370 



THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



overcomes them. The second is in the fall when the frost destroys their 

 natural foods on the range. Many poults are lost at these critical times every 

 year. Care should be taken to see that they have plenty to eat at these times. 

 While they are growing their feathers they should not be allowed in the direct 

 rays of the sun. 



Feeds For Older Poults. 



1 Corn, Wheat and Oats. As the poults grow older a mixture of 

 coarsely cracked corn, whole wheat and hulled oats are excellent. Still later 

 whole grains of corn should be given. 



2. Hulled Oats. A more nutritious grain for growing poults is not 

 known than hulled oats. This can be fed even before corn or wheat is given. 

 Oats should be hulled to avoid the injurious effects caused by the pricking 

 and irritating portions of the hull. Plump, heavy oats that are mostly kernel 

 should be selected for this purpose. 



3. Oatmeal, Wheat, Corn, Meat Scrap. A good ration to feed at this 

 time is oatmeal and finely cracked corn or wheat. To this add a little finely 

 cut meat. Have the meat pure and sweet. 



As the poults grow older, the size of the grains can be increased until the 

 whole grains are being fed. They will learn to forage more each day and 

 the more they pick up for themselves the less food will have to be given them. 

 However, the breeders who have the best success are those who feed their 

 turkeys at least once a day, regardless of their age or the condition of the 

 range. The poults should always have access to good clean water. When on 

 the range they will pick up enough grit; however, it is always well to keep 

 them supplied with charcoal. 



Feed Wandering Flocks Once a Day. If the poults have been confined 

 they can be given their liberty when about two weeks old. They should be 

 watched and fed once or twice a day. It is a good plan to get them in the 

 habit of coming to the barn every night for food. If they miss coming of their 

 own accord just once, they should be brought up or they will not come again. 

 Feeding them at least once a day helps to keep them tame and makes them 

 mature earlier. 



Feeding in Wet Weather. A continued wet spell soon deprives the 

 poults of the bugs and worms they are used to feeding upon and also keeps 

 them from getting enough other food. They should be fed at least twice a 

 day under such conditions. 



Avoid Poor Grain. It does not pay in the long run to use shriveled, 

 musty or poor grain of any description. To do so is but a loss of time and 

 money for the results are certain to be disappointing. The greatest financial 

 rewards are gained by those who keep the best stock and give them the best 

 food and care. Good sound grain is the best at all times for feeding the grow- 

 ing poults. 



Stock Turkeys. A great many breeders make the great mistake of selling 

 off their very best, most thrifty birds and keeping the least matured for breed- 

 ing stock. They feed the birds altogether instead of separating their breeding 



