SYSTEM OF FEEDING 217 



to maintain the birds as nearly as possible at their standard weight. 

 Modifications for different breeds should be made in the amounts 

 fed and in the method of feeding and not through changes in the 

 mixtures. At Vineland during the past five years very interesting 

 lessons have been learned relative to the proportion of mash and 

 grain which should be fed during the different seasons. 



Formerly it has been suggested that 2 parts of grain and 1 part 

 of mash were about right. Feeding tests disclose the fact that the 

 best results are secured, especially in late spring and summer, if the 

 birds are restricted in their grain feed and compelled to eat greatly 

 increased amounts of mash. Mash is the cheaper of the two mix- 

 tures, and its greater use tends to lower feeding costs. ]\Iash also 

 contains the more protein, which is the egg-making material, hence 

 its greater use tends to force greater production. The following 

 table has been worked out sho^ving the proper amounts of grain to 

 feed layers during each month. With this amount of grain they 

 will naturally eat the remainder of their requirements in the form 

 of mash, which will insure their consumption of the correct amount. 



Amoimt of Grains to Feed Layers Each Month in the Year. 



Pounds for Pounds for 



Pounds per day each feeding Pounds per day each feeding 



Months per 100 birds a.m. p.m. Months per 100 birds a..m. p.m. 



November .... 12 4 and 8 May 10 4 and 6 



December .... 12 4 and 8 June 10 4 and 6 



January 12 4 and 8 July 8 3 and 5 



February 12 4 and 8 August 6 2 and 4 



March 12 4 and 8 September .... 5 2 and 3 



April 12 4 and 8 October 5 2 and 3 



Do not fail to study this question of mash and grain consump- 

 tion, for, if your birds are not getting enough protein mash, the}^ 

 cannot lay eggs. 



Feeding Epsom Salts. — Interesting and valuable discoveries 

 have recentl}' been made as to the value of epsom salts as a cor- 

 rective and laxative feed for layers. Birds laying heavily and 

 consuming large rations of protein aro very apt to become consti- 

 pated and to retain much of the protein residue, which is a poison, 

 in their system. They cannot lay v.'hen in this condition. It has 

 been found that the feeding of epsom salts in the drinking water 

 regularly during the winter to laying flocks about every 14 to 20 

 days at the rate of 1 pound to each 100 birds vnW prevent this 

 condition and keep the flocks in a laxative, healthy condition. 

 When flocks are sick with colds the frequency of the dose should 

 be increased to every 7 days. When the salts are given, give only 

 water enough to the flock so that the birds will clean it all up in the 



