Feeding-Time on a Poultry Farm 



chosen is the key to success. The crux of the whole matter is not in a particular 

 breed or a particular system of handling the flock, and we say again that it is not 

 the yard plan or the colony plan that Is important, but the working of the plan. 

 The poultry man's chief trouble is quite independent of the system he uses and 

 his success will not depend upon it. Whether he has an acre of ground or twenty 

 or forty acres, whether he has yards or colonies, his success or failure will turn 

 upon other features of his management. 



Yet there is probably a best way at this point. The yard system has certain 

 advantages not to be overlooked. Thus, different ages are kept apart; the old 

 can be disposed of, trap nests can be used more effectively and disease can be 

 controlled or prevented from spreading. Separate rooms may be as desirable as 

 separate houses, and a long house divided into compartments and provided with 

 an alleyway, enables one person to care for more fowls, or for the same number 

 with less labor, and with more comfort in rainy weather. The yards may be on 

 two sides of the house, and used alternately, turning over and cleansing the empty 

 yard. Plans can be obtained or made ; these will incorporate all modern improve- 

 ments and such use can be made of open fronts, windows and skylights as will 

 insure the maximum of fresh air and sunshine. 



Fowls and Fresh Air 



Is the sleeping perch a good thing for humans? It may be equally good for 

 hens. The problem is how to shelter the flock, provide pure air and avoid draughts. 

 The hen herself imposes certain conditions. She takes cold as readily as the deni- 

 zens of a boarding-house, or the members of a furnace heated home. She sneezes, 

 has watery eyes, a running nose, and a swollen face. The cause? Close and 

 crowded quarters at night, want of fresh air, draughts from knot-holes or cracks. 

 Study the instinct of the fowl. She roosts contentedly in the open; she is not 

 afraid of cold, but dislikes wind, rain and snow. She wants shelter rather than 

 warmth. 



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