42 COCKER S MANUAL. 



diseases of gallinaceous fowls arise from cold moisture. At the end 

 of four weeks, the hen may be allowed to lead her little ones into the 

 poultry yard, where she will soon wean them and commence laying, 

 again. The feathering of chickens demands attention inasmuch as 

 with them it is a most trying time. If chickens feather rapidly when 

 very young they are always weakly, however healthy in other respects-, 

 from the fact that their food goes to sustain their feathers instead of 

 their bodies, and they frequently languish and die from this circum- 

 stance alone ; but if, on the other hand, they feather slowly the food 

 in early life goes to nourish and sustain their bodies until they become 

 more vigorous and old enough to sustain the shock of feathering with- 

 out detriment. Chickens which feather rapidly must be kept perfectly 

 dry and warm, however strange it may appear, or they will die ; while 

 naked chickens, as they are called, or those which feather at a more 

 advanced age and very slowly, seldom suffer from the cold from the 

 fact that their down is very warm and their blood is hotter and cir- 

 culates more rapidly, as their food principally goes to blood, flesh and 

 bone, and not to feathers." 



In closing we will only say, don't try to raise too many, for a place 

 that will accommodate a large number when chicks will be found 

 much too small when grown. Close quarters cause vermin and dis- 

 ease. We think these instructions and the aid of a little common 

 sense will insure you success. 



RULES FOR FEEDING. 



Nearly every old cocker has rules for feeding of his own which he 

 follows, often producing good results ; but our object is to give rules 

 which have been extensively used and which on that account can be 

 regarded as standard authority, and the following if carefully observed 

 will result in marked success : 



The first thing to be provided is a coop of sufficient size, and suita- 

 ble for a cock to exercise in. Probably one two and one-half feet 

 wide, three feet high and three feet deep, with a roost running through 

 the middle, would be sufficient. Another requisite is a, place with 

 sufficient light and air. Put up your cocks in the evening two weeks 



