Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-08-07

hens lay during winter than to make
pullets yield a large supply, and fol
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 breeders
| for which use they are naturally ad-
mirably adapted.
The moulting period should be a
period of rest for the reproductive or
gans, and 1t will be when the fowls
are not forced either at it's beginning
or completion. Under such conditions
and with proper care hens usually
Will begin to lay in February. The
formed and with good shells. The fer
tility, hatchability and strength of the
chicks will be all that one can expect
or desire.
Early Moulting Desirable
When 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 early moulting. This means a late
summer or early Fall moult. which is
natural with pullets that were Matched
fairly early and that have been kept
laying.
For birds hatched 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 nat
urally. This may be effected in sew
eral ways, some of which are more
rapid than others. The advisability
OF this eXpedient has often been ques-
toned. Many maintain that it is
harmful, and authentic records seem
to prove that while the next laying
period may be advanced the egg yield
for the year usually is considerably
diminished. This might be expected
inasmuch as the rest period is short
ened by high feeding. The higher
price received for eggs compensates in
part, however, for the reduced Yield
Whether or not this is a harmful prac-
tice, depends considerably upon the
rapidly of the moult
The theory of forced moulting is
that by reducing flesh sufficiently, the
feathers become dead and loosen, and
therefore, drop out more quickly; then
by feeding literally, new feathers are
grown rapidly, the body built up. and
a laying condition restored.
Securing Forced Moult
The most radical method practiced
| consists of confining the hen and
feeding her from one-quarter to one
half OF what she would ordinarily re-
quire. Even this limited ration con-
sists of the foods least fattening, such
as oats and wheat bran.
Both males and females moult
! earlier If they have been confined for
considerable time. Fanciers who want
to exhibit at the Fall and early win
ter shows make use of this fact to
assist them in getting candidates for
these honors in fresh, new plumage.
The production of both feathers and
eggs require much the same kind OF
! nourlshment; which is perhaps the
reai explanation of why hens in heavy
ciently rich to form both feathers and
eggs rapidly was provided, the diges-
tive machinery would soon collanse
and neither feathers nor eggs wouId
| be formed. Thus, whether the hen
forms feathers or eggs, she must he
supplied with small but apprecia BILE
amount of mineral matter and a lih-
eral supply of protein, because featb-
ers are found to contain both minera
matter and protein. 1t then become
apparent that feathers and epgs orc
not so different in composition as form
ana appearance would lead one to be-
lieve. W
Condition of the Skin
A soft, oily skin Is favora bIe ~ q
rapid and healthy growth Of featbars
and hens or other animals NAV he FED
cure this, liberal supply of such fat
to promote such a condition To se.
containing foods as beef scraps. oil.
meal, etc, are often included in ra.
tions for moulting hens.
Oflmeal is not especially nalata hIs
and should be used sparingly. possibII
one part in sixteen or twenty of dr.
mash as commonly compounded. with
| the light and active breeds beef scra ms
may be fed in hoppers, thereby effect.
ing saving, as fowls soon get a sur.
ficient quantity and are not CONTINUALLY
picking over the dry mash for bits OF
this animal food. wasting grain to save
scraps. When mixed in mash. fifteen
per cent. is fair proportion.
To those who would take advanta ee
of forced moults, a word of caution is
due. Do not reduce rations abruptly
Further ore, do not reduce them r.
! the extt Q that the fowls constitlItior
| is impaired. Rather depend upon con.
finement and a selection of feeds that
have little forcing or fattening tenden.
cies. This word means the elimination
| of food especially rich in either fat,
or protein; for example, beef scrapS
corn, oilmeal, etc. Select those that
in themselves form more nearly :
maintenance ration; such as oats witt
wheat bran, and sufficient green foods
always available during the moultinf
season. Give enough of these to main.
| tain health. with the assistance of free
| access to the grit and shell hoppers
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