PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 

 Feeding the Breeding Stock 



It is not customary to make any distinction between the 

 utility layers and the breeders in the matter of feeding, but 

 where eggs are to be sold for hatching, or the poultry keeper 

 wishes to raise a large supply of breeding stock, the care and 

 feeding of the foundation stock are certainly important. 



Where stock is to be used solely for the production of 

 market eggs, forced feeding should be used for the first year or 

 iwo, and then they should be fattened for market. In the case 

 of breeding stock, however, where vigorous offspring are de- 

 sired too much forcing may bring disaster. Whole grains are 

 indicated, and the mash should not be too rich in protein. Ra- 

 tion No. VII is recommended. 



This is a wide ration and will probably bring the breeding 

 stock to laying condition about the ISth of February. This 

 is about the time when the farmer begins to think of filling 

 the incubator. His flock has not been weakened by forced 

 feeding for eggs, but is in the pink of condition. 



How to Feed During the Molt 



For the formation of feathers a ration rich in nitrogen is 

 required. Ration No. IX (page 51) is advised. It should 

 follow the summer ration, beginning about the first of Septem- 

 ber and continuing till the last of November. If the fowls are 

 confined, the usual allowance of succulent feed and ash should 

 be provided. 



Feeding for the Market 



Capons, surplus cockerels and' culls from the laying flock 

 should not be shipped to market without conditioning. Even 

 confinement in a room with whole corn, water and grit would 

 be better than no conditioning at all. If Ration No. X (page 

 51) is used quick results will be obtained. 



The crate method of feeding, with slatted bottoms to insure 

 cleanliness, and a feeding trough outside the crate, is a com- 

 mon method of feeding. A small room with litter and an 

 elevated platform for the feeding trough and other vessels 

 will answer as well. The mash' should be given three times 

 a day, all that the fowls will consume in twenty minutes. As 

 soon as the fowls are fat, market promptly. In crate fattening 

 Leghorns, provision should be made for exercise or the re- 

 sults will be disappointing. 



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