156 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 



pullets, but he will be prepared to hatch out a fine 

 lot of chicks in the Spring. 



Plow or spade the garden and plant rye for the 

 hens to feed on in Winter. 



OCTOBER 



Leaves make cheap litter. It is a good plan to 

 gather many bags full and to store them in a dry 

 place. 



The pullets should be in their permanent quar- 

 ters by the first of this month, for it is poor policy 

 to move them after they commence laying. „ 



Start feeding rather more heavily and induce the 

 birds to eat dry mash freely. 



If the pullets are slow in laying, give them a warm 

 crumbly mash several times a week. If a daily 

 mash of table scraps is given, no stimulant will be 

 needed probably, but a teaspoonful of mustard to 

 the mash for 25 hens may be added. A little salt 

 is a help. Also, a handful of hemp seed may be 

 thrown into the litter once or twice a week. 



Keep litter in abundance on the floor and make 

 the pullets scratch for their grain. Exercise and 

 contentment are very important. 



Make note of the pullets which lay first, if pos- 



