POULTRY RAISING ON THE FARM 279 



Chickens have a great adaptability to general conditions, 

 use a wide range of feeds, and are able to make good use of 

 grain and other wastes of the barn lot or kitchen. They 

 feed also upon insects, certain kinds of weeds, and weed seeds. 



Turkeys have a wider feeding range than chickens. They 

 forage almost entirely for themselves, using insects as their 

 main food during their growing period. They require grain 

 only when being prepared for the market. 



Guinea fowls prefer to range in thickets and weed patches, 

 in this manner making use of wastes not reached by other 

 kinds of poultry. 



Ducks and geese not only utilize the wastes of the barn 

 lot but also make use of various pasture grasses. For the 

 best success in handling ducks and geese, access to ponds or 

 streams is desirable. Pond life, both plant and animal, 

 furnishes a supply of food that other farm animals cannot use. 



RAISING CHICKENS ON THE FARM 



There can hardly be any question as to the desirability of 

 keeping chickens on the farm, at least enough to supply the 

 needs of the home. The main consideration is how they 

 may be raised to the best advantage. The same principles 

 must be applied which are successful in raising other farm 

 animals. Careful attention should be given to selection of 

 kinds to raise, feeding, housing, hatching, brooding, and 

 general care of the flock. 



Kinds to raise. Two means of selection are employed in 

 establishing a flock of chickens on a farm. One is to choose 

 a dependable breed of the particular type desired. For 

 example, if egg production is to be the chief aim in keeping 

 a flock, some breed of the egg-laying type, such as the Leg- 



