194 The Hen at Work 



may be obtained. It is best fed in hoppers de- 

 scribed in the chapter on furniture. For the small 

 flock, however, it should be fed in combination 

 with wet mash. Keep the hopper closed during 

 the morning while the hens are hunting for scratch 

 grain in the litter. After dinner open it, and let 

 them eat what they want in the afternoon. Close 

 it after they are on the roost. 



Wet Mash.' — The use of wet mash for small 

 flocks not only gives us a good chance to utilize 

 the bits of food left over at meals in an appetizing 

 way, but it adds to the daily menu a dish much 

 relished. It is surprising to see hens, after having 

 had dry mash before them half the day, clean up a 

 large portion of the same mash moistened with 

 water, warm, of course, in winter. Save scraps 

 to feed mixed into the wet mash at night. 



Many poultry men, who have been very success- 

 ful, plan in every way to get the hens off to bed 

 with a crop filled to the limit, but make them work 

 hard during the day. This plan insures the flock 

 against fat, and lazy habits. 



Clean away all wet mash when the hens are 

 through. Plan it so none will be left. Hens 

 vary greatly from month to month in the amount 



