Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1924-11-13
FARM !
POULTRY
BREEDERS ENTITLED
TO COMPLETE REST

Both the males and females in the
breeding pens having fully done their
duty during the summer are now en-
titled to well-earned rest. 1t is i'm
peratiye that they be permitted to full
ly recuperate at this time If they are
to prove worthy breeders again next
season. The numerous progeny dis
porting themselves on the range is
ample proof of the past labors of the
breeding birds.
This strain on the fowls that COM
prised the breeding pens has been no
small one, so we should allow them a
complete rest ana provide for their
every comfort. 1t is extremely I'M
wise to still persist, as some do, In
encouraging the fowls to keep up lay
Ing by feeding stimulating foods. The
breeding birds are entitled to good
rest and the conscientious poultryman
will see that they get it.
The first thing in order then, is the
breaking up of the pens and the sep
arating of the sexes. The females
should by all means now be freed of
the annoyance Of the males. 1t is es-
sential to their obtaining complete
rest. The females can now be run to-
gether and given the use Of the range.
A range with plenty of green stuff Of
fers an ideal place in which the hard
worked females may spend their sum-
mer vacation. Little attention need
be given them, merely seeing to 1t
that they have sufficient feed, clean,
cool water, and comfortable, vermin
free sleeping quarters.
The food ration of these breeders
should be such as not to stimulate
production. Only two meals day
need be provided, but they should be
full meals. While no surplus of food
is needed for egg production now, yet
sufficient quantities should be provid-
ed to enable the fowls to grow their
new feathers, for melting will now be
in order. And the tissues, affected by
the wearing labors of production,
must undergo repairs at this time,
and the proper food and In sufficient
quantities, are essential. When the
fowls have liberal range, the animal
and vegetable food secured by them
will benefit them greatly.
The male birds should be penned
apart and given roomy pens, so they
may obtain the necessary exercise.
If it Is possible to arrange it so the
males can also have the use Of the
range, it will be just so much better
for them. 1t is always good policy to
take the very best of care of the
male, as he is always half Of the pen.
We have only one male where we
have ten or more females. When we
lose a good male we lose half our pen
and often more-very much more
for often a male as good In every re-
spect cannot be secured to replace
him. Therefore it will readily be seen
that to lose good pen header for
any reason is~to sustain big loss. A
little extra pains exercised in the care
of our pen headers, after the breeding
season is over, will be time and labor
well spent. 1t is preferable to have
small runs for each male and have
the runs covered with some suitable
material to protect the plumage from
the sun and weather.
It Is a good plan at this time to Gull
out the less desirable hens. With the
hens kept for laying purposes only it is
a good plan to Gull out those that have
had their second laying year. 1t is
seldom that they prove profitable aft
er this when kept for laying only.