10 Farmers’ Bulletin 1115. 
the purpose can either be purchased for a reasonable amount or be 
constructed by following the plans given in Farmers’ Bulletin 1107. 
When a slat-topped shipping coop is used, such as is shown in 
figure 3, Farmers’ Bulletin 1107, tack a piece of muslin on the inside 
of the top so as to keep out the dirt and, in winter, to keep out the 
cold. Do not use a cloth that is so heavy and thick that it will cut 
off the ventilation. 
Place a small amount of clean hay, or preferably clean straw 
or shavings free from dust, in the bottom of the coop. A cup or 
can for feed can be fastened securely in one of the corners of the 
coop about halfway between the top and the bottom. Feed is un- 
necessary in the coop if the birds are shipped only a short distance 
or if they are not to be in the coop for more than a day. When feed 
is provided such grain as whole corn or wheat is most satisfactory. 
Water placed in the coop is likely to be spilled out and to soil the 
plumage. A satisfactory substitute can be obtained by tying a 
mangel beet in one of the corners of the coop, that the fowls may 
pick it and secure moisture enough to satisfy their thrist. 
A tag or card plainly marked with the address to which the coop 
is shipped, together with a return address, should be tacked or 
pasted on the outside where it can be plainly seen. 
The coop should be closed securely so that it will not come open 
while being handled in transit. Provision, however, should be made 
for the coop to be opened readily on arrival at the showroom. Under 
no circumstances should a coop be so securely fastened that it will 
have to be broken in order to remove the bird. When that is the 
case the coop is often rendered unfit for returning the fowl. 
ATTENDING THE SHOW. 
Whenever possible, club members should make it a point to attend 
poultry shows or fairs, especially when their birds are being ex- 
hibited. Such a trip will not only be full of interest, but will like- 
wise enable members to see their own birds on display and also those 
belonging to other members, which are competing with theirs for 
a prize. Furthermore, such a trip will afford each member an op- 
portunity to compare his birds with those being shown by adult 
poultrymen; and, again, members often become acquainted with such 
poultrymen at these shows and get valuable information as to the 
breeding and mating of their birds. 
