130 999 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 



QUESTION Why do fowls that have free range produce a 

 larger per cent of fertile eggs than those kept in confinement. 



ANSWER Because the average fowl in confinement is not fed 

 properly. The difference is all in the feeding. 



QUESTION How can ordinary stoneware milk crocks be used 

 for drinking fountains and the fowls prevented from getting into 

 them? 



ANSWER Procure a circular piece of board about one inch 

 greater in diameter than the top of the milk crock. Nail pieces of 

 lath 12 inches long all around the edge, 2 inches apart. Set this 

 frame over the crock, placing a weight on top of it if necessary. 



QUESTION What is the mode of killing fowls on the large mar- 

 ket plants where they are dressed and sent to market without re- 

 moving the head ? 



ANSWER A sharp-pointed knife is used and the point is thrust 

 into the roof of the mouth, thence upward into the brain, which pro- 

 duces unconsciousness and enables the killer to pluck the feathers 

 easily and quickly. 



QUESTION Why is so much stress laid upon exercise and com- 

 pelling fowls to scratch for most of their food? 



ANSWER Exercise creates a healthy appetite, develops bone 

 and muscle, is invigorating, stimulates a healthy circulation, pro- 

 motes digestion, keeps the mind and body occupied and prevents the 

 forming of bad habits, such as feather pulling, egg eating, comb 

 picking, etc. ; keeps the body warm and in healthy action in winter, 

 saves food, prevents gorging and the resultant evils, such as crop- 

 bound, indigestion and diarrhea; prevents birds from becoming 

 over-fat, makes eggs more fertile and productive of stronger chicks 

 and tends to prevent rheumatism and cramps in old fowls and leg 

 weakness in chicks. 



QUESTION Which breeds stand confinement best? 

 ANSWER Cochins and Brahmas. 



QUESTION Do laying hens need more food than those that are 

 not laying? 



ANSWER Yes. 



QUESTION What can be fed to rats that will kill them, with- 

 out chance of injury to fowls? 



ANSWER Mix equal parts of corn meal and plaster of paris 

 and place it in the rat holes. The plaster of paris hardens in the 

 stomach of the rat and is sure death. 



