Conclusions 



1. Large breeds in general eat more than small ones during the grow- 

 ing period, 



2. Early hatched chickens grow faster than late hatched ones. 

 April first seems to be a desirable time for hatching in the northern 

 and middle states. 



3. The amount of feed required to produce a pound of gain in- 

 creases as the chicks approach maturity. 



4. Between the ages of 6 and 13 weeks, they require from 4 to 45 

 pounds of feed to produce a pound of gain. Between the age of 13 

 and 26 weeks they require 4| to 5| pounds of feed to produce a pound 

 of gain. 



5. Chicks forced when young do not make so rapid a growth as they 

 approach maturity as those fed moderate rations. 



6. Chicks weighing less than one pound seem to grow faster on a 

 wet mash ; those weighing a pound and a half or more do best on dry 

 feed. 



7. The loss among chicks on wet mash is greater than among those 

 on dry feed, even when weighing less than one pound each. 



8. Eggs set about April first seem to produce the highest per cent of 

 chicks. 



Early pullets should begin to lay not later than November first 

 and continue through the winter. 



If yearling hens lay well during the summer, they are not apt to do 

 so well in the winter. 



Hens are not regarded profitable after they are 2| years of age. 



The Hen House 



The hen house, whether it is a continuous house or a colony, should 

 be built on high, dry ground if possible. A sandy loam is more prefer- 

 able than a heavy clay, for the reason that it is not apt to remain cold 

 and damp. The house should if possible front the south in order to be 

 warm during the winter time, and it should be so constructed that the 

 rays of the sun will at some time during the day strike all parts of the 

 interior. The chicken house should be well ventilated. 



If the ground is dry, a dirt floor is sufficient. A cement floor is more 

 preferable than any other kind for the reason that it can at all times be 

 kept clean and free from vermin. Board floors are not desirable. 



The foundation should be made of concrete and deep, in order to 

 keep out rats. 



The inside of the house should be made of well-matched boards or 

 plastered in order that it can be kept free from vermin. 



The nests should be detachable so that they can be taken out occa- 

 sionally and sunned and cleaned. Each chicken should be given three 



