CARE OF THE FUTURE LAYERS 269 



For this reason a poultryman producing eggs commercially must 

 make a careful study of egg types and grades, as well as of market 

 conditions, in order to solve these questions intelligently. 



Care of the Future Layers. During the growing season 

 of the pullets which are being raised for future layers, great care 

 must be exercised to keep them growing uniformly from hatching 

 to maturity, as a check or setback will cause them to mature 

 too late for winter laying. They should be brought to maturity 

 as rapidly as is consistent with normal development and body 

 growth. Development is best promoted by free range with an 

 abundance of shade and green feed. At all stages of their growth 

 dry mash should be within reach, as it allows the birds an equal 

 chance to obtain the nutrients they require. Maturity should be 

 reached within six to eight months from the time of hatching, this 

 depending upon the breed, the Leghorn being one of the earliest 

 to mature. All birds depended upon for winter egg production 

 should be brought to the laying age by the middle of October at 

 the latest, or before extremely cold weather sets in. It is often 

 possible, by varying the amount and character of feed and the 

 mode of feeding, to mature all birds, even though of different 

 hatchings, at approximately the same time by giving them forcing 

 or retarding mashes. It is not desirable to mature birds too early 

 in the fall (previous to September 1), as they are apt to molt 

 the same season, in which case they will not be profitable for winter 

 egg production. On the other hand, maturity should not occur 

 too late, since the advent of cold weather retards it for from two 

 to three months. It is best to endeavor to get a maximum egg 

 yield of at least twenty-five per cent by the first or middle of 

 November at the latest. If such a yield is secured it is very easy 

 to maintain it or increase it during the winter by proper manage- 

 ment. On the other hand, if the egg yield is small in November 

 it will be nearly impossible to obtain a profitable yield from the 

 birds during the next three months. 



In Winter Laying Quarters Early. The pullets should be put 

 in their winter quarters at least a month before they are expected 

 to commence laying, for two reasons: (1) In order that they may 

 become accustomed to their quarters, for birds are very susceptible 

 to changes in environment, and will not produce the maximum 

 number of eggs if changed about from pen to pen. (2) It is much 

 easier for the poultryman to study his birds, watch their ultimate 

 maturity more closely, and, if need be, vary the food to suit 



