POULTRY FOODS 205 



Charcoal. Charcoal is usually recommended for its medicinal 

 value. It is said to be a blood purifier and an absorbent of noxious 

 gases generated in indigestion. The practical poultry keeper usually 

 holds the same attitude toward charcoal as toward grit : it is inex- 

 pensive, and by keeping it before the birds he makes sure that 

 they get what they need. The occasional practice of feeding pow- 

 dered charcoal in a mash is not to be recommended. From con- 

 sideration of the properties claimed for charcoal it is obvious that 

 there can be little need of it when all conditions are favorable and 

 when the diet is right. 



