FOODS AND FEEDING 



seeds scattered in the litter. With the beginner 

 there is danger of overfeeding in following this 

 method, as it really is giving the birds two meals 

 at one time. 



Two good mashes, for feeding alternately, fol- 

 low: 



Composition of the Mash, (i) equal parts 

 of cracked corn or cornmeal, ground oats, wheat 

 bran, and middlings; (2) two parts bran, one 

 part cornmeal, one part ground oats and three 

 parts fine cut clover or alfalfa hay. Table 

 scraps and refuse from the kitchen may also be 

 mixed in with the mash. If ground beef scraps 

 or other similar material is to be used, mix with 

 this soft food about one pound for twenty-five 

 hens. 



A pinch of salt added to the mash makes it 

 more palatable, and, besides, salt seems to be de- 

 manded by the fowls in greater quantities than is 

 supplied in ordinary foods. A little linseed meal 

 in the mash every week or ten days is a good thing 

 for fowls, while it may be fed every few days with 

 beneficial results to molting birds or young chicks 

 growing feathers. 



The best way to prepare the mash is to mix it 

 thoroughly, in a pail or tub, with boiling hot 

 water; cover with a heavy blanket, and then let 

 stand several hours before feeding. If it is to be 

 fed in the morning, prepare the mash the previous 



