73^ 



Rural School Leaflet 



In case of the mysterious disappearance of the chickens, look for cats, 

 rats, crows, hawks, weasels, and other thieves. Crows and hawks catch 

 the chickens in the daytime, when they are roaming about. Rats and 

 weasels often get into the coop at night, and may destroy an entire brood 

 in one visit. Cats are often enemies. Your pet cat may be the one to 

 eat your chickens. Watch her until you know she is to be trusted. The 

 loss from disease will be greatly decreased if the chickens are always well 

 cared for and well fed and if their coops are kept clean. 



V. fall preparations for winter eggs 



James E. Rice 



The early fall months should be one of the busiest seasons of the year 

 for the boy or girl who is taking care of poultry. It is a most deHghtful 



time to work out of doors. In 

 the North when fall comes 

 we feel the hibernating in- 

 stinct of squirrels. We enjoy 

 " snugging up " as the days 

 get shorter and the frosts 

 remind us that winter is com- 

 ing. We know from ex- 

 perience how good it feels 

 at this time to be comfort- 

 able. The hens feel the same 

 way. Notice how they seek 

 the shelter of bushes, fences, 

 and buildings. They know 

 full well that this is no time 

 to lay eggs or to rear a brood 



A cheap and very satisfactory type of hen house. It 

 is neat and warm and gives opportunity for fresh 

 air for the birds 



of chickens. Therefore, what they do is perfectly natural and excusable, 

 from a hen's viewpoint: they stop laying. Hens everywhere do the 

 same ; fthat is why eggs are always high-priced at this season of the year 

 and later. In New York State the season of low egg production is October, 

 November, and December. 



Did it ever occur to you that hens commence to lay less about the last 

 of June each year, when the days begin to get shorter, and that they 

 naturally begin to lay more about the first of January, when the days 

 lengthen ? They apparently know by the amount of daylight and of sun- 

 shine when a more favorable or less favorable season is approaching. 



Hens lay well only when they are comfortable and happy. The happy, 

 singing hen is the laying hen. That is why great care is necessary in the 

 fall to get fowls into congenial winter quarters early. There are many ways 



