PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 





This is Billy Esgar and one of his roosters 



old. They averaged over two pounds and brought a little 

 over a dollar apiece. The chief difficulty with early hatching 

 is that the pullets mature so early that they are likely to 

 molt the first year, which spoils the November laying. We 

 can usually prevent that, however, by shutting off the feed 

 after the cockerels are marketed, letting the pullets range for 

 a living. That checks their development and in most cases 

 prevents molting the first year." 



Esgar has a large winter laying house with an open front. 

 It did not cost much, but it is as warm and comfortable as 

 the most expensive house built. The only openings are in 

 front. The open front gives plenty of ventilation without 

 drafts. 



The winter bill of fare is as follows : 



Morning — Whole oats scattered in the litter. 

 Noon — Sprouted oats and whole wheat. 

 Night — Cracked corn scattered in the litter. 



[229] 



