PROGRESSIVE P6ULTRY CULTURE 273 



a steel trap on a piece of board nailed at the top of a 

 high pole. 



Crows are very suspicious, cautious creatures and 

 may sometimes be kept away by running twine from 

 tree to tree or on poles across the ranges or yards of 

 the chickens. Bright strips of tin strung upon the lines 

 may help to keep the crows at a distance. Scare crows 

 are in some cases effective and in other cases useless 

 in preventing the visits of the crows. A figure closely 

 resembling the human form, having loose sleeves that 

 fill and flutter in the wind is likely to deter the crows 

 from swooping upon chickens near by. 



THIEVES: The meanest of maurauders is a man 

 who would rob a hen-roost. 



A faithful bull dog will usually prevent losses by 

 thieving. 



Frequent gun practice at irregular times, day and 

 night, especially if the gunner gains the reputation of 

 being a "sure shot" will tend to cause robbers to shun 

 the premises. 



Electric alarms in the hen houses and connecting 

 with the poultryman's sleeping quarters serve to give 

 warning of unwelcome visitants at night. 



The Judicious circulation of Information near and 

 far as to the installation of the electric alarms on the 

 poultry plant, their wonderful detective powers and 

 the skill of the poultryman in the use of fire arms may 

 have a restraining influence upon persons thievishly 

 inclined. 



VICES. 



FEATHER PULLING: Fowls sometimes acquire the bad 

 habit of pecking at the feathers of one or more of their 

 number until parts of the body become naked. Male 

 birds are especially liable to have the neck feathers 

 pulled in this way if the flock is kept in close conflne- 

 , ment with lack of exercise. Unbalanced rations, lack 

 of green food, absence of meat food and of grit and 

 neglect to provide for the natural needs of the fowls 



all favor the forming % of this evil habit 

 10 



