210 The Hen at Work 



fair conditions, is the same. In twenty years, 

 except for the occasion referred to, our flock has 

 suffered only from enlarged livers, broken eggs, 

 rough handling, and general break-down. At 

 moulting time, and at the high laying point in 

 April, we lose the most. 



These records show that it is perfectly safe and 

 proper to eat the afflicted fowl if they are killed 

 before wasting away too far. The flesh of hens 

 troubled with such ills is quite suitable for food. 

 This is another reason for acting promptly. 



Watch Fowls at Feeding Time. — Watch any 

 hens that do not run to eat when grain or mash is 

 fed. If they stand apart the next day, something 

 is wrong. Examine the roosts and dropping 

 boards. If watery droppings with yellow edges are 

 found, something is decidedly wrong. Get the 

 affected hens and put them by themselves. It is 

 quite probable they have eaten too much of the 

 wrong thing. An overdose of beets will cause 

 such trouble, or too much sloppy wet mash. Give 

 these fowls scratch grain, grit, charcoal, and fresh 

 water. In most cases they will soon recover. If 

 not, a stew is recommended. Many fowls die 

 from swallowing nails and sharp pieces of iron. 



