244 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



FOOD, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF PULLETS DURING THE 



FALL AND WINTER. 



When the cold nights begin to come, about November 1st, it is time 

 to bring the pullets into winter quarters. They should then begin to 

 show signs of approaching maturity. Before bringing them in, clean 

 the house they are to occupy, . whitewash it thoroughly and disinfect 

 the perches, nest boxes, etc. Be sure that the disinfectant enters every 

 crack and crevice. Then cover the floor with about four inches of fine 

 gravel or sand. Cover this with six inches of dry, clean, long straw, 

 as the pullets will break it up quickly enough. Where leaves are plenti- 

 ful they may be used and make very satisfactory litter, although they 

 do not last as long as straw. 



When the house is ready remove the pullets to it carefully. Do not 

 carry them by one leg only or otherwise misuse them. Any rough 

 handling at this time will mean a subsequent loss in the egg basket. 

 Of course a change always produces timidity, but by exercising great 

 care they will soon become accustomed to their new quarters. When 

 about to enter the house a slight noise announcing one's approach 

 before opening the doors will prevent fright and injury from a sudden 

 rush or flight against obstacles in the pen. Chickens soon get to know 

 the call of a low, soft whistle announcing to' them the coming of the 

 feed basket. At this stage the reproductive organs are developing 

 rapidly and any abuse or frightening may cause the loss of some of the 

 finest in the flock. 



We have entered poultry houses in the winter where the windows 

 have been closed for days at a time. The hens are found standing 

 around with their feathers ruffled and looking as if they were nearly 

 frozen to death. In accustoming pullets to their new quarters, see that 

 they always have plenty of fresh air without a draught. One of the 

 best systems of ventilation is to have a window hinged on one side and 

 cloth on the other so that either one can be swung in at will. Those 

 having sliding windows can arrange to slide one in from either side. 

 Both should usually be left open a little while during the day except 

 in extremely cold weather. Hens enjoy sunshine and fresh air but it 

 should come through the window and not through cracks and crevices. 

 No one should expect hens to lay well in a house that is not constructed 

 with tight walls. The sides of many hen houses are made of unmatched 

 lumber, which has shrunk, leaving cracks through which wind, rain and 

 snow blow, perhaps directly on the fowls. No one should expect hens 

 to do well in such a place. A few dollars spent on building paper and 

 a few feet of battens will work a great change for the better. Simply 

 spread the building paper smoothly over the sides of the house and 

 then place battens on every eighteen inches. A good coat of paint will 

 improve tlie apj)oarance, and make it more lasting. 



Next let us consider the feed that the pullets should have when they 

 come in oil' the range. While on the range they doubtless found an 

 abundance of green food and meat in the form of grass and insects. 



