228 PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 



gether. This is to avoid danger of injury from 

 and quarreling. 



The birds will be exhibited singly, each in a separ- 

 ate coop, at the show, unless the fancier chooses to enter 

 his fowls as an "exhibition pen" of one male and four 

 females. 



A training coop, similar to an exhibition coop, 

 should be placed in the fowls' apartment about three 

 feet above the floor. In this cage each bird may be daily 

 trained in preparation for the show. 



In the choice of birds the exhibitor first sees that 

 they are free from disqualifications and next seeks to 

 select such as have shape as near to the standard as 

 possible, being guided by the standard descriptions and 

 illustrations. He looks to the head, especially the beak, 

 comb and eyes and does not neglect the wattles or ear- 

 lobes. 



The color or markings of the plumage, both surface 

 and subsurface, are exceedingly important. 



A bird having any glaring defect is to be rejected 

 in favor of one having several minor defects. 



The description of the standard should be taken 

 literally as it stands. 



In breeds of white plumage, brassiness, yellow 

 color and even straw color or creaminess are blemishes. 



In black colored breeds bronze or purple barring 

 is undersirable. A dull somber black is passable but a 

 metallic greenish black is preferred. 



Fresh water, grit and granulated charcoal are kept 

 in hoppers before the fowls and they are fed their re- 

 gular rations. Some of the grain is scattered in the 

 loose straw to induce scratching for the sake of body 

 exercise and consequent good circulation of the blood. 



Birds that are below standard weight may be 

 brought up by feeds of fresh, finely cut meat and warm 

 mashes. Gentle handling of the fowls frequently makes 

 them tame and submissive to training so that they are 

 not easily frightened during exhibition time. 



A bird placed in the training coop is taught to ,stand 



