POULTRY FOR PROFIT 109 



is desirable, no beef scrap is needed. If not, 10 

 pounds of beef scrap is added to every 100 pounds of 

 the mash. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon a feeding of 

 the same mash moistened with sour milk is given, 

 all the birds will clean up in twenty or thirty min- 

 utes. 



It is very important that the pullets which are to 

 be the layers of the following winter be fed a whole- 

 some, nourishing ration, and have free range if pos- 

 sible. The egg organs cannot develop properly with- 

 out exercise, and the best exercise is that found on 

 free range. 



Leghorn pullets which have been properly fed and 

 cared for should begin laying at from five to six 

 months of age. Pullets of the heavier breeds, Rocks, 

 Reds, Wyandottes and Orpingtons, cannot be ex- 

 pected to begin before seven or eight months, though 

 I have had many Orpingtons that began at six 

 months and a few even earlier than that. Anconas 

 and other Mediterranean breeds begin, like the Leg- 

 horns, at six months or a little before. 



FEEDING MOLTING HENS 



Opinions differ in regard to the proper feeding of 

 molting hens, but the best practice makes little 

 change in the diet at this time. A little richer and 

 more stimulating ration is fed than at other times, 

 and a little more generous supply of food is given, 

 for the molting hen is manufacturing feathers and 

 must have material to work with. 



No change need be made while the birds are losing 

 their feathers. Many hens lay right along during 

 this period, and they should be allowed to lay as long 

 as they will. When the new plumage begins to grow 

 is a time of special strain, a time when protein and 

 oil are needed. Give the hen that is making feath- 



