98 FIB ST LEjyONS IN POULTKl' KEEPING. 



that is, quite bare of feathers, and not laying, in September and October, though often hens 

 that keep ou laying iu the fall do not get right down to growing the new plumage until 

 November. 



Rations for Molting Hens. 



The food requirements of the molting hen do not ditter materially from those of the laying 

 hen. Some authorities prescribe rations rich in protein and low in fats, as containing in better 

 proportion the elements required for feather production. 



I began by using such rations, but soon discovered that my hens molted better, growing a 

 much better and glossier coat of feathers it fed a ration rich in fats. Experience in this respect 

 has been the same with hens molting in midsummer, and those molting in late fall, except that 

 the hens molting in summer molted much more quickly and often laid continuously right 

 througli the molt. Tor many years my method of feeding molting hens has been : — 

 Morning .—TAish as in Mash No. 1, Lesson I., but nearly half corn meal. 

 Noon.— (or all day feed) — Wheat or barley broadcasted in the yards. 

 Evening.— Crdc)xe<l corn scattered in the yards, followed just before the hens go to roost 



by as much more cracked corn, fed either in troughs or handfuls ou the ground. 

 Cabbage before the foxcls all the time. 

 Generally hens do not all molt alike. Some molt quickly, others slowly. It is a good plan, 

 whenever practicable, to keep them sorted over, and have all hens in one pen or lot very nearly 

 In the same condition. 



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