PREPARING BIRDS FOR EXHIBITION 



273 



metal ring about 18 inches in diameter at the end of a pole, 

 the length of which is governed by the size of the loft. 

 SHIPPING THE BIRDS 

 Under no conditions should a makeshift coop or poorly- 

 constructed one be used for shipping the fowls. A desirable 

 fowl may be rendered unfit for show, if shipped in a 

 coop that is too small. Coops for this purpose may be 

 purchased for a reasonable amount. 



A homemade shipping 

 coop can easily be con- 

 structed by following the 

 plans given in Figure 

 268. 



The following dimen- 

 sions should be used in 

 constructing this coop : 

 For 1 bird, 12 inches 

 wide, 18 inches long, 25 

 inches high. For 2 birds, 

 12 inches wide, 24 inches 

 long, 25 inches high. For 

 3 birds, 18 inches wide, 

 24 inches long, 25 inches 

 high. For exhibition pen of 4 females and a male, 24 

 inches wide, 24 inches long, and 25 inches high. In 

 order to keep the fowl from becoming soiled during the 

 trip, a piece of muslin should be tacked on the inside of the 

 top under the slats, care being taken not to use cloth that 

 is too heavy or thick, so as to cut off ventilation. A small 

 amount of clean hay or straw that is free from dust, or dry 

 shavings should be placed in the bottom of the coop. A 

 cup or can may be provided for feed. Cans for this pur- 

 pose should be nailed securely about half way between the 

 top and bottom in a corner of the coop. Feed is not nec- 



Figure 267. — Ready-made shipping coops 

 for exhibition fowls suitable for one bird 

 each. Larger sized coops may be purchased 

 for from 2 to 5 fowls each. 



