532 



Winter Egg Production. 



fowls should be allowed out on a larger run, but only when the 

 weather is favourable. 



On some farms a barn or out-building could be utilised for 

 the purposes of a scratching shed, or for a house and shed 

 combined ; but on the majority of holdings in Ireland, such a 

 building would not be available, and the owner might not be 

 convinced of the advisability of erecting special sheds and 

 houses. 



Under such circumstances the fowls will have complete 

 liberty as at other seasons of the year ; but if they are satis- 

 factorily housed at night and proper attention paid to feeding, 

 they may still produce a fair number of eggs during the winter, 

 provided the weather is not exceptionally bad. Still better 

 results might be expected if the fowls could be induced to 

 remain during the day in the driest places, and if some simple 

 and inexpensive shelter were provided for them. 



The hens should be fed liberally on food suited to the pro- 

 duction of eggs. Overfeeding must be carefully avoided. 



Indian meal should be used only in strictly limited quantities, 

 especially if the fowls are kept closely confined. 



Early in the morning a feed of soft mash, composed of ground 

 oats or barley meal, with pollard or sharps, mixed with skim 

 milk or hot water, should be given. Cooked vegetables of any 

 description, or table scraps, can be added with advantage. The 

 mixture should be given warm. In the evening give a feed 01 

 wheat or oats, for which, in cold weather, barley or Indian corn 

 may be substituted. If the hens are kept in a scratching shed, 

 reduce the morning feed of mash and afterwards give a portion 

 of grain, allowing a full feed of corn as usual in the evening. 

 The grain should be thrown into the scratching shed and not 

 outside on the ground. A supply of green food, such as 

 cabbages, is absolutely necessary ; mangolds and turnips may 

 also be provided, and they will be eaten with great relish by the 

 birds. A moderate allowance of cooked flesh, given every other 

 day, is excellent, but not often available. Freshly crushed 

 bone, at the rate of half an ounce per bird per day, is a good 

 substitute. 



Grit — -such as broken flint — clean water, and a dust bath, 

 must also be provided. : ° - : 



