PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



Rations I, II, and III are designed to be used in the order 

 suggested. Note that the same mash mixture answers for all 

 three rations. By following the system here given the chicks 

 are provided with nourishing food, make rapid growth, and 

 are early brought to a ration of whole grains. If milk is given 

 it may be sweet skim milk, which is the most convenient for 

 all seasons. It should be placed before the chicks in the 

 morning and removed at noon, to be followed by water in the 

 afternoon. Succulent green food should be supplied after the 

 second day. A hopper containing chick size charcoal, chick 

 grit and granulated bone should be accessible at all times. 

 The granulated bone will furnish the ash needed for the de- 

 velopment of bone and other tissues. 



Fine charcoal should be added to all the mashes, about six 

 pounds to 100 pounds of mash. No grit should be given except 

 in the hopper, but in ration No. Ill one-half pound of salt may 

 be added to each 100 pounds of mash. The salt must be fine 

 and free from lumps. These rations have been developed on 

 the understanding that chicks will eat equal quantities of 

 scratch feed and mash. Their own instincts and appetites 

 will help them balance their ration if given the opportunity. 

 Succulent feed should not be neglected, sliced potatoes, beets, 

 dandelion leaves, tops of sprouted oats, lettuce, mustard or 

 Swiss chard. 



Ration No. IV. From baby chick to maturity. Nutritive ratio 1 : 4.5. 



The above ration can be used from the first day, but it 

 would be well to start the chicks on rolled oats or bread and 

 hard boiled egg for the first two days. The directions given 

 above regarding milk, charcoal, granulated bone, grit and 

 green feed should not be overlooked. If the chicks have free 

 range, the supply of green feed can be limited. Green feed will 



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