228 



COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



for a fall planting, because it will germinate in cold weather, 

 following which the sprouts are available in the early spring, 

 weeks ahead of any other crop, except wheat, which can be used 

 for the same purpose. 



Oats and peas sown together, with a thin sprinkling of clover 

 and rape seed, make a good planting for poultry pasture. The 

 oats and peas furnish the first growth of greens, and serve to 

 protect the more delicate shoots of the clover and rape. The 



latter will grow late into the 

 fall, and so long as the crown 

 of the rape plants is not de- 

 stroyed, they will continue to 

 bear foliage in abundance, 

 which is much relished by 

 fowls of all ages. 



If fowls are not accustomed 

 to unlimited quantities of 

 green food, it must be fed with 

 more or less caution at first, 

 especially rye pasture, or the 

 birds are likely to develop a 

 mild form of diarrhea. 



Turning fowls out on pas- 

 ture is the easiest way to fur- 

 nish greens, but unless the 

 pasture is given an oppor- 

 tunity to obtain a strong 

 growth, the birds will quickly 

 destroy it. To overcome this, 

 the practice is to have two or more yards, and to use them 

 successively. Or the greenstufifs can be cut with a scythe or 

 mower, raked up and fed to the birds inside their houses. If this 

 method is followed, the greens must be fed in small quantities, 

 once or twice a day, to keep them fresh. As soon as they wilt 

 they are- not eaten with any degree of relish. 



The best grasses to sow for permanent poultry pasture are 



(Courtesy U. S. Dep't Agriculture) 



Fig. 145. — Commercial fattening plant, 

 well lighted and ventilated. 



