THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 21 



it clear of vermin, and adds greatly to her comfort and 

 that of her young when hatched. 



Chickens fatten best when given a full feed just 

 before going to roost, and the first thing in the morn- 

 ing. 



A dry floor may be obtained by digging out the 

 earth and replacing it a foot deep with sand. 



A hen's laying capacity reaches its highest point in 

 her second year, and then begins to decline. 



In reserving cocks for breeding purposes, keep those 

 that are the most active and vigorous. 



There should be at least one cock to eight hens ; one 

 drake to four or five ducks; one gobbler to ten turkey 

 hens, and one gander to two geese. 



Do not let fowls inbreed too long or the result will 

 be loss of eggs and deterioration of the flock. 



Where poultry is allowed the run of a farm there is 

 no danger of over-feeding, but there is with yarded 

 poultry which gets no exercise ; these especially require 

 variety. 



One great secret of successful turkey raising is regu- 

 lar feeding during the fall and winter in one place. 

 This makes them tame and prevents that tendency to 

 wander off in summer and breed, which is innate in 

 the turkey. 



