FEEDING POULTRY 



349 



of the body renewed vigor and force. It is this very beneficial tonic 

 effect that makes green feed such a valuable adjunct to the diet. 

 When plenty of greens are fed there is also a reduction in the amount 

 of grain and mash eaten. The West Virginia Experiment Station 

 found that fowls that were fed no green feed ate more grain and 

 animal feed and produced less eggs than hens that were fed all the 

 green stuff they wanted. 



The green feeds that are most valuable in securing results 

 and are relished most by the fowls are the young and tender blades 

 of grass, young alfalfa, kale, chard, rape, etc. Green forage crops, 



Fig. 102. — The value of green feed in poultry feeding. Fowls feeding on greens to left; 

 those in bare yard to right eagerly striving to reach greens. (California Station). 



grasses and vegetables are more tender and juicy when young than 

 after they have developed strong woody stalks and begun to form 

 seed. 



During the growing months fresh, tender, green stuff in the 

 shape of alfalfa, fresh lawn clippings, rape, green alfalfa, or grass- 

 covered range (Fig. 102) can easily be secured. A range covered 

 with a green crop on which the flock can pasture is undoubtedly 

 the most desirable but is not always feasible. The next best way is 

 to run a quantity of fresh green stuff through a feed cutter every 

 day and feed it at noon. A handful for every five fowls is about 

 the proper amount to feed. Give them all they will eat up clean, 

 is always the rule. Since fresh cut greens quickly wilt and become 



