The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-08
FOWLS DURING MOULTING SEASON
 SHOULD BE GIVEN EXTRA CARE
Laying Generally Ceases When They Are Losing Their Feathers; Danger in Feeding Too Heavily-0il Meal and Beef Scraps May be Used to Improve the Condition of the Birds
By A. C. SMITH Head of the Department of Poultry Husbnndy, University Of Minnesota.

Copyright. 1915D
 During the moulting season the ra- tions of the fowls should contain ma terial that will enable them quickly to form their new feathers and at the same time build up constitutional vigor. so that egg production may not be de- layed too long. In this article Profes- ! sor Smith gives suggestions for the cure of poultry during this critical period.
 Zealous endeavor to prolong the lay ing season is often responsible for con- stitutional weakness and curtailed pro- duction of eggs in winter Correct care of the laying fowls during the moult- Ing period will go far toward insuring profitable laying in the second year. The moulting period is much longer than most amateurs suppose. as the first stage is likely to pass unnotieed. It IS a gradual process and starts slow iy. At first few of the larger feath- CTS drop out. one or two at time. but as the season advances the moult becomes more rapid.
 While the fowls are in light moult the hens propably will continue to lay, but laying generally ceases when the heavy moulting begins. This is when the hen drops the mass Of small or body feathers. Prolonging the laying period not only retards tho moulting period, but 1t also IS likely to result In loss of strength and vigor.
 Moult Lasts Three Months Ordinarily the moult begins in mid summer and continues from first to last, about three months, although the noticeable moult may not last longer than six weeks. hen that begins to moult in July should be newly fledged in October. If the moult Is delayed the fowls affected will be exposed to con siderable indictment weather without natural protection. and unless unusual ly comfortable quarters are provided they are almost certain to suffer from disease from such exposure.
 Late moulting nearly always is the re- suit of desire to get the largest returns at the moment, even at the expense of the future. Nut is a late moult econom- eal? True, eggs In summer bring an attractive price-much more than during the spring, yet not as much as during winter. All recognize that 1t Is more diff ficult to make bullets yield a large sup ply, and for that reason most of the old flock are disposed of just before the period of heavy or rapid moult. The few that are not sold are usually selected birds and held for next seasons breed CTS for which use they are naturally ad- mirahly adapted.
 The moulting period should be a period of rest for the reproductive organs, and it wil lbe when the fowls are not forced either at It's beginning completion. Un- der such conditions and with proper cara hens usually will begin to lay in Feb ruary. The eggs also will be large, per fectly formed and with good shells. The fertility hatchabilty and strength of the chicks will be all that one can expect or desire.
 Early Moulting Desirable
 When 8 large flock of hens are kept over. an early moult will, of course, be of advantage because early winter lay ing is possible only when accompanied by etarly moultlng This means a late summer or early fall moult which Is nat ural with bullets that were matched fairly early and that have been kept laying
 For birds matched later and those that for any reason moult in July. a forced moult Is sometimes employed, the hen being made to begin her moult earlier than she would naturally. This may be effected in several ways some of which are more rapid than others. The advis- ability of this expedient has often been questioned. Many maintain that 1t Is