43 



the same kind and amount of food. The total number of eggs- 

 produced per TOO hens in the warm house was 5,239, while in the 

 cold house 100 hens laid but 4,136 eggs in the same time,, a bal- 

 ance in favor of the warm house flock of 1,103 e g s worth in the 

 local market 24 cents per dozen, or $22.06. It is thus seen that 

 the additional expense for increasing the warmth of the house 

 was a very profitable investment." 



FEEDING FOR WINTER EGGS. 



Readers of the preceding chapter of this book will need no- 

 special instruction in the production of winter eggs, but it will do 

 no harm to repeat the substance of what I have said. To get 

 eggs in winter, or, indeed, at any season of the year, it is neces- 

 sary to feed generously. One cannot get something for nothing,, 

 and if one is to get plenty of eggs from his hens he must supply 

 them with the raw materials for egg making. "Overcrowding 

 and underfeeding are two serious hindrances to a good egg yield ; 

 but underfeeding is by far the more serious "hindrance to a profit- 

 able winter's work with the layers." So the second great rule for 

 winter eggs is: Give plenty of good wholesome food and give 

 variety, if you want winter layers. 



EGG FOODS AND TONICS. 



The question comes up in this connection as to the expediency 

 of using egg foods and tonics where winter eggs are wanted. On 

 the one hand there are some who recommend their use; on the 

 other there are those who unqualifiedly condemn. Theoretically,. 

 I suppose, it is better not to use them ; but, actually, they may be 

 used occasionally to good advantage. I suppose it would be bet- 

 ter for a man never to overwork, but to consume each day only so- 

 much energy as he made. But, as a matter of fact, there come 

 occasions into the life of every busy man when he is compelled to- 

 work 1 6 or 1 8 hours at a stretch, day after day, and draw upon 

 his reserve. Nature allows him to do this, but only on condition- 

 that he make up the deficit as soon as he can. Nature is like a 

 bank that allows a good customer occasionally to overdraw. It 

 will do no harm to stimulate, a healthy, well-grown bird a little 

 when eggs are high ; but to use stimulants and condition powders 

 habitually is to defeat the very purpose for which they are made 

 they either kill the hen or she becomes immune and no longer 

 responds. 



