204 



PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



by suspending them by means of a cord hung up in the poul- 

 try house while the beets are usually split and stuck on a 

 nail on the side wall near the floor. 



When oats are used for sprouting, they should be of a 

 good grade. Soak them over night in warm water and then 

 spread out H to 1 inch thick on trays having perforated 

 bottoms. Water the oats thoroughly each day and turn 

 the trays around, so as to bring each side near the light, 



in order to en- 

 courage an even 

 growth. Stir the 

 oats each day 

 until the sprouts 

 begin to form. 

 Artificial heat 

 should be sup- 

 plied in cool 

 weather usually 

 by means of a 

 kerosene lamp. 



Sprouted oats 

 can be fed any 

 time after the 

 sprouts are well 

 started, which 

 usually takes 

 from 5 to 7 days. 

 Clean and spray the trays occasionally with a disinfectant 

 to prevent the growth of mold. 



Oyster shell, grit, and charcoal. Oyster shell, grit, and 

 charcoal should be kept in a hopper before the hens con- 

 stantly. These materials are not expensive and are quite 

 necessary as a part of the ration. Oyster shell supplies 

 lime for bone and egji;shell construction, grit is necessary 



Figure 202. — Oat sprouting cabinet. In cool weatlier 

 heat is supplied by a kerosene lamp. 



