1 Noy., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 307 
all the eggs the hen will lay for the season; hence, one gobbler will suffice for 
twenty or more hens. Two-year-old gobblers with pullets or a yearling gobbler 
with two-year-old hens is good mating. Gobblers and hens of the same age 
may be mated, but it is better to have a difference in the age. Turkeys can be 
hatched in an incubator, and raised to the age of three months in a brooder, 
but only in lots of twenty-five, as they require constant care. Capons make 
excellent nurses for turkeys and chicks. It is not advisable to mate a 40-lb. 
gobbler with common hens, as the result will be injury; a medium-sized 
gobbler is better. Young gobblers may be distinguished from the females 
by being heavier, more masculine in appearance, more carunculated on the 
head, and by a development of the “tassels” on the breast ; a little experience 
may be required at first. Adult turkeys cannot be keptin confinement, as they 
will pine away. By feeding them in the barnyard a little, night and morning, 
they will not stray off very far, but they cannot be entirely prevented from 
roaming, and the hen prefers to make her own nest. 
A turkey mother is the only one among the animal creation which seems 
to have no respect for the wants of her young. She will eat everything within 
reach, even driving them away, or seizing a mouthful and running away with it 
where she can eat it undisturbed. Well-baked corn bread, crumbled and fed 
dry, is good food for little turkeys. Whatever is given must be quite dry ; 
sloppy food almost invariably causes bowel trouble. Wheat screenings are 
excellent, and, as soon as the poults are old enough to eat-this, all other food 
may be discontinued. 
When the young poults are a week or two old, it is quite common for them 
to begin to droop. The wing feathers are seen to hang down, the eyes are 
closed, anda general dumpish condition exists. The turkey chirps mournfully, 
and is evidently sick. If neglected, death is sure to follow. An examination 
will reveal the presence of lice. Look for these on the head, around the vent, 
and at the root of the wing quills. The iast-named place is a favourite haunt 
of the insects. Pure lard may be applied, but never use sulphur, kerosene, or 
other powerful agents. Insect powder is safe and sure. Sprinkle each turkey 
well with it every week or so all summer. ‘To do this, call them up to you with 
some food. They will gather around fearlessly, then stoop down without dis- 
turbing them, and sprinkle it thickly over them as they eat. 
Lice, sloppy food, and dampness are the principal causes of death in 
young turkeys. Turkey hens are not apt to be so lousy as common hens. 
When hatched by the latter, constant watchfulness is necessary to keep them 
free from insects, especially if allowed to remain in the hen-house. Be sure 
the hen is freed from lice before the eggs are hatched, and give her a good 
sprinkling from underneath when taken from the nest. ‘To do this, hold her 
head downwards, and dust powder well into the feathers. The large striped 
louse will be found on the heads and necks of young fowls almost as soon as 
they are hatched if there are any upon the hen. Tor these nothing is better 
than a good greasing with lard. Turkeys are perfectly hardy after the red 
appears upon their heads. 
GEESE. 
You will find that geese will pay for breeding, because you have wide 
paddocks and fields for them to roam over, and it is in freedom in grass and 
cultivation paddocks that they thrive best. Grass forms more than half the food 
of geese and goslings. At the same time they require a good deal of attention, 
like all other fowls. 
You should begin by getting a purebred gander and a couple of geese if 
you want to begin economically and breed up from these. But remember what 
I told you about cocks and hens—avoid in-and-in breeding, or disaster will 
follow. Get a new strain every year, as you will thus keep the birds’ blood in 
good order and make their frames robust. Be careful to get healthy birds, 
and select good large ones with full broad breasts. Provide their nests with 
lenty of clean hay or straw. They will pack it up in a wonderful manner. 
hen the young goslings appear, put them near green grass or lucerne, and 
