58 



FEEDING OF FOWLS 



that is largely indigestible will seriously injure those 

 that eat it. It is possible for chicks and full-grown 

 fowls to dwindle away with their crops stuffed full of 

 indigestible material. The fact that a fowl's crop is 

 distended with food is no proof that it has been well 

 fed. Hence, the only actual proof of the value of any 

 particular feed for fowls lies 

 in the results that are ob- 

 tained from it. 



As a part of the daily ra- 

 tion, water is equal in im- 

 portance to grain. Without 

 water, the food would not be 

 softened in the crop and di- 

 gestion would not go on. 

 Blood, eggs, and meat are all 

 largely water; even the bones 

 and muscles are dependent on 

 moisture for growth. Pure 

 BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCK water is an absolute necessity 

 FEMALE f r poultry; if the drinking 



water is tainted, putrid, or 



contaminated with germs, disease is sure to follow its 

 use. A gallon of fresh water each day is not too 

 much for 2 doz. hens. A plentiful supply of pure water 

 from which they can help themselves must be constantly 

 kept within reach of fowls. 



The composition of fowls and fresh eggs is shown 

 in the accompanying table. The large percentage of 

 water in them emphasizes the necessity for a plentiful 

 supply of water. 



Cost of Protein in Poultry Foods. As protein is the 

 most expensive food principle that has to be bought, 

 and as there is a variation of several hundred per cent, 

 between the cost of protein in some foods as compared 

 with others, care should be taken in the purchase of 

 foods for the supply of this valuable food principle. The 

 accompanying table will aid in selecting feeds for 

 their protein value. The feeds are arranged in the 



