FEEDING STUFFS FOR POULTRY. 355 



to good advantage in the feeding of poultry. It must be kept 

 in mind that variety in the rations is the secret of much of 

 the success in poultry feeding. 



Lime. A large amount of lime must be utilized by laying 

 hens in the manufacture of shells. This can be furnished 

 them in winter or summer, if confined, by giving them finely 

 pounded oyster shells, lime or previously dried egg shells. 

 The egg-eating habit is oftentimes forced upon hens by our 

 failing to furnish them with the necessary elements for the 

 structure of shells. 



Grit. A hen has no teeth. Her food is masticated in what 

 we call the gizzard. This is a strong, muscular sack with a 

 tough membranous lining. This sack contains numerous 

 small, sharp, hard stones which serve to crush and grind up 

 the food that must pass through it. When hens are confined 

 they should be furnished with coarse coal ashes or gravel in 

 order that they may be able to secure the necessary "grit" 

 with which to grind their food. 



Pure, fresh water should be supplied in abundance at all 

 times. Galvanized drinking tanks can be had at a very mod- 

 erate cost. 



