The mash, because of its high protein content, is the real egg-maker.  And during recent years there has been a tendency toward restricting the scratch feed and inducing the layers to eat more mash.  Results seem to indicate that this plan is best, increasing the yield and reducing feed costs.

The laying ration now recommended by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station is simple and efficient.  This ration is made as follows: 

    Dry Mash lbs.

Wheat Bran              100
Wheat Middlings         100
Ground Oats (heavy)     100
Corn Meal               100

  High-grade Fish Scrap or Meat

  Scrap 100

  Scratch Grain lbs.

Cracked Corn            200
Wheat                   100
Oats (heavy)            100
Barley                  100

The same institution has perfected the following feeding table showing what amount of scratch feed should be given the layers daily each month in the year.  This is a most valuable guide, especially to the inexperienced poultryman.  When the birds are fed scratch grain, as indicated, they will naturally eat enough mash from the open hoppers to meet their requirements.

Amount of Grain to Feed Layers Each Month in the Year

Months          Amount Per Day Per          Pounds For Each
100 Birds                  Feeding
A.M.                 P.M. 
November              12 lbs.           4 lbs.              8 lbs. 
December              12  "             4  "                8  "
January               12  "             4  "                8  "
February              12  "             4  "                8  "
March                 12  "             4  "                8  "
April                 12  "             4  "                8  "
May                   10  "             4  "                6  "
June                  10  "             4  "                6  "
July                   8  "             3  "                5  "
August                 6  "             2  "                4  "
September              5  "             2  "                3  "
October                5  "             2  "                3  "

Study this question of mash and grain consumption, for if your birds are not getting enough protein mash, they cannot lay eggs in larger numbers.

* * * * *

Hatching the Chicks

For layers or broilers, hatch chicks early.  For late markets and home use, you may bring off hatches at intervals throughout the entire summer.

The incubator and brooder are big helps where many chicks are hatched.  Pratts Poultry Service Department will gladly advise you regarding makes of such machines which are giving general satisfaction.

Just a word of caution.  Operate incubators and brooders in accordance with the directions furnished by the maker.  Go slow in making changes.