CHAPTER XXV 



THE MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY DURING THE SUMMER 



California differs from all other states in the Union in summer 

 climate, and unless poultry is treated accordingly, it is not possible 

 to get the best results. Very little corn must be fed to layers, and 

 none to breeders. Old hens that are not intended to be kept over, 

 should be separated and given a two or three weeks' course of fatten- 

 ing. During that time they will lay more eggs and put on flesh at 

 the same time, unless they become broody. At the end of the fatten- 

 ing period, dispose of them, it makes more room for the young ones. 



The question of profit in poultry is very much dependent on the 

 management of the sales department. Nothing that does not pay 

 its 'board bill and a little towards other expenses can be retained at 

 a profit and it should never be kept through the molt. 



Some poultrymen make a clean up every fall, but I find it pays 

 best to get rid of the old hens before the molt commences. Go over 

 them in June, then again in July and separate the hens according to 

 age. After the last going over give the stock that is to make the 

 winter layers more room, by opening gates and taking down a little 

 wire. If the male birds have been removed and it is possible to turn 

 the hens into a green pasture or kale plot this will be a real vacation 

 for them. The older birds can be kept laying by feeding plenty of 

 egg-making food and an additional amount of green feed, while those 

 intended for breeders during the fall months should be given a rest 

 and this can only be done by cutting down the feed. Give just 

 enough to supply the "bodily needs of the hen, nature always attends 

 to that first, and it is the surplus feed the old dame uses for egg 

 production. 



Plenty of shade, good cool water and green feed with a light 

 feed of grain morning and night will keep up the body and give 

 all the organs a rest. 



If there is no natural shade, in the way of trees, if you plant a row 

 of sunflower seeds along the east and west sides of your poultry 

 yards and keep them watered and the soil stirred during April and 

 May, by June you will have splendid shade that the breeze can pene- 

 trate. There will be no panting for breath, no running in houses 

 out of the sun, but the yards will be as cool and moist as in early 

 spring. 



It is surprising the effect shade has on laying hens, with a cooling 

 diet and shade they do not seem to know that it is summer; there is 



