The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-09-13

receptacle, the simple dry mash feeder and
boxes for grit, shell and charcoal.
Connected with each house is a yard
IS by so feet In size. These yards are
covered with sod. consisting OF alfalfa,
various clovers md grasses Of different
kinds and this Is 40 well established that
the small number OF hens In each flock
cannot kill II out
The houses are placed In two parallel
streets, with cross streets ut intervals for
the convenience of the attendants The
arrangement Is such that each house may
be entered from the front without pass
ing through the yard Finally a high
fence OF poultry wire encloses the entirN
plant AT Il distance of twenty feet fyom
tho interior fencing. so any fowls which
may possibly escape from their own
quarters are still confined to the Jfqut
This outer barrier also keeps unwelcome
visitors away at night, I'm which work an
energetic watchdog enthusiastically joins.
Spring water IL piped to the plant,
faucets being located at several con-
venient points.
The duty Of caring FOR these valuable
birds and keeping the great mass ~ rec
ords r. entrusted TO A. NJ Pollard, who
has continuously filled this position s!uce
tho first competition was started. He has
two assistants. young men trained by
himself
II must he admitted that the plant
seems to be heavily manned, but IL should
be remembered that much time is con-
sumed in escortiug an endless string OF
visitors abou, the pant and keeping very
complete records Of egg production. feed
consumption &c. During the busy sea-
son IL requires the greater part OF one
mans time to care for the trap nests.
work which is Of greatest Importance TO
every entrant. The nests are all inspected
nearly once an hour during the day so
that no layer need he confined longer
( than necessary.
Tho daily routine includes supplying
fresh water AT least Orce and frequently
twice attending TO the trap nests con-
filming or liberatng the broody hens. at
tending to any individuals which are all
ing In any way. replenishing the feed
hoppers and making endless records.
There are always other duties to be per-
formed Yards 10 he raked. litter re-
newed. hens to be busted. water dishes
scrubbed. eggs packed and shipped,
houses disinfected.
That al! o, the above wdfk is cared for
regularly and thoroughly thousands of
visitors viii testify. And the laying rec
ords made. IN addition TO the fact that
only six birds have died during the year.
is additional proof that these men are
doing their duty most thoroughly.
! The ration used has been published so
| frequently that II need not be repeated
| here All scratch grain is fed through
automatic feeders and the dry mash is
| kept before tho fowls at all times. This
/ system OF feeding eliminates the element
of uncertainty. giving all pens an abso-
/ lutely equal chance since the machines
| are all alike and play no favorites, some
! thing which might occur In hand feeding.
A few lessons may be drawn from the
above by the studious poultryman. The
more important points may be epitomi1ed
I as follows:
Select tho laying mock with greatest
care House In well ventilated buildings
and keep these scrupuiously clean. Feed
q varied ration In liberal quantities. Have
I fresh, clean water available at all times.
| Give the birds access TO plenty OF green
, food. watch the individuals carefully
and give prompt treatment II any show
signs Of sickness. Keep the whole plant
In sanitary condition. Breed from the
heavy layers. Stay on the fob!
| Copyright. 1914, BY Mdtos Mens ADJ. Co
Inc.)