FEEDING FOR FLESH 269 



was vigorous when put in the crate. The ration most used 

 is a mash, fed moist in a trough. There are usually three 

 or four feedings a day, according to the appetite of the birds; 

 as a rule the rations contain a good deal of com meal, oats, 

 and meat. The birds should not be kept in the crate longer 

 than three weeks. They will obtain their maximum weight 

 in from eighteen to twenty-one days, and after this time are 

 apt to lose slightly, owing to the close confinement and want 

 of appetite. 



Crate Fattening Ration. — The following ration has given 

 wonderful results in crate fattening. It should be mixed 

 as moist as possible with skim milk; if none of this is at hand, 

 water will answer the same purpose. It is best fed in pans 

 or water-tight troughs. No water should be given to the 

 birds during the fattening or finishing period, as the mash is 

 moist enough to supply all that is necessary. 



Fatlening Mash 

 Kinds o£ Feed Amount 



Com meal 40 pounds 



Wheat middlings 20 pounds 



Ground oats 20 pounds 



Beef scrap 20 pounds 



Total 100 pounds 



Where wet mashes are given, clean feeding is most essen- 

 tial. What remains in the feeding vessel is apt to become 

 sour, and affect the digestive system unfavorably. 



No mash should be left in the troughs between feeding 

 times. When the birds are not eating it is well to darken 

 the room to keep them quiet. 



Cramming. — Cramming, as the term implies, is forced or 

 artificial feeding. Feed is forced into the birds' crop either 

 by hand or by a specially constructed apparatus. Cramming 

 is not much practised in the United States, but has met 

 with marked success in England. 



The ration recommended for crate fattening can also be 

 used for cramming. All success in artificial feeding depends 



