TURKEYS ON THE FARM. 301 
until they grow enough to develop the red about the 
head, or green food, like chopped onions and lettuce, if 
they are confined to a pen. Remember that little chick- 
ens thrive under confinement that would cause disease 
and death among little turkeys. If the little turkeys 
are cooped, remove them to fresh, dry ground frequently. 
Dampness, lice and filth make short work of them. 
Give them their food on clean surfaces. 
Young turkeys should not be out in heavy showers 
until their backs are well covered with feathers. If they 
get wet, they may die from chill, unless put in a warm 
room to dry. Black and red pepper and ginger in the 
food or drinking water aid .them to overcome a chill, 
and are of great value 
on cold or damp days, ft» v 
and are a preventive |*’ 
of bowel trouble in [2 
both old and young 
turkeys. Some find & 
th at young turkeys FIG. 119. SHED FOR SHELTERING LITTLE 
do best when neither TURKEYS AT NIGHT. 
they nor the hen is confined, providing they are put in a 
pasture lot, high and dry, where the grass is short and 
there are no trees. No more than three litters are 
cooped in a five-acre lot. 
At the Rhode Island Station it was found that confin- 
ing the little turkeys at night prevents their being en- 
tangled and lost in the long, wet grass, but it is detri- 
mental to their welfare and should not be continued too 
long. If possible, they should have full liberty where 
the grass is short. Their nature is such that they need 
cold air and a great deal of exercise. Restriction of lib- 
erty, with light feeding, soon puts them out of condi- 
tion; while full feeding, even with liberty, prevents . 
their taking full exercise, and causes disease of the di- 
gestive organs, and they are lost or do not thrive. 
asa 
