FEEDING FARM POULTRY 



271 



should be light colored always, have a meaty flavor, 

 and be rather oily to the touch. When boiling water 

 is added to it, it should smell like fresh meat. If a 

 putrid odor is given off it should not be fed. 



Grit Is Necessary. At all times chickens need 

 grit, regardless of its function whether it grinds 

 the food or in itself is food, it matters not. The fact 

 is, grit is absolutely essential, and 

 fowls are in search of it at all times 

 if not otherwise provided. Re- 

 peated tests have been made with 

 and without its use in the ration 

 and all have shown conclusively 

 that it is indispensable to the health 

 of the fowls and to egg production. 

 When gravel is close by the grit 

 question is easily answered. If the 

 gravel is scarce some kind of grit 

 must be provided. 



Besides ordinary grit, it is desir- 

 able to supply other material for 

 making the egg shell. Grain does 

 not contain sufficient lime for great 

 egg layers. Oyster and other sea shells are largely used 

 for this purpose, since they are very readily dissolved 

 in the gizzard. Lack of lime or other shell material in 

 the ration often leads to the egg-eating habit among 

 hens. Charcoal is useful as a bowel regulator. The 

 most successful poultrymen keep it constantly be- 

 fore the hens. Salt in moderation aids digestion. An 

 ounce or two daily is sufficient for 100 hens. 



Hens in Summer. If the hens have the run of the 



FEED HOPPER 



For grain, grit, 



shell, charcoal, etc., 



this is a popular pat- 

 tern. 



