FEEDING FOR WINTER EGGS 63 



Rocks are the ones that make the winter layers of that 

 breed. The Leghorns are all right hatched in April and 

 May as they mature sooner. Keep them growing, do not 

 let them get stunted for they never fully recover from it. 



I have never found > it difficult to get eggs in winter. 

 When I have done my part, as I should, biddie has always 

 done hers. I know when I am not bringing in the much 

 •desired basket of eggs that some of the necessary ration 

 has been neglected. A hen can no more lay eggs without 

 the necessary material for their production than a cow 

 <;an give milk if fed on dry hay alone. 



Look well to what you feed, and how you feed it, and 

 watch results. I have had very satisfactory results from 

 the following method of feeding during the short cold days 

 in winter. At about three P. M., I feed warm grain which 

 is principally wheat, with barley and corn at times for a 

 change, in sufficient quantity to answer for supper and 

 •early breakfast. Then about nine A. M. they get a warrri 

 luncheon, which consists of one-fourth cut clover, scalded 

 and steamed over night, one eighth corn meal, one eighth 

 .shorts, one fourth cut vegetables. One fourth grcon bone, 

 ground, goes with this three times a week; the oth^r ihroc 

 days I add enough shorts, corn meal and bran oo ^rJce its 

 place and moisten with milk if I have it, if not, water. I 

 make it crumbly, not soft. Sundays this is omiiuod and a 

 variety of grain takes its place. This to shorten as much 

 as may be the time required to do the work of caring for 

 the flock on the first day of the week and omitting the 

 mash seems to have no bad effect. 



There are many little details in the care of the biddies. 

 that must not be neglected; see to it that they are free from 

 vermin that worry and torment them if allowed to live; 

 you cannot have many eggs and lice at the same time. Give 

 them plenty of clean water with the chill taken off, all the 

 grit, oyster shell and charcoal they want. All grain should 

 be fed in a litter; straw or leaves are excellent for this ma- 

 terial. They need exercise or they will get fat and lazy. 

 Last but not least, are the houses. They need not be ex- 

 pensive, but warm and comfortable, with plenty of sunlight 

 and fresh air, but no drafts. Do not make the mistake of 



