CHAPTER XLII 

 TURKEYS 



Turkey Hearsay. — ^There is a widespread impression in some 

 localities that turkeys are exceedingly difficult to raise, and that 

 due to a heavy mortality among young turkeys the chances for 

 profit are very precarious. Much of this hearsay is nonsense, 

 gossip — pure and simple, or let us call it turkey tradition, 

 mysticism. Like other traditions or prejudices, these notions 

 are hard to eradicate. The beginner with turkeys should dis- 

 abuse his mind of these notions, discard them utterly, since 

 they contribute nothing to the industry but fear and worriment. 



Susceptible to Exposure. — It is true that young turkeys are 

 delicate and that they are susceptible to exposure, to cold and 

 dampness, but they are nothing like as frail as one might sup- 

 pose, judging from the popular idea. For that matter chicks 

 are delicate creatures, too, and unable to endure exposure. The 

 young of all fowls require a great deal of care for the first few 

 weeks; it is a part of the business of growing livestock of any 

 kind. The point is to master the details in the most practical, 

 labor-saving manner. With proper care a good proportion of 

 the poults can be raised, and when the holiday season comes 

 round a handsome profit has accrued. 



Standard Varieties. — No doubt it will surprise those who have 

 but a casual knowledge of turkeys to learn that there are seven 

 different varieties of domestic turkeys in the United States, each 

 with certain points of excellence, and ranging in color from white 

 to black. Many of us think of turkeys as being of a single breed, 

 commonly known as the Bronze, or Mammoth Bronze; a few 

 are familiar with the White Holland and Narragansett varieties; 

 whereas only those who have made a study of these fowls know 



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