Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-11-18
Habits
and Vices of
. Chickens
BY p. B. BUSTING.

EGG EdClnq.
h., is one of the most costly and
,bles,ne of the acquired habits of
Ltry find that it generally begins
I a.. occidental breaking of an egg in
resr and spreads rapidly among the
i. until many of the eggs laid are
Laose,v broken and eaten by the hens.
u, birds are more likely to contract
habit. because they are more liable
|break their eggs by stepping on them
= nghter birds. When a hen breaks
loo she not only eats its contents in
NEST but often carries large pieces
I.ba shell about the house or yard,
srg with other birds, all eager to get
Esre Thus, the knowledge of how APP
7irg eggs and egg shells are is spread,
4 one bird becomes the teacher of
[tba- Thin shells break more easily
n is therefore obvious that de-
Eoncv in the shell making constituents
I5o feed is a factor. However, an egg
l. he broken for the want of enough
4 IN or nesting material to protect 1t
4, tine contact with wood or stone.
Er,nT,. the nest with sufficient straw,
4 insa some kind of artificial nest egg.
4 straw in the nest should be of a
II, color. so that broken egg may not
Eact the hens attention. However,
H. habit is acquired, 1t is best to have
nests reconstructed so that the eggs
roll beyond the reach Of the hen
L. laid. Also by the use of artificial
l. In the nest and houses permit the
4. IN pick at them and get the idea
h they are unable to break the shells
hptimes, however, they will become
Ssrned egg eaters. In such cases 1
1t best to remove them from the flock
either kill them for table use or sell
ksather pulling and Feather Eating.
have seen fowls acquire the habit of
sracting and eating their own feathers
4nlIing the feathers of other members
he yard. Spring and melting time
fr the contracting of this vice. In
Etions of its existence are loss Of
image barrenness and redness Of the
4Iover the back and on the upper thigh.
Matching the birds you will discover
In in act of catching one or more
&-bers in their beaks, tearing them out
swallowing them. The young grow
/ feathers having quilts filed with blood
H. to be delicacies.
ksuse: Improper ration, insufficient
Atise, idleness, irritation of the skin
led by parasites, or anything causing
ABNORMAL appetite may become a con
kutive factor in the contracting of this
Rrevent}ve and curative measures: Give
4 fowls free range, or if they are
spe5. give them good roomy yards,
H. them scratch for a large per cent
Ateir feed. This will aid their diges-
i and occupy their time. Very often
habit is due to insufficient animal
k,er IN their ration, or to feeding too
N on a single grain ration. 1t is, there
n very important to properly balance
ration. Examine the skin and feath-
carefully for mites or lice, and If such
found. or if not found, give them fire.
MT applications of some good insect
&dsr, keep the house whitewashed in
n and out, -,ra kerosene frequently on
ro0sts and a.eA 30 that lice might
Ked, also keep a So. " OF road dust
&cOal cinders where they ~ wallow
&t and the lice can be kept unCer con-
u However. If the habit is acquired
Ii they can not be cured of it, 1t is
II to treat as suggested above for the
Nfmed egg eaters.