SYSTEM OF FEEDING 215 
General Usage.—Scratch feeding is used to supplement dry- 
mash feeding on large utility plants, and nearly every such flock 
of adult birds in the entire country is fed at some time of the day 
by this system. 
Hopper Feeding of Cracked Grains.—In some cases it is diffi- 
cult to secure good litter for the floor of the house, or it is desired 
to reduce labor of daily feeding; then it may be well to use large 
hoppers for feeding of cracked or whole grains. For growing chicks 
on the range, the feeding of cracked grains from self-feeding hoppers 
is a very common and efficient practice, greatly reducing the labor, 
and increasing efficiency. 
The advantages attendant on this method are the reduction of 
the labor item; and, where no litter is present, it causes the birds 
to exercise to a limited extent. 
Disadvantages.—Hoppers used for this purpose are usually of 
commercial types, and it is found in actual practice that 
they do not always work properly, which results in the birds 
being neglected. In some cases they feed too abundantly. It 
eliminates almost entirely the personal attention of the poultry- 
man, which is so essential. It does not provide enough physical 
exercise. 
General Usage.—This system is rarely used with laying stock, 
but is quite generally used on the range in the rearing of the grow- 
ing chicks. It is sometimes used on utility plants to supplement 
the night feeding of cracked grains in litter. 
The Best System.—For the average laying flock the best system 
to follow, both winter and summer, is a combination of scratch 
feeding of cracked grains in deep litter at night, and the hopper 
feeding of dry mash. This requires the least amount of labor 
consistent with the greatest efficiency and the proper personal 
attention. 
Simple Laying Rations.—Only laying rations will be discussed 
in this case. Rations for other purposes are given in the chapters 
that deal with those particular phases of the work. , 
New Jersey Rations—The following is the New Jersey dry 
mash, with the supplemental rations which are designed for the 
complete feeding of laying hens throughout the winter and the 
modifications necessary for summer feeding. 
The quality of the different brands of meat scrap is very vari- 
able, and should a lower grade with less protein and more fat be 
used it would raise the nutritive ratio slightly. 
