100 CHICKS 



fattening process, which is scarcely more expensive for food 

 and labor than the ordinary food and care of the birds 

 Some Cockerels Fatten Better Than Others. 



The degree of success in the work of fattening depends 

 considerably upon the condition of the cockerels when the 

 process begins. Specimens that have been closely confined 

 and fed heavily do not fatten rapidly nor do those which 

 have been on a wide range and fed but little. The bird 

 which has been supplied with a well-balanced ration, in suf- 

 ficient quantity, since the time of its chickenhood will put 

 on flesh rapidly and well when attention is given to that work. 

 None but thoroughly healthy birds with power of digest- 

 ing well all the food given them will show the greatest gain. 

 A well-nourished cockerel of medium size should put on from 

 one and one-half to two pounds of weight in three weeks 

 and present, when plucked, a well filled and rounded car- 

 cass, healvily laid with firm meat with a reasonable amount of 

 fat. ■ 



Care of the Fattening Cockerels. 



There are three methods of fattening which are success- 

 ful if conditions are favorable. The fattening food may be 

 given when the chicks have free range and fair results ob- 

 tained. In most cases, however, the methods known 

 as "pen" and "crate" fattening are preferred. In pen 

 fattening the flock of birds is given a small pen under cover, 

 with a yard of medium area attaqhed, and is fed regularly 

 «ach day three meals of fattening food. As soon as they 

 have finished eating at each feeding time the feeding uten- 

 sils are removed, together with any food which is not con- 

 sumed. Water is kept constantly before them, and milk is 

 provided as a drink, if plentiful, in addition to its use 

 to mix the mash. Milk, however, will not take the place 

 of water, which must also be furnished. Everything con- 

 ducive to the comfort of the birds should be given atten- 

 tion. The quarters should be well ventilated and kept 

 scrupulously clean. Absolute freedom from lice and mites 

 is essential, for these pests not only suck the blood of the 

 cockerels, but constantly worry them. 



Crate fattening, so-called because the birds are confined 

 in small coops, or crates, where they have no chance to ex- 



