Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-03-05
Fowls.


Grain.-Thcre is no other grain that is
relisbed so well by fowls as Indian corn. 1t
must always continue to be, as now, the
American poulterer's main reliance, for,
although too fattening to use in certain
cases, it possesses more nutrimeut for the
price than any other grain, and is always
to be ob,aired. Corn can be given ground
and uugrouud, raw and cooked. Oats we
prefer ground fine, as otherwise the hulls
arc too harsh and bulky. With wheat
bran aud middlings, wheat in the kernel,
barley aud buckwheat, there need be no
difference in avoiding monotony, Rye,
though the poorest grain of all, may be
given occasionally, aud brewers grains, if
convenient
Charcoai-The benefit which fowls de-
rive from eating charcoal is, believe, ac-
knowledged. The method of putting it
before them is, however, not well UNDER
stood. Pounded charcoal is not in the
shape in which fowls usually find their food,
and consequently is not very euticiug to
them.
have found that corn burnt on the
cob, and the rofuse--which consists al
most entirely Of the grains reduced to
charcoal, aud still retaining their perfect
sbape-placed before them, is greedily
eaten by them, with a marked improve
ment in their health, as is shown by the
brighter color Of their combs, and their
sooner producing greater average OF
eggs to the flock than before.
Feed Little, and OfieH--lt is a very
careless method of feeding fowls which we
see so often adopted, where the grain is
thrown down in great heaps on the ground
or floor. 1t is not only wasteful, but inju-
rious to the fowls, because they get over fed
and it is in an Important respect contrary
to their habits. For their nature is to
" scratch" Watch the old hen with a
brood when she is just let out Of the coop.
She hardly stirs from the spot, but as soor
as she has realized her freedom, down &C
her claws into the soil, and atterward, when
ever you see her, she is at it.
Always feed, then, no more than can be
eaten at once, and take care that this is SC
scattered amongst some light rubbish, that
they may have the luxury Of scrat,h hing lor
it. If feed is buried 10 fresh earth, then
they get, with their mouthiuls Of grain
something of use to their peculiar digestive
/, organs. Grain, however, should not be
allowed to come in contact with the filthy
tainted soil too often found in the poultry
yard.
Sare the Best for Breeding-It is tn,
worst possible policy to kill all the bes
and handsomest fowls aud save only tb,
mean and scraggy ones to breed from
This is precisely the way to run ont you
stock for like tends to breed like, and th'
result is, that by continually taking ava,
the best birds, and using the eggs Of tn
poorest, your flock will grow poorer an'
poorer every succeeding year
1t would seem as though this was to-
plain to be insisted upon, but, in fact
" line upon line" is needed, 1t is the cry
ing want of the poultry upon the farm
the country through,-.this careful an,
intelligent selection Of the best for breed
ing.
Nothing is lost by little self denial t.
start with The extra pound or two O
poultry flesh that You leave on its legs in
= stead Of sending it to the market, is a
good seed, aud will bring forth ten fold an
twenty fold in your future broods. Saw
your best stock for breeding The Panltr
World.