SYSTEM OF FEEDING 213 



sought. All systems have been analyzed carefully and will fall 

 under one of the four following combinations : (1) Trough feeding 

 of wet mash ; (2) hopper feeding of dry mash ; (3) scratch feeding 

 of cracked grains ; (4) hopper feeding of cracked grains. 



Combinations of two or more of these are often used, and 

 undoubtedly give better results than the exclusive use of any 

 one. alone. 



Trough Feeding of Wet Mash. — This system is recommended 

 for use where a small number of birds is to be fed, and only when 

 it is possible to devote considerable time and attention to them. 

 It may also be used when it is desired for some reason to force for 

 an increased production, as in the case of adult birds which are 

 laying poorly; to hasten maturity, as in the case of late-hatched 

 pullets; during very cold winter weather, when it is desired to 

 give the birds increased warmth by feeding them mashes mixed 

 with hot water; it is also recommended for fattening purposes, 

 especially for the finishing period. 



Advantages. — When care is used and this ration is fed properly, 

 it is probably a little more productive of results, as the birds are 

 induced to eat more. 



Disadvantages. — More labor is required in mixing and feeding; 

 if not fed with a great deal of care, and if allowed to become sour 

 or moldy, it may produce indigestion and diarrhoea. If the 

 troughs are not very large, it does not give each bird an equal 

 chance. This method requires constant attention to the details 

 of feeding, careful watching of the condition of the birds, and the 

 practising of absolute cleanliness. 



General Usage. — This method is usually practised on small 

 farms where flocks are small, and where there is sufficient time for 

 the feeder to do the work properly. It is sometimes used on large 

 plants in connection with dry mash during the winter. It is always 

 practised in the fattening of poultry. 



Hopper Feeding of Dry Mash. — ^This method is one of the 

 best in the feeding of large flocks when it is desired to lessen the 

 amount of labor, and especially in feeding concentrated parts of 

 the ration to laying hens. One important factor in the hopper 

 feeding of dry mash is that a successful hopper be used. The 

 essential factors of a desirable hopper are given in Chapter VIII. 



Advantages. — When dry mash is fed in the right kind of a 

 hopper, it saves much labor. The diet itself is very helpful from 

 the standpoint of digestion. It does not require such careful 



