558 HOW TO KAISK CHICKKNS WITH 1'ROFIT. 



given, and all of these he will find most desirable producers of eggs 

 which will be of good size, and therefore command a good price in 

 the market. These birds have strong constitutions, and can be 

 reared with success, unless the place be particularly wet. More- 

 over, they can be crossed (not inbred) with advantage, the progeny 

 being also certain to turn out good layers. 



Ifcest Fowls for Fattening Where it is desired to select 

 fowls that will fatten readily, and market to good advantage, the 

 breeds to select from are the Creve-Coeurs, LaFleche, Dorkings, 

 Plymouth Rocks, Houdans and Langshans. The Game fowls are 

 especially fine for the table, but their size renders them unprofitable 

 for ordinary marketing. A cross breed from the Dorking and the 

 Game is very successful, producing a fowl that is very delicate, for 

 the table, with flesh very deep at the breast. 



Adaptation to Space The breeder should always consider 

 the choice of breeds of fowls in relation to the room he has for their 

 exercise, as some breeds will not thrive without plenty of roaming 

 room. Minorcas and Leghorns can be kept on limited runs, while 

 the Hamburgs and Spanish will not lay well unless they have plenty 

 of freedom for action. Fowls that are confined in limited space 

 must not be fed too highly or they will lay on fat, and cease to 

 become layers. 



HOW TO RAISE CHICKENS WITH PROFIT. 



Early Feeding The young chickens having been cooped, 

 where they can be kept clean and dry, and can, if possible, have a 

 run at a grass plat, the question of food arises. For the first few 

 days a hard boiled egg chopped up finely may be given to the little 

 chicks. Then cooked meat finely minced should be given till they 

 are three weeks old. The cost will be slight as a piece the size of 

 a walnut will suffice for a whole brood, while this food strengthens 

 the system. This is to be given in addition to oatmeal moistened 

 with milk or water, which will form the staple article of food for 

 one week, when it may be changed for shorts and barley meal, shorts 

 and buckwheat meal, or bran and Indian meal ; potatoes mixed with 

 bran are also good food. A little grain may be given occasionally, 

 and food should be given at night. Bread and water is the worst 

 food that can be given, as it causes weakness and produces diarrhea. 

 Green food occasionally is necessary, more especially for young 

 fowls. Shelter is absolutely indispensable, and the brood should 

 only be let out in bright or at least clear and dry weather. 



Fattening Fowls for Market At four months old, if 

 the fowls are of the breeds recommended, and have been well fed, 

 they will be well enough grown for the table. The young bird 

 should be shut up for a fortnight, and the confinement will be found 

 to have added at least two pounds to the weight. They should be 



