176 Farm Poultry 



fattening for most satisfactory results, particu- 

 larly when fed to general-purpose fowls. If this 

 grain is supplied to the noted egg breeds that have 

 a wide range, much more satisfactory results are 

 likely to be obtained. It should be the aim of the 

 poultryman to feed considerable grain in such man- 

 ner as will not cause the fowls to become excessively 

 fa*t. Fat fowls, as a rule, do not lay so abundantly 

 as do those in moderate flesh. When corn is fed to 

 laying hens that have opportunity to take plenty 

 of exercise and to secure for themselves insects 

 and green food, much better results will be obtained 

 than when it is fed to the same kind of fowls closely 

 confined. Experiments have shown that a clear corn 

 ration, given to closely confined Leghorn hens, has 

 resulted in a marked decrease in egg production 

 and is sometimes accompanied by feather pulling. 

 Feather pulling usually indicates a faulty ration. 

 The fowls have a craving for something not sup- 

 plied to them, and resort to feather eating to 

 obtain it. 



Experiments have clearly shown that food has 

 a great influence on the color of the yolk of the egg. 

 Corn will give deep yellow or highly colored yolks. 

 Clear corn and water, the feeding of which would 

 be considered an extreme case, will produce yolks 

 which are objectionable to many consumers on 

 account of the extremely high color. Fairly high- 

 colored yolks are generally preferred, and a moderate 



