146 POULTRY BREEDING 
Maine Experiment Station has probably given as much 
study to the proper feeding of chicks as any other insti- 
tution, private or public, in this country. It should be 
understood that slight variations in methods do not 
usually produce serious results. One sort of grain may 
usually be substituted for another without seriously af- 
fecting results. For instance, if “pinhead” oatmeal is 
not available it may be left out of the ration, although its 
value is undisputed and it should be used if it is procura- 
ble at local stores. Broken rice usually can be secured 
in any town. If not, whole rice of the cheaper grades 
may be used. Cracked peas will probably be hardest to 
find in many localities. They are so valuable as a chick 
feed that they should be used if possible. Many poultry 
breeders seem to think it a waste of money to feed such 
costly feeds as “pinhead” oatmeal, cracked peas and 
broken rice. 
While these are comparatively costly the quantity 
needed by one chick during the time chicks are fed will 
be so small that the cost should not be considered. Their 
value has been established by those who breed enough 
poultry to make it an object for them to economize and 
they cheerfully pay the price for these feeds. The very 
poorest economy in raising young poultry is to try to 
save money by restricting the quantity or quality of feed 
which will produce the best results. Chicks will grow to 
maturity on very cheap and coarse feeds, but if they are 
deprived of any of the elements really needed to promote 
symmetrical and normal growth they will not be so valu- 
able as if given proper feeds. 
The Maine Experiment Station has paid much atten- 
tion to feeding fowls. We give its methods, as follows: 
Method 1.—Infertile eggs are boiled half an hour and 
