PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 85 



the rations are not balanced not only is there failure to 

 make the best growth but digestive disorders are likely 

 to result. A mixture of dry feed-stuffs balanced for 

 feeding to growing chicks may, for example, be com- 

 posed of wheat 3 Ibs., Indian corn 3 Ibs., beef scraps (con- 

 taining 50 per cent of digestible protein) 2 Ibs., clover 

 hay 2 Ibs. Here in ten pounds of feed are six pounds 

 of grains, two pounds of meat food and two pounds of 

 (dried) green food. Other grains may take the place 

 of the wheat or corn without very much disturbing the 

 balance. The feed-stuffs should be wholesome and pal- 

 atable, never fermented, musty or decayed. 



Methods of Feeding: Whatever the feeds or man- 

 ner of feeding, fresh water and grit should be always at 

 hand. Granulated bone-charcoal or wood-charcoal may 

 also be kept before the chicks. Green food is furnished 

 by the clover or alfalfa leaves, chaff or finely cut hay 

 strewn on the sand in the brooder, if green grass is out 

 of season. Cut clover or alfalfa or alfalfa meal may be 

 kept in a hopper before the chicks. 



During the early days of brooding cracked wheat, 

 finely cracked corn, coarse oatmeal, oat flakes, millet, or 

 broken rice may be scattered in the chaff, or placed on 

 boards in the exercising compartment of the brooder or 

 within reach of the chicks if they are brooded by a hen. 

 Eggs that failed to hatch may be boiled, cut fine, 

 shells and all and given to the chicks. By the begin- 

 ning of the second week, beef scraps may take the place 

 of the eggs. By this time the chicks will also be ready 

 to eat whole wheat. While it is well daily to scatter 

 some of the grains or seeds in the chaff or about the 

 runs to induce the chicks to hunt and scratch for a part 

 of their living the major part of the rations may be 

 fed in hoppers. These are made of galvanized iron or 

 of thin boards and provide compartments for each kind 

 of feed-stuff used, besides granulated bone or other grit, 

 granulated bone charcoal or wood charcoal and crushed 

 oyster shells. The hopper is hung against the wall of 

 the brooder or brooder house high enough for easy 



