POULTRY SECTION. 165 



In caring for and feeding the young goslings, the suggestions given for ducks 

 may be followed. Keep them warm and quiet until the second day and do not 

 let them get damp or chilled. They require but little care and attention and as 

 soon as they are strong enough, give them the run of the farm. 



TURKEYS NEED MORE ATTENTION. 



It is generally considered difficult to raise turkeys successfully, but this is 

 partly due to improper care and attention during the first few weeks. Very many 

 failures in turkey raising may be traced to the poor selection of breeding stock. 

 Many diseases and losses among turkeys, more than in other poultry, is caused 

 by lack of vigor in the old birds. Inbreeding and breeding from immature birds, 

 or from run down stock, is sure to cause disaster. It is almost necessary to 

 secure a new torn, entirely unrelated, each year. Do not depend on exchange 

 of toms with turkey raisers in the neighborhood, especially if such exchanges 

 have been made previously. It is better to purchase of some remote dealer so 

 there may be no possibility of relationship. Vermin, filth, and dampness are 

 often causes of loss among turkeys. The remedy is obvious. Keep them dry, 

 clean, and free from lice. 



Breeding stock should be well matured. Turkey hens, two years old or more, 

 are to be preferred. Be sure that both male and female are healthy and vigorous. 

 The breeders should be separated from the rest of the flock and kept well fed 

 but not over-fat. Being of roving nature, it is advisable to give them as wide a 

 range as possible in order to give them exercise and at the same time allow them 

 to pick up a large part of their feed. Provide nests in a secluded place. A good 

 place for turkeys may be made by placing a barrel on its side and putting straw 

 inside for the nest. Partly cover the barrel with brush or other material so it 

 will be almost hidden. 



You may raise a few turkeys by hatching under a chicken hen, but the turkey 

 mother is much more successful and is also cheaper, for she will take the young 

 poults out on foraging expeditions so they secure the greatest part of their 

 living from the fields ; while otherwise they would have to be fed nearly all 

 they would get. The time required for hatching is twenty-eight days. Let the 

 turkey hen alone until she brings the brood from the nest. 



The young turkeys should not eat until they are thirty-six hours old. The 

 first two days' food may consist of hard-boiled eggs and stale bread crumbs. 

 After that for three or four weeks, feed stale bread moistened with milk, with 

 the milk pressed out so the bread will crumble. After two weeks mi.x a little 

 Poultry Tonic with the bread crumbs. Do not allow them to get damp or chilled 

 in the morning, and keep fresh, clean water and grit where they can help them- 

 selves any time. As soon as they are strong enough to run with the mother they 

 may have the run of the farm. Feed turkeys almost entirely on dry grains and 

 green stuff as they do not thrive on mash foods. 



The profit in turkeys comes from raising as many as possible and having 

 them ready for the Thanksgiving market. According to the U. S. census, there 

 were nearly three millions fewer turkeys in 1910 than there were in 1900, or a 

 decrease of nearly half. In view of the terrific loss in numbers of turkeys, their 

 increasing scarcity has boomed the price until they are now a luxury. This 

 surely means money to the successful raiser of turkeys. 



POULTRY DISEASES 



BRONCHIAL ROUP. 



Take a tail or wing feather, strip the web from it excepting just at the point. 

 Dip feather into some Poultry Roup Paste, insert feather into the treachea (wind 

 pipe) and give a quick turn. This is a delicate operation, but if you are careful 

 there is no danger. 



See Prescription No. 186, page 183, 



