A revolution in egg production, being an exposition of practical, tested and successful methods for continuous laying

Foreword

It is the author's intention, in this work, not only to supply detail knowledge of how to care for poultry, but also to offer the reader something on the order of a post-graduate study.

Details will be gone into because they play a part, and have a bearing, on the new viewpoints presented.

"Coming events cast their shadows before them," and the observant poultryman can often visualize conditions in such a manner as to sense the necessity of changing diet, or surroundings, before the cause of such a necessity has worked to his detriment.

Heredity and environment are two big factors in tgg production ; but environment has, in the author's opinion, fully as much influence on production as heredity.

A third factor exists, which heretofore has not been recognized as essential, which is under our control, this factor being the length of the hen's business day.

The wild jungle fowl, through changed conditions, and the accumulation of the results of these conditions as transmitted by heredity, has been bred and fed to lay a greatly increased average number of eggs annually ; and in the same manner, and for the same reasons, we can, by providing still better environments, further materially increase production — thereby adding to the pleasure and profit of poultry keeping as a business proposition.

THE AUTHOR.

CHAPTER I Feeding and Care

Care and Feed in General

One of the greatest requisites for success in caring for poultry, and obtaining satisfactory results, is regularity.

Nothing we can do upsets a laying hen's domestic economy so much as to be left without an expected meal, or to be left without water.

Attendance must be constant. Some flocks are kept in an alternate condition of feast or famine, and the owner has no right, or reason, to expect good returns from such treatment.

We can all see and observe how wild birds are scared away and made to desert their nests, if they are in any way disturbed, even if this disturbance happens when the birds are entirely out of sight.

Domestic fowls in the same manner, only possibly modified in degree, have a knowledge and sense of whether conditions surrounding them are such as to be conducive to safety in laying.

The effect of this trait is easily observed, and any doubter can satisfy himself of its truth, when sudden changes are made in quarters of laying hens, even if the changes are made for the better.

The hens or pullets, for the time being, are disturbed by the change in appearance of their surroundings, and laying stops in a greater or less degree, according to the mental attitude of the birds toward these changes.

In the same manner, laying is affected by the birds' sense of security and quiet. If they are continually frightened, or disturbed, they will not lay as well as if they feel contented and satisfied. In some subtle or mysterious manner, it will be found that poultry can mentally size up, and figure out, their surroundings to the profit or loss of their owners.

Some poultrymen, by their manner or methods, are never able to give their birds a satisfied and "comfy" feeling, while others, with apparently less effort, are quite at home among their birds, and the birds are quite at home with them.

Balancing the Ration

To the poultryman keeping only a few birds, it is sometimes quite a problem to secure a variety of separate grains to fit the needs of his flocks. "Variety is the spice of life" and laying hens take no exception to the proof of this saying.

The poultry business has made such strides in the past few years, that there are several brands of poultry feeds put up in whole and ground grains in all parts of the country. These mixtures are mainly scientifically mixed in proper proportions for a theoretically balanced ration ; and they cost no more, if as much, as the same ingredients can be secured for, separately, by anyone desiring to mix them himself.

It is an open question, in the present condition of feed supplies, whether even the larger poultrymen cannot save time and money by purchasing their feeds already mixed, for the bulk of their feeding.

Whether mixed feeds or separate grains or meals are purchased, the fowls themselves will balance their own rations, to a great extent, if given an opportunity to do so.

They will do this by choosing the grains they require out of the mixed grains, and leaving the others untouched, even to the extent of going hungry sometimes, rather than eat such grains as they do not require or fancy.

If grains are fed separately, we therefore may often be forcing the fowls to either eat what they do not desire or require, or go hungry; and we may, so to speak, be forcing our judgment of what is a balanced ration upon the birds.

No one variety of grain contains the necessary food elements in the right proportions for our purpose. If poultry arc forced to sustain themselves on a restricted diet, they will have to pass through their systems much useless material

(measured by their needs) in an attempt to obtain sufficient of the necessary elements which they require ; for instance, hens fed principally on corn will put on fat to such an extent as to be unable to produce eggs. The same, or less, expenditure for a more balanced ration would produce profitable results.

Our judgment in such matters is not at all comparable to that of the birds, "Ask the birds, their judgment is good."

Another error we are likely to fall into is that a balanced ration for today and today's conditions, will be a balanced ration for next week and next week's conditions ; when, as a matter of fact, the requirements may be entirely different.

Still another argument in favor of mixed grain of the desirable kinds, is that the requirements of trie individual birds in the same flock may vary every day. A hen who has been broody for some time, and has been neglecting her feeding in consequence, will require more fattening foods than a hen in laying condition ; and if these fattening foods are not available, such a hen will remain out of laying condition indefinitely.

For the reasons touched upon in the foregoing, let me here suggest an efficiency method for determining a balanced ration for those making a business of keeping poultry, even if mixed grains are purchased. The method is this : Choose a time when the fowls are fairly hungry, say in early morning, and place in separate troughs a definite quantity of separate grains. Suppose we use two pounds of Kaffir corn, two pounds of wheat, two pounds of cracked corn, two pounds of oats, and two pounds of sunflower seed, etc. After these grains have been before the hens some time, we will find that some varieties have entirely disappeared, while some have scarcely been touched, and others have been cleaned up in varying extent.

The hens will thus tell us what they would like added to their rations, and we can either feed such grains as separate extra feeds, mix more of such grains in with our mixed feed, or, if we use hoppers, we can increase the quantity of such grains in the hoppers.

We can make this test as often as we think necessary, say once a week, once semi-monthly, or once a month ; and we will thus be in a position to meet the requirements of a ration balanced by the hens themselves. "Ask the birds, their judgment is good."

Conditions Should Be Watched and Noted

To be a successful poultryman, there are no qualities more necessary or valuable than the power of observation, and decision for quick action in correcting conditions when anything wrong is observed.

After disease takes a thorough hold on a fowl, to such an extent as to sap its vitality, the ax is about the best remedy one can use, generally speaking; but, if conditions were noted earlier, the fowl could have been saved and brought into good condition quickly.

Sick fowls should be separated from the well ones at once — if for no other reason than that they should not use the same drinking fountains, and thus contaminate the water.

The droppings are a valuable indication of trouble. If they are without form, or greenish, they suggest at once something wrong in the feeding, or the necessity of charcoal or grit. If the droppings are of a consistency to hold their shape without being too solid, it is a good indication.

For excessive looseness of the bowels the old fashioned Douglas Mixture is a quick remedy, and seems to act as a tonic. This mixture is greatly in favor among English poultrymen. The formula for Douglas Mixture is eight ounces of Sulphate of Iron (commonly called copperas or green vitrol), and one ounce of Sulphuric Acid, dissolved in two gallons of water.

This mixture should be kept in glass or stoneware, and should never be placed in metal receptacles either in the stock solution, or when placed before the flock. A teaspoonful to about a quart of drinking water will act as a tonic, and may be given to fowls which are well and to the sick birds.

The regular drinking supply may be taken away temporarily, and the earthenware vessels substituted containing the diluted Douglas Mixture.

Looseness of the bowels is not always "cholera," but may be caused by faulty diet. The writer some years ago had a flock of young Plymouth Rocks, three months old, which, unaccountably and all at once, developed great looseness of the bowels. Two birds were found dead, and some others in bad shape. The flock had apparently enjoyed good health, and even as bad as they then looked, did not have a diseased appearance. Thinking back in an attempt to discover the cause of the trouble, he remembered they had drank great quantities of water the day before ; and he then remembered that the family had partaken of salted herrings, and, on inquiring, found that the bones and other parts of the herrings, which were left over, had been thrown out to the fowls ; hence, exceeding thirst, inordinate drinking of water, and the fatal looseness of the bowels. A hurried trip to the drug store for material, and Douglas Mixture made and given to the fowls, saved every one of the balance of the flock. Two days afterward not a sign of the trouble was to be seen. Without quick action every bird would have been lost.

Simple colds may be caused by openings creating a draft, and these openings should be attended to at once. Neglected colds and contamination of the water soon lead to roup, and demoralization of the flock.

If eggs are laid with soft shells, or a tendency develops for egg eating, look to the supply of oyster shells in the hoppers.

The quality and quantity of green feed has a big influence on digestion, and its derangement. Cabbage is a good winter feed, but if overfed to fowls is likely to scour them.

What to Feed

For the small poultryman it is sometimes quite a problem to decide what to feed. The grains or meals available in the local market may be very restricted, and if he confines himself to such a market, it may seriously afreet his returns, because of the poor or unbalanced rations fed.

Commercial poultry food can, however, be secured now in all parts of the country; and, in the writer's opinion, should be used — especially by the small producer, who either cannot secure the necessary ingredients to do his own mixing, or has not the knowledge to decide what is needed in the ration.

Broadly speaking what are necessary to feed are the following:

A variety of grains for the fowls to choose from.

A good dry mash, consisting of clover or alfalfa meal, bran or middlings, beef or fish scrap (or both) ground oats, cornmeal, linseed meal, etc.

Good sharp grit.

Oyster shells to supply lime.

Charcoal,

Beef scraps.

Green feed of some kind.

Water.

Buckwheat and sunflower seeds will be valuable to have on hand, as extra feeds, and will be relished by the fowls, especially in winter. They seem to enjoy these feeds in greater quantities than they are generally found, in the commercial mixed grains.

Feeding must be governed more or less by the breed handled. The active breeds, such as Leghorns, can use a greater proportion of fattening foods than the heavier breeds, without getting out of condition.

Green feed and its furnishing is one of the greatest problems, especially to the city dweller or suburbanite.

One has no right to trouble one's neighbors by allowing their poultry to run loose over their lawns or gardens. Mischief done in this manner by the fowls can not be made good ; and such results are not conducive to neighborly good feeling.

If attention is paid to this matter, however, fowls can be confined in small yards the whole year, without bothering the neighbors and without suffering from lack of green foods.

Cabbage, yellow turnips, rutabagas, or beets, etc., can be purchased anywhere, and these are relished by the fowls. In a large plant, it will pay to grind up such vegetables as beets and turnips and feed them in the mash.

Sprouted oats is king of green foods for poultry, and nothing is so much relished by them. Good oat sprouters can be made or purchased. Oats can be sprouted in every season of the year. In the winter, however, heat must be supplied when the temperature gets too low, as the oats will be spoiled and the sprouts will not grow if the oats get chilled.

In very warm weather the oats are likely to mold and thus become unfit for feeding, besides stopping the sprouting.

Chemicals are advocated to stop this molding; but personally the author has not felt like using the chemicals advocated to feed to his flock. He has found, however, that a little air slacked lime put in the water, when sprinkling the oats, puts a stop to the mold, and is not a bad thing for the flock.

The grit used must be sharp and hard, as this material is what furnishes the birds with a substitute for teeth, to grind their food. The food, when it reaches the gizzard, is separated and prevented from getting into a mass, and is ground up between the hard particles of grit.

It is hard to realize what powerful action the gizzard is capable of. In the year 1899 the writer was talking to a butcher about a lot of fowls which had been confined for some days, and seemed to be off their feed. The butcher was told they needed grit to sharpen their appetites, but there was no grit at hand. The writer suggested that some glass be pounded up for them, to which suggestion the objection was offered that it would certainly kill the fowls. The glass was fed to them, however, and their appetites at once improved. The butcher had expected to surely lose some birds.

AYhen the hens were dressed, he said, "Now I am going to see what happened to that glass," and when the gizzards were opened he was surprised to find nothing but round and smooth crystals, in place of the sharp pointed particles of glass which had been fed to the hens.

Under Feeding

It takes feed and plenty of it to get eggs. The reason most people get poor, and unsatisfactory, Qgg yields is that they either do not realize how much feed is necessary, or wilfully try to economize by not giving the fowls more feed. This is false economy, as keeping unproductive fowls is an expensive proposition.

Of course, the keeping of a few fowls fed on table scraps is not felt as an expense. On the other hand, if thev do not produce, the available profit from correct feeding is lost — even if the owner does not realize his loss.

Some, to be sure, may keep a flock of hens for the pleasure of having them around, and for their beauty. The beauty is not spoiled, and the pleasure is not detracted from, but rather enhanced in degree, if they furnish a plentiful supply of eggs for the table — to say nothing of the difference in quality between such eggs, and the eggs which can be purchased at the stores.

Where large flocks are kept, the feeding expense is a heavy item, and if the fowls do not produce satisfactorily they will soon make a heavy drain on the bank account, instead of adding to it.

It has been said that "Man never is, but always to be blest/' and many flocks of hens, if they could voice their feelings, would echo the same sentiment by saying, "That they cannot lay, or are always on the point of laying; but fall short because the necessary feed is withheld from them — they are always on the point of laying but don't lay." A balanced ration, and plenty of it, would soon make such flocks produce; "Ask the birds, their judgment is good."

Over Feeding.

If a flock of fowls has been reared under generous feeding conditions, there is not much danger from over feeding if the rations are balanced fairly well. Of course, a flock fed on nothing but corn, or other fattening food, would soon get over fat — but still not produce eggs; because some materials necessary to make eggs are always conspicuous by their absence, and the fowls in an endeavor to obtain sufficient of these necessary elements, which are present in some proportion in all grains, over eat of other elements and lay on fat.

With the heavy breeds, it is probably necessary to be more particular as to the amount of exercise forced on the fowls, than with the lighter breeds, such as the Leghorns.

Observation, however, will show that a hen has to be in fairly good condition for continuous laying. The author has used White Wyandottes for the table, which before being dressed were laying, and from which as much as one pound of clear fat was taken before cooking.

An over fat hen will be far more likely to lay than an under fed hen. With the lighter breeds, Leghorns for instance, if the birds are fed regularly, without spasmodic periods of scarcity, there is little or no danger of over feeding on a good balanced ration.

We have kept Leghorns in flocks for five years, which never knew a time when there was not feed and water available, at any hour or minute of their business day, if they wanted it — and they laid some, and are still at it. For quantity of feed, "Ask the birds, their judgment is good."

The Hens Enjoying a Night Mash

"Nail Keg" Automatic Feeder Home Made, and Works Satisfactorily

CHAPTER II Housing and Appliances

Automatic Feeders

For regular and scientific feeding commend me to the automatic feeders. We read so much in the press and poultry journals of directions of how and when to feed, and the quantity to feed for so many birds in a flock, that the author is not loath to take exception to these notions as being entirely wrong, and will give his reasons for so doing.

These reasons will apply equally as well to the small poultryman, keeping a few hens as a side issue, as to the large poultryman who depends on the business for his li\^elihood. In the first place, we cannot put ourselves in the place of the hens, and judge how much feed they need. If we attempt to do so, we, in effect, say to a certain individual hen that she needs, say two ounces of grain, at a certain feed ; when, if she could speak, she would probably tell us, that on that particular day she needed another half an ounce, without which she could not lay an egg next day. For quantity of feed, "Ask the birds, their judgment is good."

As stated before, regularity in feeding is essentially necessary for success, and with this measured hand feeding a poultryman or his family is tied down to the fowls, or fowls suffer as a consequence at times, when they miss a meal ; the small poultryman is away from home, the good wife out shopping, train or street car is delayed, dusk arrives and the fowls go supperless to roost. This results in a sudden and protracted break in egg yield.

The same way with the larger poultryman — he cannot be away on business, and fail to reach home without serious consequences.

With automatic feeders, conditions are entirely different. The fowls have plenty to eat as long as daylight lasts, if only their caretakers have filled their feeders before leaving home. Feeders furnish exercise as well as feed, and the amount of exercise can be regulated by adjustments on most of the feeders offered for sale. The exercise can also be regulated by the quantity of litter, and occasional, or early morning feeds scattered in the litter.

Fowls have got to feel that feed is plentiful and always available, if we wish to obtain a full measure of results. Fowls think, and it will pay to keep them thinking contentedly all the time. If you have any doubts about these matters, "Ask the birds, their judgment is good."

Fussing vs. Economy of Time.

As a broad proposition it may be stated, without fear of contradiction, that the fowls will do as well and will not care a whit, if conditions are right, whether these conditions are brought about with little or much work on the part of the attendant. It will not make any difference, to the egg yield, whether the attendant spends all day furnishing these conditions to a flock of hens, or whether he furnishes the conditions in an hour's time ; but it will make a vast difference to the attendant in his economy of labor.

"Time is money," and if time is not wasted in fussing it can be utilized in other affairs, or in increasing the capacity of the plant — if all one's time is put in on the plant.

Every device or appliance, therefore, which tends to economize time, shorten or lessen steps, or helps to prevent any leaks should be made use of. Nowadays Efficiency is the Watchword in any line of business, and there is no reason whatsoever for making the poultry business an exception.

Right tools with which to work cannot be considered as an avoidable expense, but should be considered as indispensible assets in conducting successful operations.

Water Problems

• The death knell of many an otherwise promising poultry business, is seen in the way water is dished out to the fowls. Sometimes water is carried to the flock in shallow dishes or trays, and the fowls walk all over the dishes, foul the water, and make it unfit to drink in a few minutes. Probably, also, the dish is upset in short order; and then there is no water where the water ought to be, and the fowls are soon thirsty.

'A Revolution in Egg Production"

Points the practical ways to increased egg yields in all seasons.

Yours very truly,

Geo. G. Newell

Water — the Cheapest and Also the Most Neglected Necessity

Water in pails or deep vessels is some improvement, but this also soon gets foul, and the fowls become thirsty, for the reason that, when used for a little time, the water gets down so low in the pail, or other vessel, that they cannot reach it.

These open vessels are also quickly frozen over in cold weather, thus cutting off the supply.

Automatic drinking fountains, especially those constructed in recent years, so as to prevent damage to the fountain from freezing, are a great convenience.

The handiest of these are filled like an ordinary pail, and then turned over on their sides.

i

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A Handy Automatic Water Fountain

The poultryman, with such fountains in use, can fill them up once a day and be certain that his fowls are not thirsty at any time. In well constructed houses, water will not freeze in such fountains at an outside temperature of zero or a little below. In extreme temperatures a pail of hot water can be taken, to the poultry house, during the day, the fountain set upright and the hot water poured in, and the fountain again turned on its side.

One of the biggest "chores" in the poultry business is the furnishing of water, and every convenience should be made use of to lessen this work. The water also will be found to be a prolific cause of the spread of some of the most dangerous diseases of poultry.

For this reason, all fowls suffering with colds, roup, etc., should be immediately separated to prevent contagion or infection from spreading to the balance of the flock.

Permanganate of Potash is highly recommended for putting in the water, to assist in the cure and prevent the spread of colds, roup, etc. Sufficient Permanganate of Potash may be dissolved to turn the water to a decided wine color. In case of roup or kindred diseases, the head and eyes can be swabbed with a solution of Permanganate of Potash with good results. About as much as will stay on a dime will be enough for three gallons of drinking water ; and the same quantity in a quart of w r ater will be about right for a washing bath.

The poultryman handling large flocks would be short sighted if he did not, by some means, either by pumping under pressure, or by using a natural fall, provide a continuous supply of fresh water, thus promoting the health of his flocks, reducing the labor item in one of its most arduous tasks, and insuring against infection through the water supply, if disease should gain a foothold in his flocks.

Housing, Ventilation and Light.

The much discussed question of open-front vs. closed houses is still an open one. Like most issues of this kind, common sense and the real merit of the question lie in middle ground.

All are agreed that the housing should be tight on all sides except one, and that the ventilation, anyway in winter, should be from one side only to prevent drafts.

Provision should be made, however, to insure plenty of circulation of air in the extreme temperatures of summer, otherwise the fowls will suffer greatly.

The writer has in mind at this writing, a poultry house in Michigan one hundred feet long and fourteen feet wide, which he saw in the summer of 1912. He visited the owner of this house, and the birds looked beautiful and white, and seemed to be in good condition ; but they suffered and panted with the heat, and all had their wings spread out. The birds had been kept indoors because he thought it was cooler indoors than out, because of the reflection of the sun on the sandy soil. The air was stifling in the house, as it had a southern exposure and the glaring sun on the front made the air on the inside an extreme temperature, from which there was no escape. He suggested to the owner that a hole be cut through the rear wall, and that the boards be cut in such a manner that they could be battened together to form a door, to close the opening at will.

The effect when the first piece of board was taken out was instantaneous, and the relief was sensed by the birds at once; they all got in line of the breeze to enjoy it. "Ask the birds, their judgment is good."

Double Pitch Monitor Roof Poultry House Showing Slatted Ventilators and Windows in Monitor Roof

The extreme temperature had already resulted in the death of a half dozen birds. We found one hen which seemed about to expire, took her outside, laid her on the grass, and, after pouring cold water over a shaded spot laid her there to cool off. She revived and next day had fully recovered.

The same openings in winter time would be fatal to the health of the flock. Good judgment must be used in these matters. An opening in the roof even, may be a good thing in the summer time, if it is made in such a manner as to be protected by a slatted ventilator, to prevent rain and wind from beating in. Such a ventilator takes the heated air right out of the house.

The house needs plenty of light and sunshine in addition to ventilation. It needs the light at all seasons, and the ventilation in varying degree according' to the seasons, and the temperatures of the seasons.

Muslin covered openings are recommended for the double purpose of light and ventilation. However, they are not an unmixed good and are not as effective for these purposes as they are recommended to be. They soon get dusty, so that they do not ventilate freely, and in the course of a season get so dirty that they shut off very much light. The latter objection is not so great in the long days of summer as in the short days of winter.

Openings or windows protected by hinged slatted doors, to keep out the weather and prevent direct air currents, are much more effective for ventilation, and can be fastened back and the windows closed, when not needed as ventilators.

In the summer, if the house gets overheated because of the glare of the sun on a large amount of glass, some of the glass can be washed over with a solution of Whiting and water, and this will protect from the sun's glare without excluding much light.