352 POULTRY PRODUCTION 



all things considered. They are easily and cheaply raised 

 and are good keepers. They should not be fed in large quan- 

 tities in the early fall, as they have a tendency to cause scours. 

 In the winter they may be fed raw at about the rate of 25 

 pounds per 100 hens per day. A good way to feed them is to 

 split them in halves lengthwise and stick on nails driven in 

 the walls of the pen, about 18 inches from the floor, allowing 

 the hens to pick at them. As mangels are practically 90 

 per cent, water, they have a low feeding value except as a 

 succulence. Their dry matter, however, contains a large 

 percentage of ash. 



Cabbage. — Cabbage forms an excellent early green food, but 

 is more diflBcult to raise, keep, and has a lower feeding value 

 than either beets or turnips. 



Clover. — Simply as succulence, green clover is probably 

 just as desirable as alfalfa, though "it does not have quite 

 as great feeding value. The need of supplying succulence 

 usually arises in the winter, when green clover and alfalfa 

 are not available. While they are highly desirable for 

 pasture or for birds that are confined in bare yards, they 

 cannot be considered among the forms of succulence for 

 winter feeding as can cabbage, sprouted oats, and mangel beets. 



Lettuce.— hettuce is used chiefly to furnish succulence for 

 brooder chicks in early spring, before other greenness is 

 available, and is among the best plants for this purpose. 



Onions. — Onions and onion tops are relished by both 

 chicks and mature stock, and if fed occasionally give a 

 welcome variety to the diet and are said to have a beneficial 

 effect on the digestive system. Sliced onion is particularly 

 valuable in "cheering up" a bunch of brooder chicks that 

 have become listless and dumpish. When they once become 

 acquainted with it, chicks will scrap and tussle over pieces 

 of onion about as quickly and freely as over worms. 



Care must be exercised, in feeding onion to laying stock, 

 not to overdo the matter. If fed to excess to laying hens 

 onions will impart their flavor to the eggs. 



Pumpkins. — Pumpkins form a good feed for fall and 

 early winter, but keep poorly. 



