464 COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



because if one portion of the plumage is submerged longer than 

 another, the bird will not be evenly blued. Use about as much 

 bluing as would be proper for laundering clothes. 



Lather Each Section. — ^When all is ready, carefully immerse 

 the specimen, and then starting with the head, thoroughly lather 

 each section until every particle of dirt has been freed. Cover 

 each feather with lather clear to the skin and then rub the feath- 

 ers well between the hands. Don't be afraid of damaging the 

 feathers; once wet they are very pliable and may be rubbed 

 much the same as shampooing one's hair. After washing the 

 upper part of the bird place a clean board across the sides of 

 the tub and stand the bird on this while you wash the breast 

 and body. A nail-brush or discarded tooth-brush should be used 

 for washing the comb and face, legs and toes, especially the claws. 



Rinsing. — ^When you are assured of a good job of cleaning, 

 squeeze off the greater part of the lather into the first tub, re- 

 move the bird to the second tub, and with the aid of a sponge or 

 dipper thoroughly rinse every trace of soap-suds and dirty water. 

 If any soap is left in the plumage it will stick together. This 

 rinsing operation is the secret of a satisfactory result. If any 

 traces of soapy water remain the plumage will dry blotchy and 

 streaked, and if bluing is used in the third tub, any presence of 

 soap tends to prevent the feathers from taking the bluing evenly. 



Third Tub. — ^When the specimen is thoroughly sponged and 

 rinsed, plunge it into the third tub of cold water, agitate and 

 ruffle the feathers so that the clean water, especially if bluing 

 is used, comes in contact with every section; then drain the 

 bulk of the water from the plumage by squeezing it; take the 

 specimen in your lap and wrap it in an absorbent towel or cloth. 



When it has ceased to drip, return the bird to the conditioning 

 coop, which should be previously replenished with clean shav- 

 ings, straw or other material. A good plan is to cover the top, 

 sides and back of the cage with muslin to prevent drafts, and 

 leave only the front open. If convenient arrange the cages 

 around a stove while the birds are drying, or in a room where 

 the temperature is about 80 degrees. As previously mentioned, 



