Rearing. 31 



hinges, and of the same height as the coop, in very 

 stormy weather it proves useful for the first few days ; 

 and during sunshine it is pleasant and warm to the 

 young birds. 



After-Treatment. When the birds are getting 

 strong, and running everywhere, be regular in your 

 feeding times as well as at first, so that they know 

 when to expect it. Feed just before shutting-up time. 

 Count the birds, and push the run to the coop. When 

 they are all in, turn down the sack, place the sloping 

 bottom board to keep off the rain, and they are safe 

 till, say, five o'clock the next morning. Let the hen 

 have a little of the young birds' food; it induces her 

 to call them. When they run out regularly, they will 

 eat every bit of lettuce and onion they can reach, 

 and will forage amongst the vegetable beds. Your 

 gardener may not like them in the garden, but, for 

 getting birds on, there is no place like it. They run 

 out and feed, then scamper back under the hen, and 

 will beat any birds in a state of nature where the 

 mother drags them about through wet grass and all 

 sorts of places. If they do eat some vegetables, they, 

 in return, clear the garden of insects, &c., and to 

 their own manifest advantage. 



Should you find any birds disposed to diarrhoea, 

 clip the feathers round the vent, and wash it clean ; 

 otherwise, it is apt to clog, and the bird becomes 

 miserable, and soon dies. 



Cutting the Wings of Young Birds If you let 

 your birds loose in a garden, or wired inclosure, unless 



