Hubbard's poultry secrets. 41 



until they reach maturity ; but they should have at least four 

 months of free range over fresh ground each year, if possi- 

 ble, as they vi'ill make better breeders and better show birds. 

 There is a certain amount of goodness that they get from the 

 earth for which man has never discovered an equal. It, there- 

 fore, can readily be seen that chickens which are raised on 

 fresh ground each year grow much better than those raised 

 on the same piece of ground each year. Of course, we can't 

 all have fresh ground on which to raise our growing chickens 

 each year, but for best results, we must turn it over at least 

 once a year. 



The best time to give growing chickens free range is at the 

 age of two months. By that time, they will be strong and 

 well feathered out, provided they have been fed, cooped, and 

 yarded by the method described in this book. 



For instance, chickens that are hatched the first of April, 

 should be kept in their coops and runs until the first of June ; 

 after that, give them free range until the first of October. At 

 that time, cockerels and pullets should be separated and put 

 into their winter breeding pens and yards. By mating, feed- 

 ing and conditioning as explained in the following chapters, 

 there should be some chance in the show room for the owner 

 of the chickens. 



NORWICH AUTOMATIC EXERCISER AND FEEDER. 



Above you will find a cut of the Norwich Automatic Ex- 

 erciser and Feeder which I consider one of the greatest labor 

 saving devices that was ever put on the market. In fact, it 

 would be impossible for me to do all the work on Foxhurst 

 Farm alone if it were not equipped with these Feeders. They 

 are not only a labor saving device, but when properly regulated 



