1 152 Rural School Lkaflet 



in summer. This is particularly desirable when the house opens into 

 a dr>' barnyard in which the fowls can roam about and pick up bits of 

 food left by the other animals. 



Cleanliness. — The pen ruiisi he kept clean. The health and comfort 

 of the fowls depend very largely on this. Do not wait until the litter 

 becomes wet and filthy, but change it as soon as it begins to pack. Pro- 

 vide a small box of screened coal ashes or road dust in which the hens 

 can dust, for this will help to keep the lice off their bodies. Whitewashing 

 the house will help to keep the lice in check; it also makes the pen lighter 

 and cheerier. If necessary, put kerosene on the perches and o\'er the 

 nesting boxes, and refill the nests with clean bedding. 



By the method that has been outlined, the pullets can be made com- 

 fortable for the winter at a ver\^ small cost. The one thing before all 

 others that young poultry- raisers should remember is: Provide fowls 

 with wholesome surroundings and they will make it worth your while 

 to keep them. 



v. FEEDING FOR WINTER EGGS 



C. A. Rogers 



Have you ever stopped to consider that fowls are fond of a variety 

 of food? This is especially so when the weather becomes cold, and they 

 are shut in their pens. Then they are away from the fields where in 

 summer they can nearly gain a living on bugs, scattered grain, seed, 

 and grass. It is true that they will live, even in the winter, on corn 

 and water given them at irregular intervals, but under such care they 

 cannot lay eggs. Notice how much better you feel after a meal of whole- 

 some, well-cooked food that you like. Fowls are just as partial, and 

 when well fed, show their appreciation by filling up the egg basket. There 

 is no one method of feeding that can be applied equalh' well under all 

 conditions. The method described in the following paragraphs, however, 

 may be followed to advantage under man}' conditions and ma}- also serv^e 

 to suggest ways of improving present practices. 



Morning feeding. — In the moniing the fowls are hungry and ready 

 to work for their breakfast. It is well to let them keep as busy as possible, 

 for work keeps them warm, healthy, and contented. With this in mind, 

 scatter mixed grains in a deep, clean litter. Be rather sparing of the 

 feed in the morning, so that the fowls will not quickly oljtain their fill, 

 but will continue to work and hunt for the grain for the greater part 

 of the forenoon. This grain should be a mixture of all the kinds grown 

 on the farm. They may be mixed in the proportion of 2 pounds com, 

 2 pounds wheat, and i pound oats, to which may be added, if available, 

 I pound buckwheat and i pound barley. Fresh water should be given 

 to the fowls every morning in clean pails, which should be set up on boxes, 



