75 



ing continuously. Bantams as a rule are conceded to be harder 

 to raise than other breeds of poultry, this is particularly so of 

 the Japanese. 



One of the first essentials in breeding any variety of poultry 

 is the necessity of having good parent stock. Not only healthy 

 but typical in shape and carriage. A great mistake is often made 

 in allowing for instance a bird with excellent shape, color, etc., 

 but deficient in comb or some other detail to be kept in the breeding 

 pen. True it is, it may produce one or so fair birds, but in the 

 majority of cases you will have many culls. Therefore it is essen- 

 tial that we have a good breeding pen to begin with, say six females 

 and a male. 



We have found that the best mature bantams are those 

 hatched in the latter part of May or June, for then we need have 

 no fear of cold weather, something which is particularly hard on 

 bantams. 



One thing which a great many breeders of poultry seem to 

 neglect is the home for the birds. I believe that one thing more 

 than any other which baB caused ug to be successful in rearing 

 bantams is the fact that we have always taken great care of the 

 houses and runs of our birds. Houses should above all be kept 

 clean and free from lice and this can only be done by conscien- 

 tious work on the part of the breeder. Keep the house well dis- 

 infected and there ji nothing better than a good coat of white 

 wash with carbolic added, This can be done several times a 

 year, and the roosts and perches can be cleaned once or twice a 

 week and then disinfected- 



We have found the small house, similar to a colony house, 

 the most desirable for bantams, for it is easily kept clean and 

 the breeds can be kept separate with no danger of spread of dis- 

 ease. During the cold winter months we enclose the roosts 

 with bagging and in this way need not employ any artificial heat 

 and at the same time the birds sleep good and warm. In sum- 

 mer it is just as essential that plenty of ventilation be had, for 

 if anything hinders the development of any breed, and particu- 

 larly of bantams, it is overcrowding and want of ventilation. 



Now as to runs for bantams. There is a great difference 

 of opinion on this question, but we have always given our birds 

 from chicks up a very good range. During the last five years 

 we have had our yards turned into lawns by harrowing and 



