RATIONS AND METHODS OF FEEDING 221 



and, to break the monotony of the usual routine of eating, will often, for brief 

 periods, make very radical departures from his usual practice. Thus he gives 

 at one time a very rich mash, at another time a very light one ; but he selects 

 the time for such changes with judgment, with a thorough knowledge of his 

 stock, and with an eye to the effect of the change on the general ration. Some 

 persons using approximately a common ration can describe their own ration 

 exactly. Two or more persons approximating a common standard, but with 

 different variations, may each suppose his the better ration. Usually in such 

 cases the rations are of equal value, the differences being immaterial either in 

 themselves or because of modifying circumstances. 



All rations in common use have wide adaptability. The kinds most useful 

 for examples are those used at the various experiment stations. These are 

 more accurately described than most of the rations used elsewhere, and the re- 

 sults of using them are more fully stated, in reports of regular work, as well as 

 in reports of special experiments. The radons selected for examples are not all 

 good. The poor ration is sometimes valuable for purposes of illustration. 



Examples of all kinds of rations are given and discussed as far as seems to 

 serve the general purpose of giving a comprehensive understanding of the 

 subject of feeding. 



The examples are arranged (l) according to the character of the rations, — 

 first growing (mchxAmg prodiicing), i}asxv finishing, ox fatte7iing \ (2) according 

 to the kind of poultry for which they are used ; (3) to show the sequence of 

 rations used in a system or in a certain practice. 



Quantities are by measure except as otherwise stated.^ 



RATIONS FOR FOWLS — ALL AGES 



I . For young chickens on good range. Cracked corn and water. 



This method of feeding young chickens was used for years by a farmer in 

 Massachusetts, who grew each season about five hundred White Wyandottes to 

 keep up his stock of laying hens. The range was in orchard and later in the 

 season over mowing land, supplying abundance of green food but not of animal 

 food. The ration was defective. Chickens grown in this way deteriorated in size, 

 but the average size of stock was maintained at a little below the average for 

 Wyandottes by using for sires large males from other flocks. This farmer also 

 engaged quite extensively in gardening. His method of handling his chickens 

 was developed because it was not possible for him, without neglecting other in- 

 terests, to give them the time and attention that more elaborate methods required. 

 ■ 2. For young chickens on good range. Mash (table scraps mixed, cold, 

 with corn meal, shorts, and bran, equal parts) once a day ; cracked corn in 

 troughs or hoppers before the birds at all times. 



1 In common practice it is more convenient to mix feeds by measure than by 

 weight. When large quantities are mixed it is usual to measure by the Sa^and part of 

 a bag. Then the mixing is still by measure, but the weights of measures of various 

 ingredients are known. In experimental work parts are usually given iy weight. 



