WITH 4200 HENS 127 



The term "Feed" as used in this connection is a mis- 

 nomer to this extent — we include the cost of disinfec- 

 tants and litter used. 



Allowance must be made for the fact that we buy in 

 large quantities. But we do not speculate on the grain 

 market — our feed is bought from month to month as 

 needed. 



Sprouting Oats 



The oats are soaked in wooden pails overnight and are 

 then spread in wooden boxes having sides and ends 6 

 inches high. In cold weather the grain is piled up in 

 one end of the box and is heavily blanketed with sacks 

 at night/the boxes resting flat on the ground. It must be 

 kept moist but not soggy-wet. The box should be set 

 out of level so the surplus water will drain off. The grain 

 is stirred up each day. When the sprouts begin to show 

 it is thinned, out by spreading it in the box. In warm 

 weaAher it is piled up about 3 inches high at the start and 

 is gradually spread out. The grain is always covered 

 over with burlap which is kept moist. The boxes are 

 raised from the ground during warm weather and are 

 sheltered from the direct rays of the sun. 



Care must be exercised to keep the grain from heating 

 and spoiling. Nothing short of experience will demon- 

 strate how long it may lay and how thickly it may be 

 kept. In normal spring weather we allow it to lay about 3 

 days from the time it is put into the boxes. If a lot "goes 

 bad," in which event it will either show green mould or 

 l)ecome slimy, with a disagreeable sour odor, it is thrown 

 out. Spraying the boxes at intervals with the regular 



