MOULTING. 801 



Moulting. 



We should take into consideration the great drain 

 upon the system of fowls in Moulting. Not only are 

 the ordinary wastes of the body to be maintained, 

 but the old summer coat of feathers is to be dis- 

 carded and an entirely new one to be produced 

 involving in its growth all the essential elements of 

 which the feathers are composed. If these substances 

 lime, carbon, sulphur, silex, etc., are not .to 

 be had in the food provided for them or are imper- 

 fectly produced or eliminated, the work drags and 

 the organism suffers, and waste of flesh, poverty of 

 the system, or illness is the result Hence it is a 

 wise precaution, during the season of Moulting, to 

 allow the flock a more generous supply of food, and 

 of better quality than usual, and to exercise more 

 than ordinary care in housing and shelter. Fowls 

 that have fair feed and a reasonable range will 

 rarely require special care, but those confined 

 are more apt to suffer. Any stimulating food is of 

 advantage. Hemp seed is very beneficial, and iron 

 is invaluable. An acetate of iron may be readily made 

 by putting some nails or other bits of iron in cider. 

 This, after standing a day or two, may be used in 

 mixing the feed. More cider may be added as re- 

 quired, and so the cider and iron may be kept and 

 used during the entire Moulting season. The SPECIFIC 

 J J, is the proper remedy, and should also be 

 given two or three times per week, or even more fre- 

 quently if the birds are suffering much. 



