FEEDING PRACTICES AND APPLIANCES 399 



and if done far enough in advance will result in the grow- 

 ing of a new coat of feathers in time for the early winter 

 shows. 



It is a matter of common knowledge that hens usually 

 stop laying while going tlirough their general molt in the 

 fall, and do not l)egin again until along toward si)ring. 



The question is frequently raised whether hens cannot be 

 induced to begin laying in the late fall or early winter by 

 forcing the molt so that it will be well over by that time. 



In extensive experiments carried on by Rice, Rogers, and 

 Nixon' they found that starved hens produced less eggs 

 after the molt was complete and produced them at a greater 

 cost per dozen than with hens fed normally. Mairs- also 

 found that the net result of forced molting was against the 

 practice. 



It is sometimes considered that as long as egg production 

 ceases during the molt the feed may be cut down. Yoit (as 

 quoted by Lusk^) showed that the metabolism of a pigeon 

 may be doubled after removing its feathers. In a late 

 general molt when the weather is cold, it seems reasonable 

 to suppose that this condition is somewhat approached by 

 hens. This certainly does not call for a diminution in the 

 heat-supplying foods. The feathers themselves are largely 

 protein, and demand a generous supply of protein for their 

 growth. 



It is considered good practice to furnish an extra amount of 

 oil\' feeds such as old-process oil meal, or sunflower seeds, 

 and an abundance of granulated bone to furnish phosphates. 



Feeding Breeding Hens. — "The hens selected for breeding 

 should not be forced either for rapid growth or egg production. 

 In the early weeks they are fed, just as the others are, for 

 growth, health, and vigor. When the special feeding for 

 rapid growth or fattening of broilers begins, and also later 

 when the laying stock is being pushed toward egg production, 

 the breeding stock should be allowed to develop more slowly. 

 It is better for the vigor of the progeny that they should 

 lay fewer eggs and these of a high degree of vitality. Theii- 



' Cornell Bulletin No. 258. ' Pennsylvania Bulletin No. 87. 



- Science of Nutrition. 



