Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-08-13
Pertinent to Poultry.

There is loss mt this season of the year
in the production of eggs 10y reason of the
moulting Of the hens. A larger number
Of them will moult during the month of
August than at any other period of the
year Though some of the hens will begin
to moult as carly as June, yet Others come
in later, and every year they Will moult
about d month SCORER. That is, the hens
moulting in August Of this year will
moult in July next year, and in keeping
the hens for winter laying this fact should
be kept in view, as the time of moulting
has much to do with winter laying, 1t is
not too soon to select the winter layers
for one can be guided by present circum-
stances and avoid retaining any members
of tho flock that may not prove profitable
after cold weather sets in.
AS has been freqL emily STATED before,
tie hens mnst finish moulting before
December or they will not lay in the win
ter II requires about three months from
the time hen ceases to lay in order to
moult before she begins to lay again
Those that begin to moult now viii,
finish in November and be fully iledged for
the winter. Moulting is the preparation
for colder weather. The old feathers
which may be broken, are dropped and
new ones grow in their place. While. the
growth of new feathers is in progress the
hen does not lay, as her system is drained
of mineral matter in order to produce feath
ers If she does not finish moulting before
cold weather sets in she will not lay before
next spring, but if she completes the moult-
ing process by November she will be ready
prepared for work and should make good
winter layer.
Now, a word about feeding such hens
It is usual to feed them plenty of grain.
What they really require is meat and bore
Occasionally "a little sulphur in the food Is
beneficial. Grain makes them too fat and
they will not give satisfactory results when
moulting is completed. Grass, seeds, milk.
meat, bone and linseed meal are the best
foods. These foods will hasten moulting
and shorten the time a week or two. II
any of the hens should not begin to moul5
by September they will probably be too
late to finish in time to be winter layers
and should be disposed of, as it will not
nav to keep them over until spring
Prejudice and breeds Some of the best
breeds are those that have black plumage.
The Black Cochin is one of the hardest
breeds known and the chicks are easily
raised but the prejudice against black
breeds has consigned it to the rear. The
Black Minorca not only lays as many eggs
in a year as any breed known, but also
lays very large ones and the hens are also
one or two pounds heavier than Leghorns.
Considering the weight of the eggs laid.
the Minorca does more work in that respect
than any other breed and if eggs were sold
by weight they would stand at the head of
all. The Langshan is heavy, full-brcasted
bird, being not only a good layer but fine
table fowl At one time it was the favorite
breed, but the prejudice against black
nlumage has been its obstacle. The
Houdan. French fowl and a strong rival
of the Dorking, has been hindcred on &C
count of its dark plumage and yet it can
not be exce,lcd as layer and table fowl
combined. The best breeds are really those
with dark legs and plumage, and until
BUYERS learn this fact they will continue
to pay extra prices for inferior poultry be-
cause of a preference for yellow legs and
skin.-Mirror and Farmer.