PREPARING WIANDOTTES FOR EXHIBITION, 



Since the era of poultry shows, many exhibitors wash and other- 

 wise prepare their birds so that they will attract the eye of the judge, 

 show to better advantage and score higher, by being in a more pre- 

 sentable condition. This practice originated in England, and it was 

 found in some cases necessary, owing to so much smoke from coal, 

 which entirely blackened the plumage of white fowls raised in cities. 

 A clean plumage, face, comb, wattles and legs, look pleasing to 

 judge and observer, and make a favorable impression in comparison 

 judging. 



A fowl needs to be in good health to show a rich plumage, and 

 when in good condition of flesh, without being fat, the plumage is 

 more abundant. The severity of our winters, just about the time 

 of our exhibitions, has deterred many exhibitors from washing their 

 show birds for fear of their taking cold and bringing on roup during 

 exhibition. The process is simple enough, when properly done; 

 but in the case of white or light colored birds, it requires more 

 care, skill and patience. 



The best way to remove dirt and stains from the plumage is by 

 clean, white or transparent soap, that is free from much alkali. 

 Have two tubs in readiness, one larger than the other, and fill the 

 smaller one with about three inches of warm water; cut up for one 

 bird about half a pound of white soap, and make a strong lather in 

 the tub; stand the bird in the lather and wash it, using a softish 

 hair brush, and your hand ; thoroughly brush and cleanse the 

 feathers everywhere, making sure that your strokes are downwards, 

 from head to tail, and not up and down, as that would ruffle the 

 feathers. This done, having prepared warm water in the larger tub, 

 dip the bird in and out, and at the same time stroke the feathers 

 down, to get out every vestige of the suds. If the shanks are very 



