48 

 Crate Feeding vs. Loose Pen Fattening of Chickens. 



The term "fattening of chickens" has been in use for some time, but it does 

 not exactly convey the meaning intended by the feeders of chickens. The object 

 is to make the chickens more fleshy, with just sufficient fat to make the chicken 

 cook well. The chickens are not intended to be abnormally fat, yet at the same 

 time they carry considerable fat well intermixed with lean meat. 



We have, for a number of years, conducted experiments with chickens in 

 crates and in loose pens. We have tried about six different feeders and the 

 results vary. With some feeders we had equally as good results with birds in 

 crates as with them in loose pens. We have had two feeders in particular who 

 could not feed birds to advantage in loose pens as compared with crates. We 

 have had one feeder who could get slightly better returns in some cases, not all, 

 with birds in pens as compared with crates. 



In speaking to the buyers of chickens, the majority of them seem to think 

 that the crate-fed birds are much superior to those fed in loose pens. Personally, 

 I would prefer feeding birds in crates, for the reason that it takes less room, and 

 I believe that I can feed them with less expenditure of labor and get a more even 

 product. There are now many people who can get good results from feeding 

 birds in box stalls, etc. No matter which method is followed, cockerels should 

 be fed for two weeks or more before they are killed and sold. 



How TO Feed. 



We receive a number of inquiries as to how we feed the birds that are being 

 fattened. Most inquirers wish to know the exact amounts fed each day. 



It will be noticed that we fed very lightly at the beginning— a very important 

 point — and that the amount was gradually increased until such times as the birds 

 refused to eat all that was given them. No feed was left in front of them longer 

 than ten minutes after it was placed in the trough. Any food left after such time 

 was removed. 



Crate of 12 Birds. 



Eation :— Equal parts of oat meal, corn meal, and barley meal mixed with 

 sour milk. 



Lbs. Ozs. 



Weight at commencement 53 4 



Weight at first week 55 



Weight at second week 66 4 



Weight at third week 70 2 



