144 CALIFORNIA POULTRY PRACTICE 



8 to 10 fowls at one time. While these birds are drying, the washing 

 of the others can proceed, and things will move pretty fast. 



The washed fowls are put on the perches and the front curtains 

 dropped to raise the temperature. If it gets too hot, pin the curtain 

 back; if too cool, lower the curtain. 



But while the drying is going on, some one should be separating 

 the wet feathers (without removing the birds from the roost), as this 

 makes it easier for the hot air to pass through the feathers. After 

 the birds are partially dried, get a good-sized fan and open the door 

 a few minutes at a time to operate the fan. This fluffs the feathers 

 much better than if they are left entirely to the heat. Or if there 

 are more birds to go on the roosts, take the first birds out and stand 

 them on top of the coop, and use the fan until thoroughly dry. 



When the birds are perfectly dry, take them one at a time by the 

 legs, head down, and sift powdered corn starch into the feathers. 

 This is merely to keep the feathers clean; dirt does not stick to corn- 

 starch. Before judging comes off, the birds will have shaken all of 

 it from the feathers, and no harm done. 



The Straw Method of Washing Fowls. Some fanciers clean their 

 birds' plumage by what is known as the straw method. About four 

 or five weeks before a show is coming off, the birds are confined in a 

 house with a board floor, and given a deep coating of straw to 

 wallow around in. It must be at least 18 inches deep to do any 

 good and two feet would be better. The straw must be clean and free 

 from rust or mold, and should be changed every few days in order to 

 keep it bright and clean. This straw is a great help, even though the 

 birds are washed at the finish, as it does take off a great deal of the 

 dirt and clean the legs and feet. 



Cleaning Legs And Toes. If the bird has been through the wash- 

 ing process he is now ready for the manicure act. Go over the scales 

 with a toothpick, work out all the dirt that did not get out with 

 washing, by rubbing in a little sweet oil and a few drops of carbolic 

 acid. When perfectly clean, polish the legs and feet with a little oil 

 of pennyroyal. Some use glycerine and wax, but pennyroyal polishes 

 and cleans much easier, and it does not stain white legs. 



Oiling Comb, Etc. The comb, face, and wattles of a bird can be 

 very much improved in color by the use of a little glycerine and al- 

 cohol. Mix equal parts and gently wipe all over the face, ears, comb, 

 and wattles. It can be done before the bird is shipped, and again 

 just before judging commences. 



Train The Bird To Pose. An old cock bird can be made into a 

 feathered grandstand player if you take the time. Take your bird 

 out at night, when you want to commence training him, for at night 

 they are more docile. If he gets excited, put him right back, then 



