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If there is the slightest deviation from the straight line, or any 

 indentation the bird should be put in a hamper for a week or so at 

 night, and not allowed to roost, the bone will then probably have 

 recovered its form, if not too far gone at first. The large breeds of 

 game are more subject to this than the smaller birds. A good 

 old cock running with cockerels will generally prevent them from 

 fighting, in fact will not allow them to do so, but if at all savage will 

 strike and permanently injure some of them. It is well, therefore, 

 if running with cock chickens, to remove his spurs. 



At the age of about six months, or when the comb and wattles 

 are fully grown, the cockerels should be dubbed. An attendant 

 should hold the bird, the operator, with a pair of very sharp 

 scissors, should take off the wattle close, but not pull it at all. 

 Then taking hold of the lower beak with one finger in the bird's 

 mouth, and the thumb at the back of his head, he should, with his 

 right hand, commence at the back of the comb close to the head, 

 and with one cut take the comb fairly close off to the beak ; the ear- 

 lobes may then be just trimmed off, and the bird tossed up, when, 

 if a few grains of corn are thrown down he will generally commence 

 to eat, or will eat his own comb if he has the chance. There is 

 very little pain attending this operation, ii properly done, and it takes 

 less than a minute. The beginner should get some old hand to 

 show him the process, as he will learn better by seeing than by any 

 written instructions. Some take off the comb quite close to the 

 head, others leave a little; this is a matter of taste. I dislike 

 myself to see them cut too close. After dubbing the young cocks 

 will commence to fight and must be divided, or sent out on separate 

 walks. 



Some breeders separate cockerels and pullets at an early age, 

 and a lot of cockerels will run peaceably together for some time pro- 

 vided all sight of a hen or pullet is kept from them ; the sight of 

 one would be the signal for a battle royal. Opinions differ as to 

 whether finer birds are obtained by the separation of the sexes ; it 

 is generally thought that this is the case. One caution is neces- 

 sary, — it is impossible to breed fine fowls, or to keep healthy stock 

 if there is any over-crowding either on the ground or in the houses. 

 It is better to have twenty healthy birds than a hundred diseased, 

 and all sorts of complaints will appear if too many are kept. The 

 smaller the number the better they thrive, always. 



