NEED FOR WASHING 461 



and the angle formed by thigh and shank shows apparent strength 

 and perfect poise, Ihe specimen appears at a disadvantage. The 

 shanks in the Cochin classes, because of their excessively heavy 

 plumage, will look short, but they must not look dwarfed. In 

 the American classes we describe the length of the shanks as 

 medium, meaning that they free the specimen from any stilted 

 appearance ; at the same time they must not look short for the 

 size of the specimen. 



Thus, different breeds require different judgment, and the 

 only way to gain complete information about a particular breed 

 is to study the American Standard of Perfection, which is the 

 authority by which show specimens are judged. 



Birds intended for the show room should be selected a month 

 or two before the show dates, and the males separated from the 

 females to avoid broken feathers. They should be given more or 

 less isolated quarters, where they cannot fight, or in trying to 

 do so, injure their combs in any way. The specimens should be 

 carefully dusted with an insect powder to free them of lice, and 

 if they are badly soiled they may require a preliminary washing. 



Washing. — It is seldom necessary to wash the dark-colored 

 breeds, such as the Rhode Island Reds, unless they have been 

 reared in an atmosphere of coal smoke, in bare yards, or have 

 become very dirty, in which case a thorough washing will mean 

 a gfeat improvement. Washing is sometimes used to improve 

 the shape of certain breeds, such as Cochins and Orpingtons, 

 which should have loose, fluffy plumage. By drying before a 

 fire, one that is not too hot, for this will make the feathers curl, 

 and fanning the feathers while they are drying, the plumage 

 will remain loose and fluffy. This gives the birds a fuller, rounder 

 appearance, and adds much to their beauty. 



White birds are the hardest to condition. To insure a good 

 job they should be washed twice, the first time about two weeks 

 before the show, and again a day or two before shipping. The 

 idea of washing chickens sounds like a difficult task, but after a 

 little experience it becomes a pleasure. It is surprising how 

 placidly most fowls submit to the work. If the specimens have 



