150 POULTRY BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT 



feeding. The problem of exercise is practically eliminated 

 under the extensive free-range system. Under the inten- 

 sive or yarded system more frequent feeding is necessary 

 in order to induce exercise. Straw or other scratching 

 litter must be furnished and the work of cleaning out the 

 old straw and putting in new involves considerable labor 

 and expense. The yards must be cultivated and possibly 

 disinfected. Green feed must be furnished every day, 



4,000 HENS ON FOUR ACRES 

 Swanson & Johnson, near Los Angeles. 



involving expense both for the green stuff and for labor in 

 feeding. The opening of gates through the yards is 

 troublesome. 



On some soils there is sufficient grit for the fowls on free 

 range. This saves the expense of buying and feeding grit. 

 Some animal feed will be found on free range. Under 

 certain conditions there will be waste grain in stubble 

 fields and weed seeds. These will lessen the feed bill. 

 Again, as to equipment. There is considerable expense for 

 fencing yarded fowls which is not necessary on free range. 

 The increased cost for all these items under the intensive 

 plan will largely offset the added labor cost of caring for 

 fowls under the colony house system. 



