64 



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 

 ROCK water is an absolute necessity 

 for 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 



COMPOSITION OF FOWL AND EGG 



BARRED PLYMOUTH 

 FEMALE 



