CHAPTER XV 



METHODS WITH LAYING HENS 



As the comb reddens, and the pullets rotmd out 

 into form, it is time to move them into the laying 

 house and get them familiar with their permanent 

 abode. This should be done fully two weeks 

 before they are expected to lay. 



Litter. — Litter of some sort should be spread 



thickly on the floor over a layer of coarse, sharp 



sand. In some locations it is not easy to get good 



sand. Gravel will do fairly well, but dirt or ashes 



will not. It is possible to get on without the sand 



or gravel, if a heavy coat of litter is provided. 



Coarse hay, chopped straw, cut cornstalks, com 



husks, dry weeds and vines from the garden, are all 



good. Dry leaves are also good, very good to 



start with in the fall. They soon break up into 



small pieces, however, and more leaves must be 



added each week or two. 



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