Plymouth Rocks. 
207 
evening. Plymouth Rock hens make good mothers, and though heavy they are not ckimsy, and on account 
of their size can easily cover from 15 to 18 eggs. To those who prefer artificial incubation, I recommend 
rather more moisture in the incubator with Rock eggs than with white-shelled ones of other varieties, because 
of the extra toughness of the inside skin and the hardness of the outer shell. The chicks, when hatched, 
should be black on the upper parts of the body and creamy white on the under parts, with a white spot on 
the top of the head. The first barred feathers appear on the wing, and at the very early age of ten or twelve 
days an expert can form a very good idea of the future marking, as well as the sex of the chickens. Very 
little food is required during the first twenty-four hours of their existence ; after that the rule should be a 
little and often, just as much as the chicks can eat up readily. Every hour for the first few days is the best 
plan, then every two hours until three weeks old. Bread crumbs and oatmeal are the best foods for the first 
week, then a little fine-crushed maize, increasing the quantity of maize, until from a fortnight old this .should 
be their staple food. Plenty of green food is essential. If the chicks have the run of a good grass-plot 
they will look after this part of their feeding themselves, but if not, turnip tops or cabbage leaves will not only 
supply them with green food, but also provide them with amusement and exercise. Where there is a 
vegetable garden no place can be better for the young chickens than running in it, as while young they will 
do no harm. Some of the best broods I have raised were either allowed to run in my vegetable garden, or 
lent to neighbours to run in theirs. Place the hen in a roomy waterproof coop on one of the paths, and the 
chickens will quickly find their way amongst the cabbages, and destroy the insect pests and caterpillars 
without injury to the growing vegetables ; thus, by this means they obtain much of their natural food. As 
soon as old enough to leave the mother the chicks should be placed in a pen by themselves, being closed up 
in a well-ventilated coop at night, as security from rats and other vermin : during the day they can take care 
of themselves. Keep them active and well fed, and they cannot but thrive. Provide sufficient sharp grit, 
green food, and fresh water shaded from the sun. It will be noticed that I do not advocate feeding chickens 
with hard-boiled eggs and other dainties. The reason is that I have found them do far better on plain food. 
From a month old I give them just the same food as adult stock, except that the grain is cracked for the 
chicks. When about three months old they are able to eat their grain whole. A little cooked meat is 
relished by and good for Poultry of all ages, but a mistake is frequently made by feeding too much. At 
three or four months old it is advisable to separate the cockerels from the pullets, as the chickens then will 
arrive at maturity slower than if kept together, and so attain greater size and weight — two prime considerations 
in the breeding of Plymouth Rocks." 
Schedule for Judging B.'\rred Plymouth Rocks, Pp:a or Single Combed. 
(A bird perfect in shape, style, colour, size and condition to count 100 points.) 
Points to be Deducted for Defects. 
Bad head 
6 
„ Comb 
8 
Too long or too thin neck 
8 
Deficient barring on breast and body 
10 
„ ^Ving 
6 
White in tail 
8 
Softness of feather 
5 
Badly shaped body 
8 
Washiness in hackle 
6 
Bad legs and feet ... 
5 
Want of size 
10 
„ ,, Symmetry ... 
10 
„ ,. Condition ... 
10 
100 
