172 Farm Poultry 



analyses of foods and of eggs show that there is 

 not sufficient lime consumed by the fowls, in 

 ordinary poultry foods, to form the shells of eggs 

 produced by laying hens, particularly when they 

 are producing eggs most abundantly. It is there- 

 fore necessary to supply lime, in some form, to 

 laying hens. Crushed oyster shells are recom- 

 mended for this purpose. It is found to be sat- 

 isfactory to place the crushed shells before the 

 fowls in such a manner that they may eat the 

 amount needed, and it is usually safe to rely 

 on the judgment of the fowls in this respect. 

 Some poultrymen, however, mix crushed oyster 

 shells with the soft food in addition to the supply 

 which should be kept before them all the time. 

 "The feeding of oyster shells during the laying 

 season, when they can be cheaply obtained, 

 is recommended. One pound will contain lime 

 enough for the shells of about seven dozens of 

 eggs. Fine gravel containing limestone will prob- 

 ably as well supply the deficiency of lime existing 

 in most foods, but the use of some sharper grit 

 with it may be of advantage."* 



Salt. A little salt is undoubtedly beneficial and 

 necessary, but it is poisonous if taken in large 

 quantities. Instances are frequently reported of 

 fowls being injured by eating salt. They are 

 undoubtedly frequently misled in eating it, sup- 



* Bulletin No. 38, New York Agricultural Experiment Station. 



