260 



FEEDING 



is advisable to eliminate one-half of the cracked com and all 

 of the buckwheat (Fig. 145). During the summer a night 

 ration of equal parts of com, wheat, and oats will be ample 

 for the needs of the Leghorns. A good rule to follow in feed- 

 ing night rations is to give a little more than the birds will 

 eat so that there will be some left for them to work for in 

 the morning. 



One advantage of dry mash feeding as stated is that 

 the birds in large measure balance their own rations accord- 



FiG. 145. — The interest which this young man shows in his birds is written 

 all over his features and is shown by the gentleness of hia birds. These Barred 

 Plymouth Rocks are being fed their evening grain ration. 



ing to their particular tastes and requirements. Some suc- 

 culent material in addition to the grain rations is necessary 

 for the best results, and sprouted oats or mangel beets are 

 to be preferred. 



In conclusion it might be said that there is no such thing 

 as a best ration. Feeds to use and methods of feeding will 

 vary with location, season, and breed of fowl. The best 

 practice is to give a concentrated, well-balanced dry mash, 

 and keep it before the birds all of the time. This can be 



