CHAPTER XLII 



SECRETS OF THE SHOW BIRDS' TOILET 



Perfect condition plays an important part in the securing of 

 prizes. A judge goes by the condition and appearance of the birds 

 at the time he passes on them. Condition, in a show bird, holds 

 the same relation as the "height of bloom" does in a flower; i. e., at a 

 certain period the bud will unfold its petals and gradually burst into 

 flower. It is then in its best condition — after which it will wilt. And 

 it is so with a show bird, when in bloom, his feathers will be lustrous 

 and plentiful, his head bright red in color, and the bird, at that time, 

 will be in its most handsome dress. 



But the "bloom" of a show bird implies more than just the feathers. 

 It implies that the bird is in good physical condition; second, ripeness; 

 third, proper domestication. Then we say the bird is "fit." If it is 

 a good specimen of the breed it represents, it stands a chance to win. 

 Ripeness means that the feathers have arrived at the stage where 

 they have acquired the proper length and fullness, without the loss 

 of brilliancy and pureness of color. If the feathers have not arrived 

 at proper length and fullness, the bird lacks in symmetry. The arch 

 of the neck, the curve of the back and the depth of saddle are all 

 dependent of the proper length of the feathers. Yes, even the shape 

 of breast, carriage of the bird depends on the ripeness of the feathers. 



Trziining. — For young birds that have not been conlined, the pre- 

 liminary training must be to teach them to stand confinement, and 

 get used to being in a coop. This should be done gradually, at 

 first, say keep them in two or three hours, then let them out. Next 

 time keep them in a little longer, and finally keep them in all day, 

 then one or two days. Let them get acquainted with strangers as a 

 great deal of your success at the poultry shows depends on this. If 

 your birds are frightened and run back in the coop, very few will 

 stop to look at them, because there are more nice birds that are not 

 so shy. A well trained bird will pay very little attention to the noise 

 and hubbub around him, but will take it as a matter of fact. 



Training Via The "Stomach Route." — When the birds have got 

 accustomed to the coop, it is then time to attract them to the front. 

 This can best be done by feeding them some appetizing food, such as 

 meat, fruit or something they are fond of. In a short time they will 

 eat from your hand. Don't hurry matters by trying to make them do 

 too much. When you have got so far during the day time, take out 



