FEEDING A LITTLE FLOCK 55 



organs, but when one considers that a hen drinks 

 only about a teaspoonful at a time, one may judge 

 that this chilling is not a very serious matter, after 

 all. It is quite possible that the hen enjoys sipping 

 warm water in the morning just as some human be- 

 ings do, and everything which tends to make the hen 

 comfortable and happy helps to promote egg pro- 

 duction. 



Truth to tell, the getting of eggs depends to a 

 very large extent upon keeping the hens in a con- 

 tented state of mind. Worry a hen or change her 

 surroundings and observe how quickly she will cease 

 to lay. By the same token, then, it is worth while 

 taking care that the flock has cool, fresh water at 

 least twice a day in Summer. It is an advantage to 

 have the water dish in a shaded place outside the 

 house and an iron or earthenware dish will help to 

 keep the water palatable. 



The use of deep litter has been mentioned, but 

 the subject is worthy of elaboration. Hens must 

 have exercise and there is no better way of com- 

 pelling them to take it than to scatter the grain in 

 several inches of straw, shredded corn stalks, hay 

 or leaves on the floor of the poultry house. As the 

 litter becomes packed down, more should be thrown 



