236 DUCKS AND TURKEYS 



ground in some secluded spot. The young turkeys, or 

 poults, as they are called, are very delicate, and, until 

 they are ten or twelve weeks old, they should be cared for 

 in coops. They should not be let out of the coop in the 

 morning until the dew is off the grass. 



The Bronze Turkey. This is the largest, the most 

 popular, and the most profitable of all the breeds. The 

 gobblers weigh about thirty-six pounds, and the turkey 

 hens about twenty pounds. This breed furnishes the 

 largest part of the turkey meat for Thanksgiving and 

 Christmas feasts. 



QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES. 



1. What breeds of ducks are raised in your neighborhood? 



2. Observe ducks when they are foraging for food. 

 What do they eat? 



3. How should young turkeys be cared for? 



4. Observe turkeys when they are catching things to 

 eat. What insects do they eat in large numbers? 



