POULTRY. 577 



In Hamburgs it is quite common in the show-pens to see specimens where one-half the 

 flight-feathers are the old ones, never having been shed. &quot;When you see the flights half or 

 two-thirds cast, and the new feathers just starting, catch the fowl and remove the rest. Just 

 so with the chick. Many of you have seen me pull feathers in a show-room with the remark 

 that they were chicken -feathers. The feathers next to the last coat before a bird comes into 

 reproductive life, have a thin-pointed end where birds have been confined ; these, many times, 

 are late in moulting out. Care in this respect, especially in Plymouth Eocks, should be 

 taken to see that they are shed in time to get their new ones before the exhibition, and may 

 save you the disappointment of losing a first prize. These are old stories to us, but if by 

 calling attention to them one nice bird may be saved to win, we shall not regret the writing.&quot; 



Moulting. This is the most critical period for fowls during the whole year. It is the 

 time when there is a strain upon the system, required in the casting off of the old and the 

 production of a new growth of feathers, the manufacturing of their new suit of &quot; winter 

 clothes; &quot; hence there is an extra demand upon their physical energies. We prefer to see 

 fowls moulting quite early in the autumn, thus putting off their summer clothes and prepar 

 ing for winter before the cold weather has fairly commenced. Early moulting indicates a 

 healthy condition, and when it occurs the process is apt to be gradual, while if delayed until 

 cold weather, the feathers generally fall off rapidly, leaving the hen in such an unprotected 

 condition that she suffers extremely from the cold, and sometimes dies from the effects, or if 

 she recovers, is not generally worth much. Late moulting indicates exhaustion from con 

 stant egg-production or other cause. During the moulting season hens are more delicate than 

 at any other time, and require extra care. They seem to feel badly, and frequently mope 

 about as though sick. 



It should be the aim of the poultry keeper to favor early moulting, and to make the 

 season as short as possible. This may be accomplished by giving such food as will induce a 

 growth of feathers. Feathers are largely nitrogenous in their composition, consequently the 

 food for poultry previous to and during the moulting season, should be such as has a large 

 proportion of nitrogen. When fowls are allowed the freedom of extended ranges, like that 

 of the farm, for instance, they will seek worms, grasshoppers, and other insects for themselves, 

 which contain large proportions of the nitrogen element. If hens are confined where they 

 cannot obtain such food, they should be fed with meat scraps, bone meal, or something of 

 that nature that will furnish material for the growth of feathers. 



Sheep s pluck, refuse from the butcher s shop, etc., may be obtained at slight expense, 

 and make excellent food for this purpose. Oats and hemp seed are good for feeding at this 

 season. Fowls should also have a little cayenne pepper mixed with their food, and be liber 

 ally supplied with lime in some form, such as powdered oyster shells, old plaster, egg shells, 

 etc. Mr. Wright recommends that sulphate of iron be mixed with their drink during the 

 moulting season and cold weather; the preparation being half a pound of sulphate of iron 

 and one ounce of sulphuric acid, dissolved in two gallons of water, this to be added in the 

 proportion of a teaspoonful to each part of water given the fowls. It is also highly import 

 ant that hens be provided with warm quarters, and proper shelter during this season. Very 

 comfortable henneries may be constructed with but little labor and expense, where more elab 

 orate buildings are not desired, and will well repay the trouble of providing them. 



Feather Eating. This is an annoying and unnatural habit, that seems to be formed 

 under confinement, and from a lack of exercise and want of meat and green food. We have 

 frequently seen fowls stand perfectly still, and apparently contented, and allow another to 

 pluck the feathers from the head or other portions of the body until the blood flowed, show 

 ing no indication whatever of pain or discomfort. This habit is imitated by others in the 

 flock, and spoils the appearance of fowls. It seems to be a habit contracted in part from 

 mere idleness the want of something to do. Give the fowls a wider range, more exercise, 



