512 



POULTRY CULTURE 



have a bird that does not fight and flutter with fright when he is 

 approached. It is essential that he offer no resistance to a 

 stranger in approaching and picking him up. 



Birds for show purposes are taught to pose in proper fashion 

 much as horses are taught to pose in the show ring. A bird 

 that is a good poser will stand a better chance of winning than 

 one that is frightened half out of his wits when some one 

 approaches to pick him up, for the judge who is to decide 

 quality is a stranger to him. 



Exhibition birds are usually early birds — that is, those 

 hatched in January and February — so they may grow to 

 maturity and possess the proper weight by the time of the fall 

 shows. 



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Fig. 208. — An exhibition coop. 



Male birds require proper training, as stated above, so that 

 they will present the proper appearance as to carriage and 

 symmetry. 



During the training period each male is kept separate. It is 

 essential to see that they have no opportunity to injure them- 

 selves by tearing their face, comb, or wattles, and they must be 

 free from vermin, as mites and lice. 



Show birds shut up are fed once daily, usually in the evening; 

 they are given all they wish to eat. The feed should consist of 

 wheat, oats, cracked corn, and sunflower seed. They are 

 watered at 9 a. m. and 1 p. m. 



Some litter, as clean straw, should be kept in their coops. 



If their legs are not in good condition, oil them every two 

 weeks with sweet oil. 



