SYSTEM OF FEEDING 213, 
sought. All systems have been analyzed carefully and will fall 
under one of the four following combinations: (1) Trough feeding 
of wet mash; (2) hopper feeding of dry mash; (3) scratch feeding 
of cracked grains; (4) hopper feeding of cracked grains. 
Combinations of two or more of these are often used, and 
undoubtedly give better results than the exclusive use of any 
one alone. 
Trough Feeding of Wet Mash.—This system is recommended 
for use where a small number of birds is to be fed, and only when 
it is possible to devote considerable time and attention to them. 
It may also be used when it is desired for some reason to force for 
an increased production, as in the case of adult birds which are 
laying poorly; to hasten maturity, as in the case of late-hatched 
pullets; during very cold winter weather, when it is desired to 
give the birds increased warmth by feeding them mashes mixed 
with hot water; it is also recommended for fattening purposes, 
especially for the finishing period. 
Advantages.—When care is used and this ration is fed properly, 
it is probably a little more productive of results, as the birds are 
induced to eat more. 
Disadvantages—More labor is required in mixing and feeding; 
if not fed with a great deal of care, and if allowed to become sour 
or moldy, it may produce indigestion and diarrhcea. If the 
troughs are not very large, it does not give each bird an equal 
chance. This method requires constant attention to the details 
of feeding, careful watching of the condition of the birds, and the 
practising of absolute cleanliness. 
General Usage-——This method is deuaity practised on small 
farms where flocks are small, and where there is sufficient time for 
the feeder to do the work properly. It is sometimes used on large 
plants in connection with dry mash during the winter. It is always 
practised in the fattening of poultry. 
Hopper Feeding of Dry Mash.—This method is one of the 
best in the feeding of large flocks when it is desired to lessen the 
amount of labor, and especially in feeding concentrated parts of 
the ration to laying hens. One important factor in the hopper 
feeding of dry mash is that a successful hopper be used. The 
essential factors of a desirable hopper are given in Chapter VIII. 
Advantages——When dry mash is fed in the right kind of a 
hopper, it saves much labor. The diet itself is very helpful from 
the standpoint of digestion. It does not require such careful 
