146 Handbook of Nature-Study 



2. What is the general shape and size of the turkey? Describe its 

 plumage, noting every color which you can see in it? Does the plumage 

 of the hen turkey differ from that of the gobbler? 



3. What is the covering of the head of the turkey, what is its color 

 and how far does it extend down the neck of the bird? Is it always the 

 same color, and if not, what causes the change? Is the head covering 

 alike in shape and size on the male and the female? What is the part 

 called that hangs from the front of the throat below the beak? From 

 above the beak? 



4. What is the color of the beak? Is it short or long, straight or 

 curved ? Where are the nostrils situated ? 



5. What is the color of the turkey's eyes? Do you think it is a keen- 

 sighted bird ? 



6. Where are the ears? Do they show as plainly as a chicken's ears 

 do? Are turkeys quick of hearing? 



7. Do turkeys scratch like hens? Are they good runners? Describe 

 the feet and legs as to shape, size and color. Has the male a spur on his 

 legs, and if so, where is it situated-? For what is it used? 



8. Can turkeys fly well ? Are the wings small or comparatively large 

 and strong for the weight of the body? Do turkeys prefer high or low 

 places for perching when they sleep ? Is it well to house and confine them 

 in small buildings and parks as is done with other fowls? 



9. Tell, as nearly as you can discover by close observation, how the 

 gobbler sets each part of his plumage when he is "showing off" or strut- 

 ting? What do you think is the bird's purpose in thus exhibiting his fine 

 feathers? Does the "King of the flock" permit any such action by other 

 "gobblers" in his company? 



10. Are turkeys timid and cowardly or independent and brave, ready 

 to meet and fight anything which they think is threatening to their com- 

 fort and safety? 



11. When turkeys fight, what parts of their bodies seem to be used 

 as weapons? Does the male "gobble" during a fight, or only as a chal- 

 lenge or in triumph when victorious? Do the hen turkeys ever fight, or 

 only the males? 



12. How early in the spring does the turkey hen begin to lay? Does 

 she nest about the poultry yard and the barns or is she likely to seek some 

 secret and distant spot where she may hide her eggs? Describe the 

 turkey's egg, as well as you can, as to color, shape and size. Can one tell 

 it by the taste from an ordinary hen's egg? About how many eggs does 

 the turkey hen lay in her nest before she begins to "get broody" and want 

 to sit ? 



13. How many days of incubation are required to hatch the turkey 

 chick? Is it as downy and pretty as other little chicks? How often 

 should the young chicks be fed, and what food do you think is best for 

 them? Are turkey chicks as hardy as other chicks? 



14. Is the turkey hen generally a good mother? Is she cross or 

 gentle when sitting and when brooding her young? Is it possible to keep 

 the mother turkey as closely confined with her brood as it is with the 

 mother hen? What supplies should be given to her in the way of food, 

 grits, dust-baths, etc.? 



Supplementary reading Birds that Hunt and are Hunted, Blanchan. 



