FEEDING AND CARE OF POULTRY 395 



to secure bugs and worms that they do not overeat of the hopper- 

 fed grain. The laying hens prefer the scratching grain fed in the 

 litter to the finely ground dry mash fed in the hopper, and usually 

 eat only enough of the latter to piece out the allowance of scratch- 

 ing feed. 



Feeding and watering should always be done at regular times for 

 all classes of poultry. At the customary feeding hour the birds will 

 congregate at the place of feeding, waiting for the appearance of the 

 feeder. If feeding time is long delayed, they become irritated and 

 tend to eat less, which cuts down production. 



Supplying a considerable variety of feeds stimulates the appetite 

 and encourages the consumption of a large amount of feed. At least 

 two grains should preferably be given in the scratch feed and three 

 different feeds in the mash, in addition to green feed, and such animal 

 feed as meat scrap or milk. All feeds should be sound and wholesome, 

 as stale, moldy feeds often cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, and other 

 digestive disorders. Also, feeds should always be given in clean 

 litter, troughs, and hoppers. 



QUESTIONS 



1. How doeb the hen compare in efficiency of food production 'with other live 

 stock? 



2. Tell how the digestive system of poultry differs from that of other farm 

 animals. 



3. Discuss the nutrient requirements of poultry. 



4. What forms of mineral matter are fed to poultry and why? 



5. Discuss the requirements of poultry for animal food, salt, water, and char- 

 coal. 



6. Describe the kind of poultry house you would build. 



7. Why is mash commonly fed to poultry? 



8. What is the value of green feed for poultry? 



9. Describe the various types of fowls. 



10. Tell how you would feed laying hens. 



11. Give an example of a good laying ration. 



12. Describe the structure of the egg. 



13. What points are of special importance in selecting the flock? 



14. Discuss (a) saving eggs for hatching; (b) incubation; (c) hatching eggs 

 with hens; (d) brooding chicks with hens; and (e) artificial brooding. 



15. How would you feed (a) chicks; (b) pullets; (c) fattening cockerels? 



16. Tell about the feeding (a) of young ducks; (b) laying ducks; (c) geese; 

 (d) turkeys. 



