PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



Granulated bone is valuable not only for the mineral matter 

 it contains but for its protein. If supplied in a separate com- 

 partment of the hopper, the poultry keeper will realize its 

 value by the large amount consumed. It is especially valuable 

 as a part of. the egg-producing ration. 



Water is a mineral. It is a food because it enters into all 

 the tissues and structures of the body. It must be provided or 

 the fowl sickens and dies. It should be supplied fresh daily 

 in clean vessels and is especially needed to soften theifood after 

 a full crop is obtained of dry feed. 



Green Feeds 



Green feeds are greatly relished by poultry. The goose 

 subsists almost entirely lipon weeds and grasses during the 

 growing season. The same is true to a large extent with ducks 

 and turkeys. The value of green food in promoting health and 

 increasing egg-production is generally underestimated, and 

 too little effort made to provide it. It contains an abundant 

 supply of ash, and its proteid and carbohydrate nutrients are 

 in easily digested form. When it cannot be supplied in succu- 

 lent form it should be furnished in dry form. Some of the dry 

 forms are clover meal, alfalfa meal and dried beet pulp. 



Alfalfa meal can be purchased at supply houses and many 

 feed mills. If prepared from fresh green hay it makes a valu- 

 able substitute for green feed. Its abundant supply of ash and 

 other food elements makes it a desirable meal for the dry mash. 

 As a rule alfalfa is not relished by poultry when fed alone, but 

 as a part of the mash it is in favor, if used in limited quantity, 

 about 10 per cent of the total weight. 



Clover meal has about the same value as alfalfa. Alsike 

 clover makes a fine litter for laying hens. The leaves are eaten 

 greedily. 



Beets or mangel wurzels make a very desirable succulent 

 green food. They are greatly appreciated by the hens and 

 are eagerly devoured. They may be chopped fine and fed in 

 vessels or cut in slices and nailed to the wall. Beets contain 

 water-soluble C vitamine, but are especially valued for their 

 ash content. 



Other succulent 'feeds are cabbages, carrots, potatoes, 

 turnips, pumpkins, sprouted oats, sprouted rye, Swiss chard, 

 lettuce, dandelion leaves, etc. The poultry keeper should plan 

 in spring for his winter supply of succulent feed. A small 



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