HINTS ABOUT MANAGEMENT. 109 



SPECIAL FEED CBOPS FOR POULTRY. 



Every poultry-breeder understands the value of hav- 

 ing a variety of food, and that it is essential for the 

 health of the fowls and the production of fertile eggs 

 from which he can expect strong, healthy chickens. 

 One can imagine the result to a community who would 

 try to live exclusively on corn; yet probably nine out of 

 ten who raise poultry think their duty done when they 

 have scattered before them their quart of corn and gath- 

 ered the eggs. This treatment may appear to fulfill all 

 necessary obligations when fowls can have unrestricted 

 range through the summer season, as nature seems to 

 provide means for sustaining life for feathered as well 

 as human tramps. The necessity of providing corn, 

 sometimes with wheat and oats for winter food, is gen- 

 erally understood; but if to these were added a supply of 

 the other grains and vegetables of which fowls are fond, 

 we would not hear so much complaint as now of stock 

 "running out" and producing nothing but scallions. 



As to the special grains, we may name buckwheat as 

 one of the most valuable for the production of eggs. 

 Sunflower-seeds should also be included in the bill of 

 fare of all well-regulated poultry-yards. The large 

 amount of oil they contain seems to be especialy valu- 

 able for young, growing chickens. They also give a 

 gloss and brilliancy to the feathers probably unequaled 

 by any other food. Even when fed in large quantities, 

 no bad effects follow, as the husk or shell must be taken 

 with the meat. An experiment was tried, one winter, 

 by an observing poultryman with two flocks, one of five 

 pullets and a cockerel of Plymouth Rocks, the other of 

 twelve pullets and a cock of Light Brahmas, these lat- 

 ter having a well-appointed house, with all of the 

 "modern improvements," sunlight, dust-bath, etc. 



