CHAPTER XXIII 



THE FEEDING OF POULTRY 

 By William P. Wheeleb 



Under moderate climatic conditions some profit is 

 possible with poultry, oftener than with large animals 

 now, without very critical attention to the food-supply. 

 This is because much of the food natural to birds, and often 

 some of the best and cheapest, cannot be utilized except 

 as selected and foimd by the fowls themselves. It is 

 even necessary for the best results with certain species to 

 provide some approximation to the feeding habits of the 

 once wild parents. Nevertheless, artificial conditions must 

 be met for part of the year, and continued success cannot 

 be assured without full consideration of the essential 

 food requirements so far as they may be known. 



490. Food needs of birds intensive. — One pronounced 

 characteristic of birds is an intense vitality. Their life 

 is never sluggish. The growth of the young and the trans- 

 formation of food into eggs are exceedingly rapid. The 

 temperature is high, running with certain species from a 

 little above 100° F. to 112° or more. The energy expended 

 in this direction is proportionately great and material 

 for its supply is in m-gent demand; for a vigorous animal is 

 the seat of rapid metabolic change. The large appetite 

 is an indication of the extensive needs. The very active 

 digestive apparatus must be in good order and supplied 

 with eflacient food. 



The domestic fowls may be classed with the large 

 (399) 



