To Help the Molt 79 



Now, this is where so many people tail in getting a quick, even 

 molt, they serve as much, if not more of the mash feed to the molt- 

 ing hens than to those that are not molting. This makes flesh but 

 not feathers, and during the molt feathers are at a premium. Raw 

 ground bone, if it can be had, can be served once a day to advantage, 

 and also a little mash every other day will help, but the idea is not to 

 crowd the system with carbo-hydrates. I do not mean to say that 

 the hens should be deprived of them altogether, but that protein 

 comes first and carbo-hydrates last. Sunflowers possess oil and 

 minerals both and they can be fed in small quantities at first, increas- 

 ing as the demand for new feathers increases. Green feed contains 

 more mineral than any other form of feed, perhaps, except animal 

 food, so the more green feed the chickens eat, the quicker will they 

 get over the molt and be back to laying. The molt is, at least, a long, 

 profitless period for the poultry raiser and if the unproductive period 

 can be lessened it will surely be of great benefit to all. 



It must be kept in mind that lice and mites are no aids to a quick 

 molt. The hens must be kept clean and their roosting quarters be 

 both clean and well ventilated. If these things are looked after your 

 hens will be back to laying in sixty days without fail. 



