76 POULTRY 
In this formula the amount of meat 
scraps should be reduced to fifty pounds if 
milk is fed. See paragraphs on feeding milk. 
Scratch-feed Formula. The scratch- 
feed formula which is recommended is com- 
posed of equal parts by weight of cracked 
corn, whole oats, and whole wheat. 
Increased Amounts in Winter. It will 
be noted from the above tables that con- 
siderably more scratch feed is given to the 
birds in winter. The reason for this is readily 
understood, since the scratch feed furnishes 
the body maintenance of fat and fuel. 
Naturally, more fat and fuel are used in cold 
weather than are used in warmer weather. 
Further, if, as winter comes on, the birds 
do not get an increased quantity of scratch 
feed, they will use up all the body reserve of 
fat by laying too many eggs in proportion to 
their capacity and their maintenance ration. 
Presently they will become thin, will shed 
their feathers, and will stop laying. This 
period of nonproduction will last from three 
weeks to three months. Whereas, if the 
body weight of the birds is maintained during 
cold weather by feeding an increased quan- 
