CHAPTER LI 



MOULTING 



MOULTING TIME is the most trying period of the 

 year. Hens require special attention during this 

 changing of plumage. The hens will stop laying, 

 but they deserve this much needed rest, every living 

 creature is entitled to some rest during the year. 

 Being scant on feathers, they should be provided 

 with good shelter, to protect them from exposure. 

 If this is not provided, roup and other diseases may 

 be expected. 



It is always desirable to have the fowls start 

 their molting as early as possible, so that they will 

 be through before the colder weather sets in. Those 

 molting early and getting through with it before the 

 fall storms will be the early winter layers. 



As soon as the hens start losing their feathers, 

 the heavy grain diet should be cut down and more 

 green food should be fed, green food having a ten- 

 dency to loosen the feathers. Do not be worried 

 about the hens being hungry, it will do them good 

 to lose a little of their surplus flesh. Sunflower 

 seed will also assist them in molting, and will 

 brighten up the new feathers in the colored varie- 

 ties. A little Epsom salts in the drinking water once 

 or twice a week will keep them in good condition. 



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