294 
The Australasian Book of Poultry. 
are hatched. Later on, all that are too light or too dark must follow them ; and, finally, when about six 
months old, all cockerels with faulty combs or tails, and all birds that show any deformity or white in face 
must be killed off. There can be no doubt that by clearing out the bad ones the good ones will get on 
better, and, though it may go against the grain, it is wiser to be rather over than under critical at all times, 
and have no mercy. Another thing that tends to the production of fine large birds is to separate the sexes in 
good time, as soon, in fact, as the combs of the cockerels commence to spring. 
"The Management of Adults differs little, if at all, from that of those of other breeds. They do 
better when they have plenty of space, but do excellently well in comparatively close confinement, only in the 
latter case they naturally require to be well supplied with green stuff and grit, and, as has been pointed out, the 
breeding pens should be covered with wire netting where they are mated with a purpose, as they are great 
flyers. It is the usual practice to give pollard in the morning, and grain at night ; but I find it better to 
give the grain at both meals as a rule, and pollard only two or three times a week. I prefer wheat, oats, 
and barley, and do not like maize, as it is too fattening, but a few handfuls thrown in occasionally during the 
winter make a nice change. 
" Andalusians moult late, and my experience about Sydney has been that they are more liable to sickness 
in February and March, when moulting commences, than at any other time. Though remarkably healthy 
and hardy on the whole, some seem to have a tendency to ' go light ' at this season, and the only way to cure 
this is to coop the ailing bird by itself in a cosy corner, and give cod-liver oil in some form or other. Scott's 
Emulsion is excellent, but expensive ; but nothing will avail unless the disease be noticed, and remedies 
applied in its earliest stages 
" Andalusians have been accused of feather eating, but I have not found that they do this more than 
other breeds. When it occurs, the best thing to do is to dig up the soil of the pen, and give them some 
extra scratching to do, and to provide them with plenty of green stuff, and some meat. It is well, also, to 
anoint the cock, who will stand like a lamb to be shorn of his plumage, with some strong-smelling 
preparation, a mixture of carbolic, or creosote and vaseline, for instance, which will disgust the hens, and also 
kill any parasites there may be at the base of the feathers. Another nasty practice I have found the 
hens more frequently indulge in is picking at the cock's comb. I have seen many a good comb spoilt in this 
way, for a sore is made, which leaves a hollow, and the comb falls over. To stop the hens, the remedies 
mentioned for feather eating are applicable. The cock's comb is sometimes similarly affected by a disease 
which seems to eat into it, making pits and furrows, and also causing it to bend at the weak place, and fall 
over. Carbolic acid is the best thing to apply in such cases. 
Like all other breeds in N.S.AV., Andalusians suffer from roup and 'warts.' Of the former, there is no 
need to speak here, further than to emphasise the absolute necessity of attending to it on its very first 
appearance, for if it is allowed to get a thorough hold of a bird a cure will be very difficult, and only worth 
trying in the case of one of great value. As a preventive, avoid draughty roosting places, provide shelter 
from rain, and put enough Condy's Pluid in the drinking vessels to tinge the water pink. As to 'warts,' 
so-called, I do not believe in the theory that they are solely due to mosquitoes, and I hope it will not be long 
l-efore the disease is scientifically investigated by the Department of Agriculture in N.S.W., in accordance 
with the promise given to the Poultry Club. ' Warts ' may be easily cured (and, I think, prevented) by the 
addition of a little ammonia, or ammoniated quinine, to the drinking water, and by anointing the head (face 
and comb) with either Spratl's or Hoddinott's cure. All newly-imported birds, and all chickens seem to be 
attacked by ' warts,' but once recovered they do not have them again. 
" Lice do more harm to birds than anything else, and should never be allowed to put in an appearance. 
With regard to them it is, indeed, true that prevention is better— and it is far easier— than cure, and the 
houses, perches, nests, etc., should be frequently whitewashed, or washed out with some strong insecticide, 
such as Little's ' Phenyle,' or Sheep Dip, much diluted. If lice get on the birds or chickens, they will never 
prosper, and if their presence is suspected, each should be individually inspected, and thoroughly dusted 
