26 POULTRY BREEDING IN 



3d. As soon as they begin to roost on perches, they 

 can be removed to a poultry-home, say about thirty to 

 each home. 



4th. When the cockerels can be distinguished from 

 the pullets, they should be penned up separate. From 

 this stock the breeding and laying stock will be selected 

 to replace old ones. 



5th. The feeding of chickens ought to take place not 

 less than three times a day, and be of a liberal kind, 

 with plenty of finely-chopped green vegetables, and an 

 occasional supply from the vermin nursery, but no 

 meat should be given. 



6th. Occasionally a little flour of sulphur and oxide 

 of iron mixed with their food will keep them in good 

 health, also sulphate of iron and lime water in their 

 drink. The same is applicable for all kinds of poultry. 



The Laying of Eggs 



Takes place in the morning during the summer 

 months, and gradually later in the day as the winter 

 approaches, until moulting time arrives, when the hens 

 cease laying till they have their new feathers, which 

 takes about two months. 



Although a hen can only lay a determined number 

 of eggs during her lifetime, yet her laying may be 

 stimulated by an appropriate diet (see Food), as also 

 by a genial temperature kept in the poultry-home. 



It has been satisfactorily proved that under such cir- 

 cumstances a hen will lay at least thirty eggs more 

 during the winter months, a time when they are most 



