PREPARING BIRDS FOB EXHIBITION 271 



PREPARING GEESE, DUCKS, TURKEYS AND 

 PIGEONS FOR EXHIBITION 



Geese and ducks. The preparation of geese and ducks 

 for exhibition does not involve as much detail work as in 

 the case of fowls (referring to chickens). The preliminary 

 preparation of geese and ducks for exhibition should be 

 followed along the same lines as previously described for 

 poultry, that is individuals should be selected that conform 

 as closely as possible to the standard requirements for the 

 breed, care being taken not to select those which possess 

 any serious defects or any disqualifications. As to the actual 

 preparation for exhibition, ducks and geese are practically 

 self-prepared. For a period of at least a week or ten days 

 before shipping the birds to the show those intended for 

 exhibition should have access to a grass range and also, 

 if possible, running water. The grass range will keep them 

 in good condition and by having access to a stream of run- 

 ning water they will keep clean themselves. 



All breeds of geese with the exception of the Chinese 

 should be fed a grain mixture twice daily, consisting of 1 

 part corn and 2 parts oats for a period of at least 10 days 

 before exhibiting, to bring them up to standard weight. 

 Oats alone should be fed to Chinese geese, as they are apt 

 to put on too much weight when fed corn. This method 

 of feeding corn and oats likewise apphes to all the breeds 

 of ducks, the exception as to the feeding of oats alone apply- 

 ing to the smaller breeds of ducks, as for instance the Indian 

 Runner. 



When catching geese and ducks that are to be crated 

 for shipment, care should be taken in handUng them, as the 

 method employed in this case differs from that used in 

 catching chickens.' Grasp the goose firmly with the hand 

 around the neck so as to control its head and prevent its 

 biting. Grasp the body of the goose under the other arm. 



