226 PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 



severely and disposing of the culls he avoids crowding 

 the choice chicks. The poultryman who has abundant 

 room may prefer to raise the chicks rejected for stand- 

 ard defects, but otherwise good, to larger size. 



Sorting and selecting of the choice chicks is con- 

 tinued until only the exceptionally excellent oirds 

 remain. These are marked by means of leg bands and 

 individually studied by the fancier until he knows each 

 one's points fully. 



The intending exhibitor should decide what show or 

 shows he will patronize at 1'east six OT eight weeks 

 before they occur. He should ascertain if possible who 

 is to judge the birds of his class. According to the 

 conditions he selects a number of his birds to choose 

 from, for the coming show, ilf the birds have not fully 

 molted their chick feathers, some linseed meal or hemp 

 seed in the daily ration will help the growth of the 

 new feathers. Even after the adult feathering is com- 

 plete a little linseed m'eal daily will be beneficial as it 

 helps to keep the bowels in good order and tends to 

 smoothness and; glossiness of the plumage. 



Chickens of the different breed groups mature at 

 varying ages. The Mediterraneans are fairly well 

 matured at six to seven months; the American varieties 

 require about 'eight months and the Asiatics, on the 

 average, ten menths to reach the adult stage of growth. 



'Inspection of the plumage for defects of color and 

 condition is now in order. If any of the birds show 

 characteristics disqualifying them according to the 

 standard and not possible of correction, th'ey are dis- 

 carded. Any stubs, injured quills, or feathers having 

 discolored webs are to be removed so that new feathers 

 may replace them. 



Lice, mites and all other insect enemies must be 

 banished. Intestinal enemies can not be harbored if the 

 birds are to be kept in health and good condition. Par- 

 ticular watchfulness should be exercised to keep the 

 surroundings healthful and prevent sickness among the 

 handsome fowls. 



