PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



one-half pounds at about two and one-half months of age, and 

 also throughout the fall when the demand is for heavier birds." 



Judging 



There are two methods of judging, by score-card and by 

 comparison. The score-card is usually used in the smaller 

 shows and is a source of information to the breeder. If his 

 bird is disqualified or cut in any section he knows the fact 

 and generally the reason why. 



The comparison method teaches him nothing, except that 

 he was a loser or that he won a ribbon, unless perchance he 

 should meet the judge who may take the pains to point out 

 the defects in his birds. There is a strong tendency to drift 

 away from the score-card, even in the smaller shows, on 

 account of the excessive amount of work that is entailed upon 

 the judge and secretary of the show. As an educational pro- 

 gram for the new beginner comparison judging is of little 

 value. He neither learns why he lost or why his competitor 

 won. 



Exhibiting 



Every farmer with a pure-bred flock will be benefited by 

 entering a few birds at the county fair or in the local poultry 

 show. A knowledge of the weak points is worth while, as it 

 may incite to greater endeavor. 



Conditioning for the show requires considerable attention. 



The show specimens should be caught and cooped several 

 days before entry. The legs and feet should be cleaned by 

 washing with soap and water. Use a stiff brush. Rinse and 

 dry and then with a toothpick or a sharpened stick remove all 

 dirt from under the scales. Then apply an ointment of glycer- 

 ine and alcohol, half and half. A numbered leg band should be 

 attached to the right foot below the spike. Examine each 

 specimen for disqualifications. White specimens should be 

 washed. First wet the feathers to the skin with tepid water, 

 then apply soap, working it into the feathers ; then rinse and 

 use soap again. The second rinsing should be carefully done 

 so as to remove every trace of soap. Dry in a warm room and 

 allow the specimen to cool gradually to prevent catching cold. 



After the birds have been returned from the show thev 

 should be kept in quarantine for a week or ten days to detect 



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