THE CARE OF POULTRY 35 



Preparing Fowls for the Shozv Ring — The prep- 

 aration of show birds really begins with the selection 

 and mating of the breeding pen. After they have 

 ■attained an age of four or five months, when they give 

 ■evidence of future form, the best birds should be 

 -selected, or the entire flock, if it is not too large, may 

 be fed with the show ring in view. Feed thein sound, 

 nutritious food but not so as to fatten them. In the 

 morning, give a warm mash of cooked meal and pota- 

 rtoes; at noon, whole wheat or buckwheat, and at 

 night, a very little whole corn with crushed bone and 

 a small allowance of scraps three times a week. Give 

 also two or three times a week sorrie cooked meat or 

 -fish. Never feed more than they will eat up clean at 

 one time. Supply regularly with pure, fresh water, 

 and give milk to drink if you have it. Unless they 

 have free range, provide a large, dry run and ample 

 •dust boxes. 



From two to four weeks before the show, pick out 

 .as many birds as you contemplate exhibiting and two 

 -or three extra ones. Separate the sexes and provide 

 pens for both, the floor of which is covered with clean, 

 dry sand two inches deep. Give the most nutritious 

 feed obtainable while the fowls are confined. Rice 

 loiled in milk, is one of the best foods, but whole wheat 

 is also excellent. There is nothing like sunflower seed 

 to give the plumage the rich, brilliant gloss which is so 

 .attractive in the show pen. Clean water, grit and a 

 little charcoal must also be provided. 



The final preparation of all white birds is to wash 

 and clean the plumage, which should be done the day 

 "before shipping. Take three tubs of water, one hot, 

 ■one lukewarm and one cold. Place the bird in the hot 

 water, which should be deep enough to cover the back 

 and come well up on the neck. Use white castile soap 

 and make a good suds, then rub the bird well with the 



