Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-02-17
FARM ann AouseboIO.
Ea..ec;.c Chickens.

y writer in Moore Rural says If every
ing aud keeping fowls there would be but
small chance for ''isms" on the subject.
The professionals. however, think they
know ali about fowls. but never knew one
who would admit of dealing foul' with
his customers, although some do so. never
theless; still it is to be presumed that poul,
try raisers Will rank as fair average OF
mankind In int diligence and honesty. \,
everybody else has his own way of doing
things, there is no good reason why |
should got have mine. even if it does not
quite agree with strict orthodox regula.
tions.
Shut up your fowls to fauen. says one
authority, a thing would never do if de-
sired their flesh for my own table Moder-
ate exercise is as necessary to produce
healthy meat in fowls as in larger ANIMALS,
and those who want diseased meat of any
kind are welcome to their preference, but
should not attempt to force il upon others
Fowls which are permitted to have a good.
wide range in pursuit of variety Of food
are as much superior for the, table as the
fat Texas steer is 10 the swill-fed COW for
beef. Another writer says fowls should
not be permitted TO help themselves to food.
else they will not hunt for insects when AL
lowed 10 run at large. But this has been.
and still IS. my system Of feeding, and from
long experience l am convinced that il i,
the most economical and best plan by all
ODDS. My fowls, when they come from the
roost IN the morning, will take a light
breakfast Of corn, oats, and wheat, or what
ever grain is given them, and then start for
the fields, hunting for worns and insects
generally. | have never a. yet discovered
that permitting hens to help themselves TO
grain had any effect upon their wandering
habits, or made them disnclined 10 cat in
sects or make raid upon ripe tomatoes or
other fruits and vegetables. Then. again
throwing out grain at stated periods tends
10 increase the somewhat natural DISPOSE
ton OF the strongest 10 oyerpower and
drive away the weaker, and a portion will
sV4SS tHtiHseINc e. 70 excess. WllIe others
obtain little or none. To keep fowls
healthy. gcod-natured, and fiat, food in
abundance should be placed where they can
obtain it at any time desired. never omit
ting supply Of fresh water near by. In
winter, meat and vegetables may be added
to the usual supply OF grain, with benefit
to the health OF the fowls. AS well as tend.
Ing to increase the quantity OF eggs Iii
S-"ays best to supply variety of grain,
such a. wheat, millet, corn, and buck
wheat, and allow the fowls to take their
choice which they will frequently do in
manner not laid down in the poultry books.
Disease among fowls is the result of mis-
management and nothing else, no matter
how much science may be mixed in as pre-
ventlves or cures. Cleanliness is of the
hrst Importance; next. an abundance of
good food. always accessible and In yarie-
ty also fresh. clear water, summer and
winter. where the fowls can get it when
desired. In summer, with wide rance
over grass and cultivated ground and the
above requisites. no hardy, healthy breed
should. become diseased. and doubt if they
ever would.