102 POULTR?Y-CRAFT. 
them, the greatest possible variety should be introduced in feeding whole 
grain, (Not a great number of grains at the same time, but frequent changes 
made in the grains fed by way of variety). ‘‘ Finickyness” in eating is a bad 
trait ina fowl. In different places the feeding problem deals with slightly 
different assortments of foods. Wherever located, one soon finds that the list 
of articles he can profitably use in large quantities is short. 
4139. Changing Rations.— Once found, the ration which gives satis. 
factory results should be used as long as prices allow. If a change must be 
made in a staple article of a ration, it should—when possible— be made 
gradually. Radical changes in diet always have some bad effects, and if 
fowls have not been taught to eat what is set before them, it may be some 
days before they eat a new food as freely as they should. In the meantime 
their light feeding will have played the mischief with the egg yield. Fowls 
accustomed to eat a variety of grains will, of course, have their preferences, 
but will rarely exercise them to the length of going hungry if a favorite food 
is not forthcoming. Neither the refusal, at first, of the fowls to eat, nor the 
slight bowel troubles incident to a change, should prevent the use of a food it 
is clearly to the advantage of the poultryman to use, and which he knows 
others are using with good results. 
140. Feeding for Special Results. — Distinctions between ‘‘ rations for 
eggs,” ‘‘rations for growth,” ‘‘ maintenance rations,” ‘‘ fattening rations,” are 
rather misleading. The differences are not so much in the proportions of the 
foods as in the methods of preparing them, the form in which the food is 
given, the number of daily feeds, the quantities fed, and — most important — 
the conditions imposed on the fowls. A ration which, fed five times a day 
gives good hardy growth to chicks at liberty, will force, or even fatten chicks 
in confinement, though for quick fattening it would be too narrow. The 
same (in composition) ration fed three times daily to hens with moderate 
exercise, would make a good laying ration; fed to the same hens without 
exercise, it would be a fattening ration. Some feeders do use a variety of 
rations, but, except for forcing, their extra work is labor lost. 
141. Different Rations for Different Classes of Fowls.— Some 
experienced feeders can use the same ration for Leghorns, Plymouth Rocks, 
and Brahmas, and get uncommonly good results from all; some find it 
necessary to use quite different rations — more so than to make differences for 
the same breed for special purposes. Those mentioned first are more skillful 
feeders, have better judgment as to Low much to feed. Beginners who keep 
several varieties will find it better, at least at first, to use a rather bulky, 
nitrogenous ration for fowls prone to lay on fat; a more carbonaceous ration 
for the active, energetic breeds. Many people— many good feeders — are 
a little too automatic in their work to handle several breeds, of different 
classes, at the same time with good results from all. 
