92 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



one difference, however, in that salt in more than very lim- 

 ited quantities is poisonous to poultry. A safe rule is to use 

 one-half pound of salt to each hundred pounds of dry mash. 

 The salt should be sprinkled over the mash v^hen the latter 

 is being mixed. 



Supply Plenty of Water. 



The standard v^eight for a dozen eggs is one and one- 

 half pounds, and of this about one pound is water. In 

 terms of what the hen eats, there is more water than feed in 

 a dozen eggs. This suggests the importance of an abun- 

 dance of fresh water for hens to drink. A flock will cease 

 laying sooner if kept without water than if kept without 

 food. There must be no limitation of any ingredient neces- 

 sary to the formation of complete eggs, because hens will 

 lay either fully formed eggs of uniform chemical composi- 

 tion or none at all. One reason why some farm flocks do 

 not lay more eggs is that they are not given sufficient water 

 to drink. 



In winter it is well to take the chill from the drinking 

 water so that the hens will drink more freely. In summer, 

 on the other hand, the water supply should be in the shade 

 in order that it may be as cool as possible. The drinking 

 vessels should always be kept scrupulously clean. 



Make the Morning Grain Feeding Light. 



Hens should not be given all the grain they want in the 

 morning. Enough should be scattered in the litter to keep 

 them busy for some time, but not enough to satisfy their 

 appetites. This will encourage their eating throughout the 

 day from the hoppers of dry mash, which should be kept 

 always before them. Aim to keep the hens hungry to the 

 extent that they are always ready for scratch feed. Should 

 they not appear hungry at any feeding time, reduce the 

 quantity of grain. The hen's appetite rather than any 

 definite schedule should determine the amount to be given. 



Vary the Ration with the Season. 



During the winter the hens will need a larger propor- 

 tion of grain because some of it must be used for body heat. 



