EGGS AND THE HEN 339 
enous matter should be cut out of the ration altogether. 
Feather production demands protein, which must not be 
fed too sparingly. It is pref- 
erable, as a general rule, to 
have fowls somewhat too fat 
than poor or even in merely 
good condition. By proper 
management many good lay- 
ing hens will lay an occasional 
egg, even while going through 
molting, but tiis is not general. 
Pullets can be fed more highly 
than hens during the early fall 
months, because they already have 
their feathers and are still growing. 
At this time, they need abundant 
protein, because they are not only 
growing in flesh, but are filling out 
their bones and either preparing for, 
PROTECTED WATER VESSEL 
or actually laying. A pullet is by no means fully matured when she 
starts to lay. Ample food is needed to complete the development. 
For best results, however, pullets should not be unduly forced to 
begin laying early. Indeed, it is often advantageous to delay laying 
somewhat by frequently changing the pullets’ quarters. This is the 
only method that can be practiced with safety. It will not do to 
withhold food. 
