PLYMOUTH ROCK STANDARD AND BREED BOOK 385 



the birds, if caged, must be protected by covering the tops 

 and possibly the front of cages with paper, or cloth, during 

 that time, and subsequently if need be. If the draft is strong 

 and the temperature low, the birds may be allowed to eat and 

 drink in the show cage and returned to the shipping coop until 

 necessary to feed and water again, or until conditions for 

 caging are more favorable. 



Change in Temperature. Many times, not as much heat 

 is provided during the night as during the day. In such cases 

 it is well to cover the tops of the cages as you are leaving for 

 the night. This not only keeps the birds warmer but darkens 

 the cages besides, and the birds rest better. This plan may 

 be carried farther and the front of the cage covered if the 

 temperature is so low that it seems advisable. With birds of 

 nervous temperament this scheme assists materially in keeping 

 them in good condition. 



Feeds and Feeding. In a large show individual attention 

 cannot be expected of the regular show attendants, and in small 

 shows they are not likely to accord it. For this reason owners 

 or caretakers should take to themselves the duties of feeding 

 as well as other cares. First, because the ordinary feeds of the 

 show room lack variety. Second, it is by no means certain 

 that feeds will be given at the proper time. Third, feeds are 

 not always of a suitable nature, and fourth, not given in the 

 right amounts. 



Variety is Necessary. Show room feeding often consists of 

 giving a supply of whole or mixed grains, usually cracked or 

 whole corn, wheat or oats, perhaps a mixture of all these or of 

 any two, twice a day. Very often this is the entire bill of 

 fare. There is, consequently, a lack of meat, greens, grit, shell 

 and mash, all of which are necessities for a continuance of 

 normal digestion. With a restricted ration, the digestive or- 

 gans soon become abnormal, a condition that may soon severely 

 affect the good appearance of the specimen. 



Meat and Greens in the Show Room. As a rule feeding in 

 the show room should not differ materially from feeding at 

 home. If the birds have been accustomed to greens and meat 

 at home, greens and meat should be fed in the show room, 

 though not necessarily in the same form. Substitutes of the 

 same general nature will be relished for the sake of variety. 

 No fowl will object to a little Hamburg steak or fresh meat 

 in preference to beef scrap, or to cabbage as a substitute for 

 alfalfa or clover. There may be a slight objection to making 



