THE TURKEY AND ITS VARIETIES. 1181 



Almost any kind of pen, coop, or house will do for the turkey hen and 

 poults if it will protect them from rain and storms, if it is large enough, 

 is clean, not too close or warm, and absolutely free from parasitic enemies. 

 These are the important requisites of the structure in which they are to 

 be kept until the poults are well started. They should be allowed their 

 freedom a part of every day when the grass is dry, and should be made 

 to stay within at nights and during wet days, till old enough to wander 

 with the mother hen and roost out on the fences or trees. 



Either fresh coops should be provided each year or the old ones should 

 be thoroughly cleansed within and without. Prior to using old coops. 



A PAIR OF WHITE HOLLAND TURKEYS. 



paint them thoroughly with crude petroleum, in which have been dis- 

 solved some naphthalene balls, filling everj^ crack and crevice with this 

 at least a week before they are needed, and be sure that the odor of the 

 preparation has disappeared before using the coops, as it is not beneficial 

 to the young. The features of most importance in cooping the mother 

 and young are plenty of light and room, and freedom from dampness and 

 insect parasites. 



When the poults are ready to leave the nest, move the mother hen and 

 her young into the coop provided for them ; supply a little food now and 

 then as they need it, and see that the mother has plenty of food and water. 

 Let them alone in the coop till they begin to move about. As soon as 

 they will, let the poults run out on the grass when it is dry, but keep them 

 from the wet grass, as nothing is more detrimental to their growth, unless 



