266 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



continued up to within a few days before sending them to 

 the show. They should then be confined to their coops 

 for the final training and conditioning. 



But little difficulty will be experienced in posing birds 

 after they have become accustomed to being handled by 

 smoothing their wattles as previously described. The 

 ability of a fowl to pose well is of great value and helps to 

 make a favorable impression when being judged. 



Figure 263. — It is advisable to frequently stroke or gently rub the wattles of 

 the bird with the fingers, as they seem to be very fond of this attention, 

 which, when they are properly handled otherwise, will accomplish much 

 in making them tame. 



Washing birds. White varieties and those having con- 

 siderable white plumage such as the Columbian Plymouth 

 Rocks, Light Brahmas, etc., and occasionally the Buff varie- 

 ties should be washed, in order to show to a good advantage 

 when exhibiting. Such fowls as Rhode Island Reds, the 

 Partridge varieties, and those having dark-colored plumage 

 need not be washed unless their feathers are considerably 



