134 
EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 
FOOD, CARE AND 
MANAGEMENT OF PULLETS 
FALL AND WINTER. 
DURING THE 
When the cold nights begin to come, about November 1st, it is time 
to bring the pullets into winter quarters. They should then begin to 
show signs of approaching maturity. Before bringing them in, clean 
the house they are to occupy, whitewash it thoroughly and disinfect 
the perches, nest boxes, etc. Be sure that the disinfectant enters every 
crack and crevice. Then cover the floor with about four inches of fine 
gravel or sand. Cover this with six inches of dry, clean, long straw, 
as the pullets will break it up quickly enough. Where leaves are plenti¬ 
ful they may be used and make very satisfactory litter, although they 
do not last as long as straw. 
When the house is ready remove the pullets to it carefully. Do not 
carry them by one leg only or otherwise misuse them. Any rough 
handling at this time will mean a subsequent loss in the egg basket. 
Of course a change always produces timidity, but by exercising great 
care they will soon become accustomed to their new quarters. Whpn 
about to enter the house a slight noise announcing one’s approach 
before opening the doors will prevent fright and injury from a sudden 
rush or flight against obstacles in the pen. Chickens soon get to know 
the call of a low, soft whistle announcing to them the coming of the 
feed basket. At this stage the reproductive organs are developing 
rapidly and any abuse or frightening may cause the loss of some of the 
finest in the flock. 
A e have entered poultry houses in the winter where the windows 
have been closed for days at a time. The hens are found standing 
around with their feathers ruffled and looking as if they were nearly 
frozen to death. In accustoming pullets to their new quarters, see that 
they always have plenty of fresh air without a draught. One of the 
best systems of ventilation is to have a window hinged on one side and 
cloth on the other so that either one can be swung in at will. Those 
having sliding windows can arrange to slide one in from either side. 
Both should usually be left open a little while during the day except 
in extremely cold weather. Hens enjoy sunshine and fresh air but it 
should come through the window and not through cracks and crevices. 
No one should expect hens to lay well in a house that is not constructed 
with tight walls. The sides of many hen houses are made of unmatched 
lumber, which has shrunk, leaving cracks through which wind, rain and 
snow blow, perhaps directly on the fowls. No one should expect hens 
to do well in such a place. A few dollars spent on building paper and 
a few feet of battens will work a great change for the better. Simply 
spread (lie building paper smoothly over the sides of the house and 
then place battens on every eighteen inches. A good coat of paint will 
improve the appearance, and make it more lasting. 
Next let us consider the feed that the pullets should have when they 
come in off the range. While on the range they doubtless found an 
abundance of green food and meat in the form of grass and insects. 
