96 POULTRY FOR PROFIT 



I keep feed before my chicks all the time or feed 

 them only at certain times?" Where a moist mash 

 is given it is necessary, of course, that it be given 

 regularly at stated times and that the chicks' crops 

 be not already full when it is given, but the easiest 

 and safest method for a beginner is to keep the feed 

 always before the chicks, the dry mash in hoppers, 

 and the grain in the litter, so that the chicks may 

 be kept busy scratching. Where this method is fol- 

 lowed there is no reason why a moist mash should 

 not be given three times a day, care being taken 

 to feed only what the chicks will clean up in a few 

 minutes. 



There is little danger of overfeeding by the con- 

 tinuous method, and the weaker chick has then the 

 same chance as the stronger. 



All grain should be fed in deep litter so that the 

 chicks may have the exercise of scratching for it. 

 Leg weakness and other troubles are thus avoided. 

 All food and dishes should be clean. Never leave 

 wet mash standing. It soon sours and is then unfit 

 for food. Green feed should be fed at least once 

 a day after the first week. Chopped lettuce is best 

 at first. After a week, or whenever the chicks are 

 strong enough to tear it to pieces, a whole head of 

 lettuce may be given at once. Later Swiss chard or 

 beet leaves will do, but there is no green the little 

 chick likes so well as lettuce. Chicks that are on 

 range will soon find their own green feed, and they 

 are lucky if they have an alfalfa patch to run on. 



FEEDING LAYING HENS 



Two objects must be kept in view in feeding lay- 

 ing hens: (1) maintenance of bodily health and 

 vigor, (2) egg production. 



Maintenance of health is the first consideration, 



