sand and fine ground oyster shells mixed — about 

 three handsfull. 

 The whole was mixed with boiling water. Boiled potatoes and turnips were 

 occasionally substituted for the clover hay, for variety in diet is beneficial. The 

 hens did not eat the scalded clover hay when exposed to them by itself, but readily 

 did so when mixed in the soft feed. 



