384 AMERICAN POULTRY ASSOCIATION 



Delivery. Every moment before judging is a precious one, 

 as there is much to be done and much may depend upon what 

 is done or not done. First, the birds must be located. If 

 they are scheduled to have arrived and have not, the express 

 company should be at once notified and pressure applied to 

 bring about a quick delivery. As soon as they are delivered, 

 see that they are in a comfortable place. Before the birds are 

 put in the exhibition cages, the cages should be cleaned and 

 supplied with a proper amount of bedding, water, grain and 

 grit. 



Clean Cages Important. It is very important to rub the 

 exhibition cages until free of all dust, dirt, or mould, especially 

 if you have white or light colored birds to exhibit. Other- 

 wise, the plumage becomes so soiled in a very few hours that 

 the birds present a very poor appearance, compared to those 

 who have been washed white and kept clean. Metal cages 

 especially should be thoroughly cleaned before white birds 

 are put in them. Old papers or rags are suitable cleaning 

 agents, though clean rags should be used in the last cleaning 

 operations to insure its thoroughness. 



Bedding. The bedding may be planer shavings, sawdust 

 or straw, but the first two are most often used. The bed or 

 litter should be of sufficient depth to allow the birds to stand 

 comfortably which they can not do on bare boards. From 

 one-half to one inch of shavings or sawdust should be ample, 

 but these must be renewed from time to time for several reas- 

 ons. First, for cleanliness and sanitation, which includes elimi- 

 nation of odors, offensive alike to patrons of the show and 

 to the birds themselves. The ammonia that arises from un- 

 clean litter or bedding is not only disagreeable but may in- 

 flame the organs of the bird's nose and throat and become the 

 cause of more serious troubles. Renewal of bedding, daily, is 

 advisable. 



Drinking Dishes. Diseases of the mouth, nose and throat 

 are often transmitted because of unclean and non-disinfected 

 drinking dishes. Before using and before the birds are caged, 

 the drinking dishes should be washed and disinfected or thor- 

 oughly scalded, if possible. 



Protection Against Drafts. The doors to the show room 

 are often left open while the birds are being received, and in 

 such a manner as to allow strong drafts in the show room 

 itself or certain parts of it. In locations exposed to drafts, 



