POULTRY 205 



coming one of the most popular feeds, because they can 

 be grown easily in the winter in any basement where they 

 will not freeze. A very good substitute is finely cut alfalfa 

 or clover hay on which warm water is poured and allowed 

 to steep over night. 



Much emphasis must be placed upon the water. We learn 

 what should be fed fowls by the composition of the egg. 

 The hen is not a wizard and can not make a product of 

 materials which do not contain all the constituents of the 

 product. Over 65 per cent of the egg is water. If she does 

 not get her liquid either in water or milk (when we give 

 buttermilk she gets both water and protein), the hen 

 can not manufacture eggs. She must have a constant 

 supply of liquid. Few people give the chickens enough to 

 drink, particularly the laying hens. Hens will consume much 

 more water when they are laying. This same indication may 

 be seen in the oyster shells. They will not touch the shell 

 until they are ready to begin laying. And since water or 

 milk is one of the best carriers of disease germs, it is neces- 

 sary to make sure that the drinking vessels are kept clean, 

 and that the liquid put in them is clean and pure. In warm 

 weather it should be kept in the shade. 



Essentials of a good poultry house. The order in which 

 the essentials are mentioned does not mean that one is more 

 important than the other ; they are all necessary. 



1. Freedom from dampness. 



2. Freedom from draughts (no cross draughts). 



3. Excellent ventilation. 



