1136 



Rural School Leaflet 



themselves at any time. The grain mixture may consist of equal parts 

 of wheat and cracked corn. The chickens should also have free access 

 to cracked bone, fine grit, screened oyster shell, and charcoal. 



Give plenty of fresh, clean water in a vessel into which the chickens 

 cannot jump. Ordinarily a water fountain is used for the purpose. 



A serviceable water fountain can be made from a pint basin and a 

 tomato can that does not leak. Cut half-inch notches in the edge of the 

 can on opposite sides. Fill the can with water, cover with the inverted 

 basin, then turn the whole over, holding basin and can tightly together. 

 The water will run into the basin but will not overflow. If the basin 

 does not become full enough, cut the notches higher. 



VI. 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 delightful 

 ,-,.., ^r-* — ■ , ■ .^. afca H time to work out of doors. 



In the North when fall comes 

 we feel the hibernating in- 

 stinct of squirrels. We en- 

 joy " snugging up " as the 

 days get shorter and the 

 frosts remind us that winter 

 is coming. We know from 

 experience 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 henhouse. It 

 is neat and warm and gives opportunity for fresh 

 air for the fowls 



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

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

 same; that 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 

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



