CHAPTER XXI 



WINTER EGG PRODUCTION 



It is a well known fact that hens which receive the 

 least care and attention will lay most of their eggs in 

 spring time, when conditions are most favorable for 

 egg production. It therefore behooves the poultry 

 keeper to study those conditions and endeavor to 

 supply the hens with the same conditions during the 

 colder and less favorable weather. 



During the warmer period of the year the fowls 

 get abundance of green food, many insects, plenty of 

 fresh air and exercise. By supplying the hens with 

 these same necessities for egg production during the 

 colder months we may obtain to a great degree the 

 same favorable conditions as for the springtime egg 

 yield. 



In order to sustain the vital forces in laying hens 

 during the cold weather, the daily rations must be 

 increased and more heat forming food must be sup- 

 plied, so that the fowls may be comfortable at night. 

 By giving the flock warm mashes or warm water it 

 is not necessary to feed quite so heavily, lessening, as 

 a matter of fact, the keep cost during the winter 

 months. 



For winter feeding scatter a variety of whole 

 grain on the litter each morning. This will produce 



1X2 



