102 : PO UL TR r- CRAFT. 



them, the greatest possible variety should be introduced in feeding whole 

 grain. (Not a great number of grains at the same time, but frequent changes 

 made in the grains fed by way of variety). " Finickyness" in eating is a bad 

 trait in a fowl. In different places the feeding problem deals with slightly 

 different assortments of foods. Wherever located, one soon finds that the list 

 of articles he can profitably use in large quantities is short. 



139. Changing Rations. Once found, the ration which gives satis- 

 factory results should be used as long as prices allow. If a change must be 

 made in a staple article of a ration, it should when possible be made 

 gradually. Radical changes in diet always have some bad effects, and if 

 fowls have not been taught to eat what is set before them, it may be some 

 days before they eat a new food as freely as they should. In the meantime 

 their light feeding will have played the mischief with the egg yield. Fowls 

 accustomed to eat a variety of grains will, of course, have their preferences, 

 but will rarely exercise them to the length of going hungry if a favorite food 

 is not forthcoming. Neither the refusal, at first, of the fowls to eat, nor the 

 slight bowel troubles incident to a change, should prevent the use of a food it 

 is clearly to^the advantage of the poultryman to use, and which he knows 

 others are using with good results. 



140. Feeding for Special Results. Distinctions between " rations for 

 eggs," "rations for growth," "maintenance rations," "fattening rations," are 

 rather misleading. The differences are not so much in the proportions of the 

 foods as in the methods of preparing them, the form in which the food is 

 given, the number of daily feeds, the quantities fed, and most important - 

 the conditions imposed on the fowls. A ration which, fed five times a day 

 gives good hardy growth to chicks at liberty, will force, or even fatten chicks 

 in confinement, though for quick fattening it would be too narrow. The 

 same (in composition) ration fed three times daily to hens with moderate 

 exercise, would make a good laying ration ; fed to the same hens without 

 exercise, it would be a fattening ration. Some feeders do use a variety of 

 rations, but, except for forcing, their extra work is latjor lost. 



141. Different Rations for Different Classes of Fowls. Some 

 experienced feeders can use the same ration for Leghorns, Plymouth Rocks, 

 and Brahmas, and get uncommonly good results from all ; some find it 

 necessary to use quite different rations more so than to make differences for 

 the same breed for special purposes. Those mentioned first are more skillful 

 feeders, have better judgment as to how much to feed. Beginners who keep 

 several varieties will find it better, at least at first, to use a rather bulky, 

 nitrogenous ration for fowls prone to lay on fat ; a more carbonaceous ration 

 for the active, energetic breeds. Many people many good feeders are 

 a little too automatic in their work to handle several breeds, of different 

 classes, at the same time with good results from all. 



