CHAPTER XIV 

 FEEDING 



The feeding operations on a poultry farm, large or small, con- 

 stitute the largest part of routine work. It is work that is done 

 every day, and several times a day. No other work must be 

 done so punctually and with such care as feeding. Feeding — • 

 promptly, properly and economically, makes for success or fail- 

 ure. It is one of the fundamentals of the enterprise. 



Need for System. — Before discussing the virtues of different 

 feeds and how to compound them in rations suitable for given 

 purposes, we will review some of the methods of handling feed 

 and placing it before the flocks. The facilities for storage and 

 distribution are highly important, and result either in needless 

 waste of time and labor, or in a corresponding saving of these 

 factors. It is to be deplored that so many farms fail to give this 

 subject the attention which it deserves, and no doubt a great 

 many failures might be attributed to this oversight. 



Simplicity of Operation. — The best feeding system is one that 

 reduces and simplifies the number of handlings and operations, 

 and at the same time renders the greatest ease and convenience 

 to the feeder. The first consideration is the location of the feed 

 storage. Obviously, this location should be a central one. The 

 feed house should be as nearly equidistant to the laying houses, 

 brooder houses and colony houses as it is possible to make it ; 

 not at one end of the group of buildings, which necessitates long 

 walks in getting the feed to the farthest houses. 



If a special feed house is to be built it is a simple matter to 

 locate this structure where it will have the fullest accessibility. 

 On large plants it may be found advisable to have two or more 

 feed houses, for in no other way is it possible to have the feed 



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