43 
The Australasian Book of Poultry. 
they belong, some breeds, of course, requiring twice as much as others for their sustenance, as it will be 
understood that to feed Bantams with the same amount of food given to Brahmas would be absurd. 
Then with a piece of round stick, about i8 inches in length (portion of an old broom handle will be 
found to answer admirably, and if a piece of string is placed through a hole bored in one end, and tied in 
a loop to hang up after using, will save a lot of trouble in hunting round when required), the 
food can be thoroughly' and properly mixed by stirring round briskly, and if boiling water is employed, 
it will be found as easy again to mix than if cold water is used, and is certainly better, the food being 
given the birds in a partly cooked condition. For birds on an unlimited run the pollard may be 
dispensed with, a small feed of grain being the best for Poultry kept under these circumstances. Should 
the birds be kept in confinement, it will be imperative that they are given fresh green food daily, no 
matter how small the quantity, they must have some — lettuce, turnip tops, cabbage leaves, tresh cut 
grass, green barley, oats or dock leaves, thistles, etc. This should be given at mid-day, and will greatly 
assist in keeping the birds in good health and condition. Where a small grass run is at command, this 
may be dispensed with in part or entirely, but at any time is a good change. Poultry have a decided 
liking for green food in almost any form. A small amount of meat given the birds, such as bones from 
the table, or, better still, a sheep's heart and liver (which can be purchased at from one penny to 
twopence each), well cooked and thrown to or hung up within reach of the birds once a week, will 
considerably augment egg production, and keep the fowls in-good condition. This, with a feed of good, 
sound grain (wheat or oats being the best) in the evening, will be about all the attention necessary 
as far as feeding is concerned. Water must be supplied pure and clean, and placed in a cool and shady 
spot — not, as often the case, exposed to the rays of the sun. This is frequently the cause of many 
losses by death and disease, and should be guarded against. 
Fig. 35. — Earthenware Driuking Fountain. 
Pots to hold the water, made of ordinary earthenware, which can be purchased for 3d. each, in size 
to hold a gallon, are quite the best ; larger will be required if a number of birds are kept, the size 
quoted answering admirably for a cock and six hens of the major breeds if fresh water is given daily. 
We incline to the earthenware pots (see Fig. 35), as they are so easily cleaned or scrubbed out, and the 
water during the summer months will keep cool in them, owing to the evaporation which takes place. 
In giving a guide to the grain foods which form the staple food of Poultry, most writers state that 
corn or maize is objectionable, having a tendency to cause the birds to become too fat. With this we 
agree to a certain extent, but only so far as to say that for feeding the birds regularly, maize would be 
unwise. Our experience has proved that for a change given once a week the birds will be found to 
relish it more than any other form of grain, and as a changk of diet Ave strol^gly recommend it, and have 
proved the birds are benefited in a marked degree. 
Taking the different foods as to their economic values, oatmeal stands well up on the list as a good 
and highly nutritious food — oats, pollard, wheat, buckwheat, barley, peas, maize, in their respective 
order. The alphabetical list of the various foods given in this chapter shows an analysis of the 
respective qualities of the various foods suitable, for Poultry. 
