CARE OF THE FUTURE LAYERS 269 
For this reason a poultryman producing eggs commercially must 
make a careful study of egg types and grades, as well as of market 
conditions, in order to solve these questions intelligently. 
Care of the Future Layers.—During the growing season 
of the pullets which are being raised for future layers, great care 
must be exercised to keep them growing uniformly from hatching 
to maturity, as a check or setback will cause them to mature 
too late for winter laying. They should be brought to maturity 
as rapidly as is consistent with normal development and body 
growtL. Development is best promoted by free range with an 
abundance of shade and green feed. At all stages of their growth 
dry mash should be within reach, as it allows the birds an equal 
chance to obtain the nutrients they require. Maturity should be 
reached within six to eight months from the time of hatching, this 
depending upon the breed, the Leghorn being one of the earliest 
to mature. All birds depended upon for winter egg production 
should be brought to the laying age by the middle of October at 
the latest, or before extremely cold weather sets in. It is often 
possible, by varying the amount and character of feed and the 
mode of feeding, to mature all birds, even though of different 
hatchings, at approximately the same time by giving them forcing 
or retarding mashes. It is not desirable to mature birds too early 
in the fall (previous to September 1), as they are apt to molt 
the same season, in which case they will not be profitable for winter 
egg production. On the other hand, maturity should not occur 
too late, since the advent of cold weather retards it for from two 
to three months. It is best to endeavor to get a maximum egg 
yield of at least twenty-five per cent by the first or middle of 
November at the latest. If such a yield is secured it is very easy 
to maintain it or increase it during the winter by proper manage- 
ment. On the other hand, if the egg yield is small in November 
it will be nearly impossible to obtain a profitable yield from the 
birds during the next three months. 
In Winter Laying Quarters Early—The pullets should be put 
in their winter quarters at least a month before they are expected 
to commence laying, for two reasons: (1) In order that they may 
become accustomed to their quarters, for birds are very susceptible 
to changes in environment, and will not produce the maximum 
number of eggs if changed about from pen to pen. (2) It is much 
easier for the poultryman to study his birds, watch their ultimate 
maturity more closely, and, if need be, vary the food to suit 
