214 PRACTICE OF POULTRY FEEDING 
study or attention on the part of the feeder, and it allows the birds 
themselves a greater freedom in arranging and balancing their 
own diet. It also allows of perfect cleanliness in feeding. 
Disadvantages.—This method is wasteful if not fed in the cor- 
rect type of hopper; for this reason great care should be used in 
the making or selection of a hopper. In some instances it has 
been noted that birds, not accustomed to dry-mash feeding for 
a considerable period, eat very little, and do not relish what 
they do eat. This can usually be corrected gradually, and at an 
early age. 
General Usage.—This system is in general use on large com- 
mercial plants. In most cases it is used to supplement the feeding 
of cracked grains in litter. It has supplemented or almost entirely 
taken the place of wet-mash feeding on all egg farms. 
Scratch Feeding of Ground Grains.—This method of feeding is 
very profitably used to supplement the feeding of dry or wet 
mashes. It may also be used as an exclusive ration when birds 
show excessive gain in weight, as it induces a larger amount of 
exercise. When it is desired to check maturity, this method is 
sometimes employed. To get the greatest benefit, the grains’ 
should be scattered in some good scratching material which should 
be clean and dry and four or more inches deep. It should be coarse 
enough to hide the feed, but not so coarse or bulky that the birds 
cannot move it by scratching to find the grains. Materials often 
used for this purpose are straw, shavings, cut corn fodder, and dry 
leaves. 
Advantages.—There are several advantages of this system of 
scratch feeding. It induces the birds to exercise, thus increasing 
circulation and keeping up vigor. It also keeps them in good flesh, 
especially in the case of old hens, by not allowing them to get too 
fat. It enables the attendant to study the condition of the birds. 
Considerable labor is required in feeding by this method, but the 
general practice of cutting down labor can be carried to an extreme 
by the use of too many automatic or labor-saving devices. This 
daily feeding of grain in litter offers one of the general methods 
whereby the feeder can keep in touch with his flock. 
Disadvantages.—During certain seasons of the year the litter 
may get damp and moldy. After drying, dust is increased in 
the house while the birds are scratching, and this is apt to cause 
the development of certain fungous diseases. This trouble can be 
avoided by the use of clean, sweet litter. 
