CHAPTER XXV 



Molting 



I wish to say a few words here in regard to molting 

 especially on a yarded plant, for on a free-range plant 1 

 believe in keeping them laying right through the molt, 

 for, as a rule, when they have practically their entire 

 new coat, they will in most cases stop laying and take a 

 rest, for a hen must have a rest and time to build up. 

 For, as a rule, on a free-range plant, when you continue 

 your harrowing and sowing oats you can keep your birds 

 laying pretty well all through. October and November, 

 when they will drop off and have their rest, then you 

 should have your pullets under full head way if you are 

 in the market egg business. But if you depend on sell- 

 ing eggs for hatching, then I advise you to let your hens 

 have their rest during November and December, and get 

 them under full headway in January, then you will pro- 

 duce eggs that will hatch, and if other things are favor- 

 able, your eggs should run 90 to 95 per cent, fertile from 

 January i on, and hatch equal to eggs laid in March and 

 April, providing your hens are fed under my system 



Now, in caring for a yarded plant, you will find your 

 hens will slack off heavy during July and August, and 

 during September, October and November you will get 

 but few eggs from the large breeds, and, as a rule, all 

 things considered, taking the eggs you get in considera- 

 tion and getting your stock in the best possible condition 

 for winter eggs, I advise keeping your hens on nothing 

 but processed oats and beef scraps, for this will put them 

 through the earliest molt of anything I have ever tried, 

 and your oats should contain sprouts one-half inch long 

 for this, and will cost you about 12 cents per bushel. You 

 will also be surprised at the amount of eggs you will get 

 during this period. 

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