lOO BIGGI.K POUI.TRY BOOK. 



require uothiug ))ut corn and water and freedom from 

 molestation. While the young are hatching feed and 

 drink should be placed before her on the nest. 



The poults require nothing to eat for t\venty-four| 

 hours, and need not Ijc fed until placed in the coopJ 

 A familiar sight wherever turkeys are reared is 

 the coop and yard made of foot-wide boards, here 

 shown. For the first three days the mother should 

 ])e kept in the coop, l)ut after this may have her 

 liberty. She will not go far away 

 while her flock is confined. The 

 pen should be located on well- 

 drained ground, where there is 

 short and tender grass. In the al:)sence of grass in 

 the runs finely chopped onions, lettuce or other 

 vegetables should be supplied. 



The diet of poults need not differ greatlv from 

 that of chicks. Hard-boiled eggs, so generall}^ pre- 

 scribed, may be safely left out of their bill of fare. 

 Dry bread soaked in sweet milk is good for the first 

 week. This may be given three times a day, and a 

 little oat meal, finely cracked wheat or corn be kept 

 where they can peck at it when so inclined. Ten 

 young turkeys are killed Ijy kindess in overfeeding 

 for every one injured by starvation. It is not neces- 

 sary to feed every two hours, as it is sometimes 

 enjoined. It is more in accordance with nature to 

 furnish them with food in such a manner that the}' 

 cannot gorge themselves quickly, but will be com- 

 pelled to peck a little at a time and often. Wet and 

 sloppy food and fermented messes should be scrupu- 

 lously avoided. Cottage cheese, made by scalding 



