218 Farm Poultry 



fountain at a warm temperature, it soon becomes 

 tainted and, unless given frequent attention, will 

 emit a disagreeable odor. This condition must 

 not be allowed to exist, for all food and water 

 consumed by the fowls, particularly the young, 

 should be free from taint. There is no greater 

 stumbling block to the novice than the lack of 

 cleanliness. 



Many automatic fountains will keep water before 

 the chickens, but they are frequently difficult to 

 cleanse if they once become tainted. Nothing 

 less than frequent scalding with steam or boiling 

 water will answer the purpose. Any drinking foun- 

 tain that is constructed of glass, that will not 

 bear such temperatures, is objectionable. Tin or 

 earthenware is preferred on account of the ease 

 of cleansing. A drinking fountain made on the 

 same principle as the one with a revolving reser- 

 voir, described in a previous chapter (page 120), 

 will prove very satisfactory. An empty tomato 

 can and a shallow saucer will answer every pur- 

 pose. These may be readily cleansed and are 

 convenient. 



BKOODEKS 



Brooders require constant care to keep them 

 clean and to see that no part becomes wet, which 

 will frequently happen if water dishes are placed 

 within the machine. Cleanliness must be insisted 



