372 AMERICAN POULTRY ASSOCIATION 



not an absolute necessity in getting birds of certain colors into 

 good condition. The best foods to produce gloss are corn, 

 buckwheat, sunflower seed, beef scraps and beef tallow. These, 

 with the single exception of corn, cannot be used in quantity 

 or as staple foods, as they "age" the plumage and impair 

 digestion if given in excess. A wonderfully glossy plumage 

 may be produced in a remarkably short time if conditions are 

 favorable. Besides oily food, plenty of sunlight and housing 

 conditions that embrace dryness and very moderate tempera- 

 tures are necessary. 



Constant attention wherever administered is beneficial to 

 fowls for whatever purpose kept, and particularly so to fowls 

 that are being conditioned for shows, but is not absolutely 

 necessary. Many exhibitors are so situated that they cannot 

 attend their fowls during the day. I believe that the best 

 method they can pursue is to feed the mash late in the after- 

 noon, and in the morning, give the birds grain in deep but 

 light litters to scratch for during the day. Many contrivances 

 may be devised to induce or even compel exercise ; for instance, 

 a cabbage may be hung so high that they will have to jump 

 a little to reach it. Grains may be fed in automatic feeders 

 in connection with deep litters, etc. 



Grouping the Birds To Be Conditioned. The grouping or 

 arranging of the birds with relation to their association with 

 one another has oftentimes much to do with their develop- 

 ment. A male put alone sometimes loses his interest in life, 

 but not always. If he is a cock bird, one or two hens that are 

 active and alert should be placed with him. If it is necessary 

 to raise his weight, feed him alone, once or more daily. A 

 cockerel may be allowed to run with one or two hens, but if 

 he is not too far along, it is preferable to allow the society of 

 two to four young cockerels. If he maltreats them, there are 

 but two alternatives left, the society of females, or isolation. 

 Young males, not too far along, generally do best in flocks of 

 six to eight, but these must have grown up together. Even 

 then the time will come when they must be closely watched. 

 At the first signs of fighting, both birds must be removed. 

 Females can be kept in groups of four to six. Quarrelsome 

 females must be kept alone, as they are sure to ruin the good 

 appearance of their companions. 



Taming the Show Bird. A show bird should be tame, so 

 that it does not become frightened when handled. The ad- 

 vantage that a bird that will pose while the judge is in front of 



