FACILITIES FOR WASHING 463 



received proper training, which is but another term for sufficient 

 petting and handling, they will allow their master to perform 

 these ablutions in a very orderly fashion. A warm room, plenty 

 of soft water, good soap, a couple of tubs, some towels or cloths, 

 a sponge, patience and common sense are the requirements. 



Quarters. — On many of the large farms, those that make a 

 specialty of exhibiting, special quarters are provided for con- 

 ditioning the fowls. In fact, some of the conditioning rooms 

 resemble exhibitions themselves, being fitted with show cages 

 in much the same manner. The small breeder may obtain 

 equally good results without going to this expense. An outside 

 kitchen or sheltered porch, some place where members of the 

 household frequently pass, is a good location to erect temporary 

 cages, and as often as one can spare the time, handle the birds 

 and make them accustomed to persons coming close to the cage. 



Always handle fowls with quiet movements yet with a firm 

 grip, being careful to keep their wings closely folded against their 

 bodies when removing them from the cages, so as to avoid any 

 damage to the feathers. Sometimes it is best to commence the 

 training at night, for light seems to fascinate them, and they are 

 less wild. Teach the specimens to assume certain poses, and by 

 gently stroking them between the wattles they can be made to 

 retain a pose indefinitely. A few minutes spent in training every 

 morning and night for a couple of weeks will usually conquer 

 the wildest of birds. If you find a specimen that no amount of 

 training will tame, better discard it; the chances are it will try 

 to pull down the cage in the judge's presence. 



Preparations for Washing. — Everything should be in readi- 

 ness before washing the birds, and a start made in the morning, 

 so that by night the fowls are dried off. Fill two tubs with warm 

 water of a temperature that is comfortable to the hands; use 

 the first for washing and the second for rinsing and sponging. 

 Provide a third tub of cold water for the final rinsing, to which 

 a small amount of laundry bluing may be added if desired. This 

 is a very particular part of the operation. The tub should con- 

 tain enough water to entirely immerse the bird, except the head, 



