1. pets
2. birds

PRACTICAL
CAPONIZING
AND
How
TO
Make
WM.
Poultry Pay,
H. WIGMORE.
PHILADELPHIA,
1886.
PA.
Practical Caponizing
How
Make
TO
GUIDE
A
CONTAINING
BEST
DETAILS
OF
TO
OP
BREEDS
AND
CHICKS,
Poultry
MAXAGEMSNT,
THE
BUSINESS,
DISEASES,
CROSSES,
KEEPING
LARGE
Pay.
POULTRY
AND
FLOCKS,
IN
OTHER
CAPITAL
REQUIRED,
MANAGEMENT
SMALL
OR
UABLE
VAL-
INFORMATION.
i^
WM.
H. WIGMORE.
Copyrighted
1SS6.
All
rights
^jt"^
''''^"^erve^/^^^^^
AUG 21
PHILADELPHIA,
FRANKLIN
NE\VS
Sole
No.
PA
:
"*-
^
COMPANY,
Ac/entsfor the Trade.
725 Filbert
1886.
Street.
(^
"V--
1886
In
from
I
of
The
is
book
that
discard
tation
reader
valuable
of
the
a
and
theory,
the
much
of
a
will
agree
with
favorable
a
of
me
and
found
at
appreciation,
United
such
low
I
volume
trust
success
have
is
also
a
endeavored
of
And
number.,
a
I
only.
experience
cost.
Hence,
but
I
other
no
of
compilation,
from
in
States.
but
information.
the
upon
contributions
individual,
single
derived
that
embraces
the
in
useful
largely
drawn
which
reference
/aei"
be
information
readers'
by
amount
present
have
poultrymen
convenient
vast
I
Garden,
and
derived
only
not
form
Farm
results
reader
the
practical
most
the
give
not
condensed
to
the
to
The
of
Deparment
some
do
boolv
this
presenting
Poultry
I?.EJ^IDEI?^.
THE
TO
its
with
will
i
1
believe
size
this
attend
.fforteofall.
^^,_^^^^^
can
j
soi
expec-j
the^^
PRACTICAL
CAPONIZING,
VrU.
The
art
of
caponizing
therefore
country.
I
and
experienced
most
such
information
and
as
farmers
would
do
Kl.
to
seems
to
mean
'WIG^EORE.
be
English, French,
I have
been
wishing
to
little known
very
condense'
enabled
become
the
and
to
form
as
Chinese
understood
practiced by
in this
the
best
experts, together with
gather
from
in
the
experts
or
other
terers
Poul-
sources.
operation
of
making
well
who
to imiate
dead
always try their hand
on
surgeons
performing on the living. The operation is quite simple, and
in France
and
children.
Italy is frequently allotted to mere
The
is a much
fowl.
advantage of capons
to the size of
larger
They grow
in
size as a steer
a
does
turkey, or in other
to
words, they increase
an
ox.
Their
is sweeter
meat
and
of a finer flavor,therefore
it sells at a much
higher
in raising or mothering
useful
price. They can be made
more
many
young
chicks
from
incubator
than
the hen
will on
a hen
of their large
or
an
account
size.
neither
hens
cocks
They like the chicks' company,
nor
having any use
for them.
Should
they object to the young
chicks, coop them
uj^ in a dark
under
their wing.
place for a few days, then they will gladly take the chicks
It is a common
bell on
his
neck
to put a" small
thing in France
to keep the
ohick with
him, it takes the place of the hens clucking.
capons
subjects
before
On
The
Cruelty
of
Caponizino.
operation can be performed in less than two minutes, therefore ou the
It is no
cruel
than
cruelty there can be very little said.
more
trating
caslambs
and
Not
could
calves,colts,
pigs.
only so, but male birds which
not be kept together without
conflicts,will live in
great danger of constant
and
besides
be
housed
more
amity,
can
together. The former
son
reapeace
many
of itself be sufficient to warrant
would
the adoption of caponizing, for the
as
pain sufl^ered by the bird is infinitisimal
compared with a single fight. The
of cruelty.
benefit,therefore, altogether outweighs any objection on the score
But
where
there is the additional
of obtaining very much
inducement
greater
size in the fowls, with
little outlay, it is surprising that the plan has not
very
been
In France
and
largely adopted.
poulardes are very numerous
very
capons
in the ordinary markets, and
it is found
that birds so treated
indeed, even
thrive much
better, fatten to a"greater extent, and as they are not so restless
in temperament,
lay on a finer quality of flesh.
score
of
PRACTICAL
CAPON
rZING
which
in all c;)mm3rcial
matters
must
First,then,the questionof profit,
for the table
this
pre-eminent weight Upon
score, fowls intended
be caponized,because
the
the chickens
treated can
thus be made
so
Avill realize for the breeder more
would.
most of,and
than
thev otherwise
Many persons objectto the giving of unnecessary pain,but there are certain
thingsthat may be done in which the pain is small compared with the benefit
and
Avantonness
or
caponizing we regard as one.
Causing pain for mere
pleasureis at all times to be stronglycondemned, but as in this case, where
the infliction of a very slightpain saves
and is attended by
greater suffering,
there can be no legimate objection
portant
so
to it. But it is most imbenefits,
many
that any one
who
undertakes
the work
should be able to perform it
without bungling,or very much
pain will be caused.
unnecessary
It is very essential that j^roper instruments
should be used,and I claim that
mine have no equal in the market.
I have manufactured
and operatedwith
all kinds of caponizinginstruments
for the past twenty -five years, I therefore
have
should
claim
to know
what
are
proper
instruments.
Chinese
The
Hook
Instruments.
bone
The whalebevelled knife a on the forcepsis for making the incision.
the
wound
each
the
for
hook
is
at
with
a
holding
end,
spreader
B,
open.
Tube F, with horse hair at the end
D is for tearingthe thin skin open.
i
PRACTICAL
CAPONIZING.
sawing off the testicle. Spoon e
also for spooning out
they are cut loose,
is for
is for scoopingout the testicles after
the blood.
This set,I consider,
takes
I believe very few persons have patienceenough
great skill to operate with.
There are numeroiis
to learn with this set.
other sets on the market, some
of
which
trifle
are
a
improvement over the Chinese.
Experts.
There are several exjierts
in my vicinity,
who state that itis a common
rence
occurfor them to make
ten dollars a day caponizingcockerels for poulterers
and farmers in their neighborhood. Therefore,those having a taste for this
line of business could turn quitea number
of dollars into their pocketsby becoming
and
do
the
for
farmers
within
radius
five
of
a
caponizing
or
experts,
ten miles
Capon
Advance.
in a few years farmers
to their great surprise,
will wonder
why
not
could
the
there
is in caponized fowls; besides there
see
profit
they
will be capons on the bill of fare,difi^^rent tlavovs,celery,
parsley,mint, etc.,
duck gets its fine flavor fro)n tlie wild celerythey feed upon.
the canvasback
as
I will endeavor
to enlighten my
patrons from
by the enlargement
year to year'
and improvement in my book with facts on
and
poultry
caponizing,as
I have quitea stock of capons
hand of my own
on
making, and I am giving
them
on
and
in my
a
thoroughly business princi])al,
very close attention
next
of new
year's edition, I will be able to give my readers a number
pointsin regard to them.
I believe
"
Best
Breeds.
Cochins, Plymouth
Ilocks, Wyandottes, Pominiques and
make
fine capons.
The
witli almost every
advantage is the same
the common
breed, even
dung hill. Always select the largest breed you
have.
At present if you
to call for capon
hotel or cafe you
at
were
your
fine or common
would not
know
whether
it was
a
breed, unless you had
Most anyone
made
tell them
who
has eaten capon
a study of their taste.
can
the
of
tender
and
taste
fine
in
fiict
as
are
by
flavor;
they
very
very few hotel
know
themselves
of
what
breed
caterers
or
are
serving to
they
managers
their customers.
Benefit
Farmer.
the
to
Brahma,
Dorkins
for
asked me
would
it pay a farmer
to raise capons
will.
is
If
100
Tlie
that
it
cent,
use.
following proof
they put
per
into the poulterer's
more
pocket, by the increase in price,and from
money
30 to 50 per cent, more
weight,tiie farmers table will gain the extra weight
without any extra cost.
The
his own
question is often
Profit
Every
farm
in
poultryjournal and
and
Capons.
))oultrymanwill acknowledge that
why they do not raise them.
enough to coponize. They
raise. You ask the farmer
capons
pay
They generallysay I cannot or have not nerve
slioiildfollow the exani))le
of a lady who wrote
follows:
which
was
as
well
to
for my
patent
set
and
structio
in-
PEACTICAL
CAPONIZING.
After receivingyour patent set, I read the instructions over
Sir:
"Dear
times carefully,
I operatedon four dead cockerels.
I then tried to
several
but could not, I took up the knife and
laid it down
several
cut a live one
last
I
nerved
after
firstincision
the
task
and
the
at
to
to my
times,
myself up
all left me, the following two days I caponize'd
own
surprisemy nervousness
and
work."
120 cockerels,
only lost three,besides I attended to my regular houseshe gets over
the cockerels.
I will here give you an idea of the extra profit
have
tlie 120 cockerels at 8 months
would
old weighing 4 pounds each or
for 13 cents per pound, which
would
net
480 pounds, and sell them
$62.40,
old they will weigh 6 pounds each
but as tlieyare caponized,at 8 months
You
720 pounds, and sell for 18 cents per pound, and will net her 129.60.
or
She
than 100 per cent, profit
this is more
the cockerels.
over
fact I will refer you to in t!ie Poultry Magnet on page 85, June
Another
of 1886 signed Blake, Cardington, O., who
number
caponized 22 birds
without
losingone.
They did well and averaged lOi pounds dressed. He
York
to the New
sent them
market, and they sold for 21 cents per pound or
after
the
charges,commission, etc. The lot netted
deducting
$48.50,
express
These
have weighed but 7
him 43.75.
same
birds,if not caponized,would
market
for 15 cents ])er pound, and brought
pounds each and sold at the same
but $23.10,without deducting the express
charges,commission, etc.
The time is not far distant when
the incubator will enable us to capon all
the year round.
see
Slips.
Slipsare partlycaponized fowls, and they are not very easilytold from
their side.
on
cockerels,only by their largesize and the wound
They
The cause
of their being slips
often as largeas the full capon.
from
are
comes
of the testicle within.
This
will
leaving some
piece
grow quitelarge, and
in some
cases
largerthan ordinary,and it is filled with a watery substance.
They are quitea nuisance to the hens, as they are constantlychasing them.
at present to be more
There seems
slipson the market than full capons and
confident
the opeprice. lam
they bring within 2 or 3 cents of the capon
rator
have a slip after operating upon
will not
birds with my set.
a dozen
Should you leave a small particle
within,it is extremely easy to spoon itout
the
with
aid of the slot in my
scoop
twister.
Feed.
diff'erence in their food from other fowls after the first few days.
They, of course, are without food from 24 to 36 hours before being operated
hungry. Tiieyshould be fed very sparinglyfor the
upon, therefore are very
scalded corn
meal
with a little salt,
first day or
then you can
two
on
give
After a week
them more.
give them
plenty of food ; you will find them
for a month
and
or
eat
two, then they gradually ease
very ravenous
up
If
confined
less.
bone
are
give them some
they
meal, broken
considerably
clam and oyster shell. They should have plenty of the best water
you have.
from dirtylittle ))uddles
to drink
Do not allow them
or stagnant
ponds, which
give them a bad flavor,beside causing them to die. They should be ke])t
There
is
no
PRACTICAL
separate for the first month
or
CAPONIZING.
two,
as
you
do
not
want
your
otlier fowls
the capons' appeto satisfy
over-fed,Avhich would be the case if you were
tites.
be housed together,
of their quietnature,
account
on
an
Any number
keep their quartersclean and healthy.
so long as you
(
For
Market.
feathers on
their
dress them as you would a turkey, with
make
them
tail. The retailer can
showy
by
putting
very
and
their necks
ribbon around
wings, as a butcher does his prize
a narrow
beef,veal and lamb.
For
market
necks, wings and
Ducks.
It is more
difficult to
than any other fowl as they are very
completely.At three months old their
longer and narrower, and
They are much
for their bowels
in cockerels,
it is common
wliile endeavoring to catch the testicles in
happens with any other fowl.
caponize ducks
them
; their entrails filling
testicles are harder to get hold of.
compact
bone than
the
incision
to protrudethrough
that
the scoop;
never
something
lay closer
to the back
up
Turkeys.
gobblersis their tender nature. I
attention
considerable
at
present,and therefore hope in the
giving
future to give the publicsome
interesting
pointson them.
The
am
near
only thing againstcaponizingyoung
them
Pullets.
be made
Pullets that do not lay in due time may
poulardes. Opt their
but
a cockerel,
the first and second rib,same
as
between
you would
in
the
but
look
the
thin
skin
same
the
do not tear open
bowels,
covering
positionthiit you find the testicles in a cockerel,allowing the sun to shine in
at the same
time,you will see the egg cluster quite plain. If they are fine
like small fish roe tlieywill not lay for some
time,in which case I would
leftside
Becommend
alteringthem.
Operation.
ing
Tear open the thin skin you will see two milky white cords or tubes leadis about the
which
The upper
or
down
from the egg, cluster.
larger one
take hold of it with a pair
size of thin wrapping"
stringis the egg passage,
about
an
inch,
and
hook
cut out
of tweezers
or
a bent
pieceof wire for a
and
her
make
and
improve:
which
will stop her producing "ggs,
grow larger
the size of a pea or
of the eggs are
But if some
in flavor same
as
a capon.
her. The
would
and
I
save
will
know
she
soon
begin laying
larger,
you may
PRACTICAL
CAPONIZING.
interfere with her a particle.The egg
cut in her side will heal up and
not
in a pullet about to lay is considerably enlarged,and
after she has
passage
I would
laid for awhile it becomes
advise those
the heaviest entrail she has.
make
poulardesto kill a four months old pulletand an old laying
hen and cut tlieirlett leg off at the hip joint,then the platefrom the second
will expose
Ease
them
rib down, which
the bowels.
out
toward the front
then you
will easilysee
the bowels
and egg passages in both.
The bowel
the
and
tlie
the
left
side.
Now
on
on
being
right
egg
you wish to
passage
make
of the egg passage in tlie pullet,
introduce
the probe just below
sure
the egg cluster,
pushing it gently down the passage, and it will make its exit
at the proper
place. By doing tiiisyou know preciselywhat you have to do
I consider it impossibleto know
this dissecting
to make
poulardes. Without
what to cut, unless you have been shown
Some
by an experienced person.
advise cutting below the flank.
I consider
the above
best because
can
you
the condition of their eggs, besides it is a safer ])lace
to cut.
see
wishing to
COPYRIGHTED
I3S5
Figure 1.
One
cord around
This cut shows plainlymy metliod of holding the fowl.
the legs above the knee joints.
both wings, the other around
and ennot drawn
I would
graved,
here state that tlie following illustrations were
and
the
hands
shown
from
live
but they were
a
cockerel,
photographed
tliis bird's side.
not a feather plucked from
besides there was
are
my
own,
bare enough of tlieflesh by wetting the feathers and turning tiiem
I g-enerally
would
in twisting his moustache.
Fitjs.6 and 7 are photounder as a man
graphs
I'-ach and every jneoe of niy set is entirelynew
cockerel.
ot a dead
and originalwith myself
patented June 22,
Any scoop twister without
1886, stamned
on
it is an
infringement.
PEACTICAL
Fig, 2.
Fig. 2 shows
the fowl in
CAPONIZING.
{Cnpi/rif/htcd1886.)
positionand
the
operator in the
act of
making the
first incision.
Operation.
it around and get
First liave a narrow
tahle,box or l"arrfl so you can move
is a great help to a
the fowl in any positionyou wish, as the sun
the sun
on
its left side.
lea''ner. Lay the fowl upon
Wrap the cord twice around the
selves
Witli one
bird's legsabove the knees.
they are liable to kick themwrap
out of the loop. This
style hooks enables you to make a slip-loop
his wings. The op])osite
ends of
around
quickly. The other cord put once
of
then
let
them
half
brick
the cords attach to a
some
a weight
or
Icind,
hang
in Fig. 1, by this means
down
the sides of the tahle as shown
over
you have
them secure.
and
to prevent bleeding,
Wet the bird's side and featiicrs with cold water
them
want
it will also make
the feathers stay where
them,
by
twisting
you
will enable you to perform the
This
his moustache.
would
under as a man
operationwithout pullinga feather. Pull the flesh on the side down towards
the ribs will be enthe hole between
tirely
the hip,so when
tlie operationis over
Therefore
the opening in
its
to
closed by the skin going back
])lace.
the rihs,enabling the- wound
the skin will be | of an inch above that between
between
the firstand
be made
to heal tip in a day or two.
The incision must
to
cut
the pointd'
second rib about h inch long. When
are
ready
])ush
you
the knife in quickly one-quarter of an inch, and hold it there a second,as he
he will becom"
Then
his ribs up and down
will work
justat that moment.
10
PRACTICAL
CAPONIZIxVG.
quiet,increase the cut to i inch. Lay the knife down, keeping the skin in
^'ow
are
place with the left hand,
ready for the spreader. See Fig. 3.
you
Take
the spreader between
the thumb
and first finger,
press it until the
two ends come
itb
together. Then insert the hooked ends in the mcisiou
Fig. 3.
(Copyrighted 1886.)
the spring end towards
the bird's feet. Now
turn the spring part towards
the bird's l)ack,
the ribs. Hold the
making sure to have the hooks between
spreader in positionwith the left hand, Take up the knife again. See Fig.4.
the opening by cutting toward
Increase
the backbone, and forward on a
line between
the ribs,until it is large enough to admit
the free passage of
the scoop twister.
Care must be taken not to go too near
After
the l)ackbone.
a little practice
littleor no blood,
you will be able to do this cuttingand draw
Should
by cuttingon a line with the veins instead of crossing them.
they
bleed much
it
off
with
small
b?fore
a
tear
or
wipe
damp rag
sponge
you
thin
the
skin.
Otherwise
will
in
the
blood
the
testicles
and
on
run
open
make
the lower one
harder to find. Take up the scoop
twister.
See Fig. 5.
With
the hook end tear open the thin skin until you have the riglit
testicle
well in view, and plenty largeenough to press the scoop twister through.
This hook
be used with care
must
or
puncture an artery or the
you
may
bowels.
PRACTICAL
CAPONIZING.
11
/
Fig. h.
Take
the
probe in
your
{Copyrighted 18S6.)
left hand.
With
tlie ring handle
push
the bowels
I
Fig. 5.
{Copi/righted ISSU.)
side,and just below you will see
See
wister with your righthand.
the
left testicle. Introduce
Fig. 6:
the scoop
PRACTICAL
Ing.
Catching the
lower
or
6.
CAPONIZING.
{Copyrighted 1886.)
left testicle
endways
in the scoop
as
shown
in
Fig.7;
Fig. 7. {Copi/righted ISS'l)
it
Gently sliaking to get it all in,and make the spermatic cord settle v
in tlie slot. Then
down
beginto twist the testicle off. At this point learnei
PRACTICAL
CAPONIZING.
13
for keeping the testiele in the scoop, as it
will find the probe very valuable
sometimes
the bowels
beitigtwisted up by the
slipsout, also for j)reventing
of tliese dittieulties disappear with a little practice. An
A number
scoop,
ex])eriencedperson will find little or no use for the probe.
Now
the rightor upper testicle. See Fig. 8.
remove
Mg.
8.
(Copi/rightecl1886.'^
in Figs. 7 and 8, to give
shown
testicles are
the left. Both
Same
as
you
it
as
always be taken out first,
their exact position.The left testicle should
the right one
first and cause
If you
the
remove
is the hardest to remove.
the lower one, then you cannot
it as well,
over
see
bird to bleed,it will run
But when
trouble in getting it out.
the left one
is
more
and will have much
seconds
before
have
the
I
find
out.
not
be
ten
one
over
right
out it will
you
first. They say they have a
the ujiper one
most
beginners want to remove
is out of the way,
but that is only an excuse.
the right one
better view when
I insist on the lower
therefore
the
like
to
do
easiest
first,
j)art
Many persons
first.
removed
being
one
If you should leave a small piecein by not gettingit all in the scoop properly,
if it is no larger
even
put the scoop in again and catch it in the slot,
than a pin'shead, as these are the piecesthat produce slips.
with a four month
If the testicle is very large,which
you will find is the case
until you
balance
tlie
full
after
tiie
then
take
old Leghorn,
out,
go
scoop
have it entirelyout.
blood to flow,spoon it out with the scoop twister.
much
If vou
cause
The next day after the operationif you find they have a windy swelling,
times
justrun a darning needle through the skin and it will all escape. Someall
themselves.
I just let them
right
go and they come
an
cut
If you should
artery in the operation,they are as good for food as
if thev had been bled in the neck.
If all rightafter the operation,
they generallyhave a passage.
14
PRACTICAL
CAPONIZING.
to twist than to eui|
humane
writer on
Most
says it is more
capons
every
be caponized at any age, but the older
their testicles off. Cockrels
can
liable they are to bleed to death.
more
Mr. p. H. Jacobs, who is an
authorityon poultry,says:
The heaviest and largestcapons
are
produced by crossinga Dorking cocl^
with t\vo successive crosses, is t(|
The
Cochin
hens.
Brahma
or
on
largest,
cock with Bralima, Cochin, or Langshan hens,and then mate
mate
a Houdan
with Plymouth Rock
cockerels,whicii givesyellow!
the pulletsof the cross
legsand skin. A stronsr,largePit Game Cock, mated with Brahmas, or an\
not
of the pulletsof the above
only a fair-sized capon, bu
crosses, makes
cock on
Cochin
hens iii
A
Brahma
breast.
the
that excels in meat
on
one
Cochins
makes
Brahmas
Rock
cocks
or
while
j
on
also excellent,
Plymouth
such breeds as Legliorns,Hamburgs, Black
Avoid
fine ca])on.
Spanish oji
The
Wyandotte may be used on large,eoai'se hens, howv
Polish,for capons.
desired.
whenever
i
ever,
it may
rather premature to speak oi
Caponizing.
and
seem
Capons
wish to call the atten
in the season, yet we
capons and caponizingthis early
in
for securing th(
time
matter
the
so
tion of breeders to
they can i)repare
from
will surelycome
thus making use of all the
solid cash benefits which
surplus cockerels which are not (ifpure bred)good enough to bring remuj
nerative pricesfor breeding stock.
The very first thing to do is to keep the birds growing vigorouslyfrom tin
start,so they will be in good condition and be of good size when from three
be safelyperformed
to four months
old,at which time the operation can
instruments
such
as
are
generallyused
improved
using proper instruments,
the
handsome
and also the fact that capons
profits, price does not seen
pay
Printed
first.
at
as
seem
to be so excessive
diagrams,together w4tl;
may
when
and
has had nd
each
a breeder
directions
even
set,
explicit
accompany
become
on
a fevv birds
former experience,he can
soon
expert by practicing
two
dead birds
or
it is often advantageous to experiment first witli one
And
The
and then try your hand on a few live ones.
proportionof birds whicl
die under the operationis very small indeed, and, in the hands ef an exper
do die nude
The birds which
ienced person, does not exceed two per cent.
bleil ar(
the operationgenerallydo so in a very few minutes, and if at once
w'ell be, so the loss is stillfurther reduced
a fowl
can
as
as good for table use
thej
"
to almost nothing, practically.
and amounts
as
chicks are just as good for this purpose
Of course
common
pure-bre(
generallyused, though we would suggest that,whei
ones, and are the ones
breeding for the purpose of making capons, only large fowls,or largebreed
The Light Brahmi
should be bred,as weight is a largeitem of desirability.
breeds
in fact any of the Brahma
Cochin
or
an
the Partridge Cochin
or
hens
the best common
bred pure, or on
the best for the purpose, whether
hatched
such breeds, when
From
earlyand kept in vigorous growth by lib
be obtained, an"
can
eral feeding,the very finest and highestpricedcapons
tried
the
have
not
if
w^ould advise our breeders,
experiment, t
we
they
yet
if
raise
flocks of tha
and
s
o
trial
it
this
large
they
especially
a
give
season,
for sale,either for food or for breeding purposes.
kind of fowls each season
Fanciers'
Weekly,Ashland, Ohio,May 22, 1886.
"
"
16
CAPONIZING.
PRACTICAL
little practicewill enable an
the advertis
to do it safelyand expedftiously.
one
A" to the instruments
liow
tiiis"^
and
H.'
of WiiK
ment
they can I
issue,tells where
Wigniore, in
188G.
obtained.
June
Practicvl Farmer, Fhiladeljyhia,
5,
word
describes
very enrrectly
ima",nii:iry
A
it.
"
Elsewhere
in this paper
of Wigmoif
advertisement
will be found
an
will do well to write liim for particuhn
Orange County Farmer, June 3, is -i
caponizing tools. Those interested
They are very highly recommended.
"
of
Strange as it may seem, we have met with a number
distini
to
to
a
who
a
belong
dinarilyintelligent
supposed
capon
persons
For fear that otlui
class of fowls,as do the Wyandottes, Houdans, etc.
that
similar
it
be
well
to
share
a
a
notion,
Capon is a male i)ir
say
may
may
relation to other fowls as the ox to the bull, an
altered,and bears the same
A Capon \\\\\ out-grow a cock
be produced from any breed of fowls.
may
tlie same
reasoi
age, justas an ox excels a bull in weight,and for the same
whicli are, that castration makes
animal less restless and quarrelsome an
an
less of tlie nutriment
it digestsis divested
from
tiesh-forming.Caponizin
defended
of crueltyjust as well ;
the
score
againstobjectionson
maybe
The
of
castrating
colts,
calves,pigs,etc.
rearing
Capons will certainlyI
followed to a great extent in tliis country so soon
as the people learn the
cellent qualityof the flesh,which
is not only extremely delicate and juic\
but the birds grow
to nearly the size of turkeys,and are
so
quiet thai' the
growth is produced with less feed than in the case of other fowls. I vvoiil
business,they cannot
dispose
engaged in the ))oultry
say to those who are
their culls in a better way than to caponize them ; they may
be of any breci
but such as Cochins,Brahmas
the best. I caponize
and Wyandottes are
without
losinga bird. They did well and average
twenty-two last season
York
market
for _'
lOj pounds dressed, March
3, 1886, and sold in the New
After deducting express
ki
cents per pound.
the
charges,commission, etc.,
netted me
been asked a great many
times by thos
$43.75. Now
as I have
who
interested in poultry,"does
are
Cajionizingpay," I would like to as
the readers of the JIagnetwhat they think of it.
Blake.
Cardington, Ohio.
Ponllry Magnet, June, 1886.
Caponizix(;.
n
"
i
"
^
(
'
"
REFERENCES.
Hestonville,
Wm.
Mr.
H.
I
1, 1886.
Wigmore,
Dear
and
Pa., June
hours, the day
Sir:
"
I received
yourcaponizing set
on
May 28tli
40 cockerels the next
day, to my great surprise,in tw
3 in on
after I was
again surprisedto know that I ca]K)nized
operated
on
thirtyseconds eacii,the best I have done with any other
in
minutes,therefore I feel that I cannot say too much
mending your set. Yours, Truly, G. C. Mench.
and
minute
from 3 to 5
set
wa
recora
PRACTICAL
CAPONIZING.
U
Rochester,
W.M.
H.
N.
Y., August 2, 1886.
AViGMORE,
Sir:"
Since receivingthat case of Caponizinginstruments
have had them in constant
use
up to date and
have caponized 250U cockerehs and also performed a similar operationon 982
pullets. Being a professional
eaponizer,I can say this nu-ch in favor of your
that out of the four different Ivinds that I had been
instruments
using,I can
tothe fraternitv at large.
cheerfullyrecommend
your Caponizing instruments
E. K. Badgl"r.
AVishingyou unbounded
success, I remain, Yours fraternally,
Dear
from
you
last
spring,I
"
Baltimore,
Mr.
Wm.
H.
Md., May
25, 1886.
Wigmore,
Dear
Sir:
I have cut quite a number
of birds,but
I am
satisfied after altering10
generallyhave more
slips than capons.
I believe with a little fu-actice
cockerels,your set is the best I ever saw.
with your scoop twister,
Chas.
M. Mediary.
slipswill be unknown.
"
I
Philadelphia,
Wm.
II.
Pa., July 20, 1886.
Wigmore,
to you niy thanks
Dear
for the
Sir :" I wish to convey
successful manner
in which
small
treated
lof.of
cockerels.
man
My
my
you
in the few
said that he could see the chicks had
days we had them
grown
I know
from
the place,and
that I can see the growtiieach day. You remember
I said I kept two
good, fair specimen cockerels to marlv the change
in the birds treated by you, the others not treated.
They do not requireas
I
find
them
much
care
as
strong and feed with the
you enjoinedon me, as
Shall want
the instruments
for myself,as I expect
other birds.
a full set of
cockerels
I have clone
to
to try my
and
do
not
own
as
ever
skill,
keep
expect
so mucii
before,but shall have all my chicks attended to in this way, it saves
trouble among
the male eliicks. I shall take the weight next week, that we
I found the weight,per pair,to be o pounds after the
may note the increase.
Thos. M. Seeds.
operation. Very respectfully,
Battle
Wm.
H.
Creek, Mich.,
June
23, 1886,
Wigmore,
a
day
Wm.
H.
Dear
later. I
Sir:
"
much
am
Yours
of the 19th
pleasedwith
your
received,also
set.
the instruments
H. G. Spaulding.
Annapolis, Md., May 25, 1886.
Mr.
Wigmore
:
Sir:
I received
Farmers'
Dear
izing
Caponyour Patent
Set by mail on the 10th inst. After altering
several cockerels, I am
satisfied that they are superior to any
used.
The
twister is
I ever
scoop
of
the
Brewer.
it
much
and
fowl.
E.
saves
so
fingering
worrying
great;
"
Chicago, III.,April 15,1886.
Wm.
H.
W^igmore,
Dear
Sir
:"
Your
tools,I
like very
much.
C. J. AVard.
That
poultry and eggs are
produce enough for
always
in
PROFIT.
OF
SOURCE
A
AS
POULTRY
is shown
demand,
the
by
fact
that
we:
poultry market
consumption.
tj
who
is
feared
be
poultry ai
making
contemplate
overstocked,
by many
may
but
few
minutes'
to
of profit. It requires
dispel suchi
matter
a
thought
theremember
time
when
the
of our
oldest
can
poultrymen
fallacy, as many
tlie roads, and hundreds
of eggsof baskets
driven
to market
on
turkeys were
As
the failroads
carried
cities in wagons.
to the
soon
as
penetrated in 1}
were
far
below
the'
demand
would
be
that
the
the
direction,
prediction was
every
of
who
had
the
those
The
to
so
])redicted,
surprise
prices, however,
supply.
sufficient
facilities
of the
to
and
the
although
present day are
advanced,
of
the
however
section
from
remote,
country,
bring into market
every
eggs
forth
that the prices during all seasons
tl"e fact stands
are
nearly three times
the
increased
The
facilities.
to
product of i1
previous
high as they were
as
while
the
of
times
ten
and
are
marketing,]
carcasses
greater,
expense
eggs
demand
be supplied, and
is much
the insatiable
cannot
such
less,"yet
Europe;
hand
in 1
send
is called
to
a
over
portion of her stock on
season,
every
upon
w'ill be any
There
order
to help us
out.
never
danger of over-production, asAvith the supi)ly.
This
has
been
demand
will still further
increase
the
fully
its way
of the blackberry, which
in the case
to mardemonstrated
ket
formerly found
do
not
That
home
our
tlie
,
i
,
^
from
but
which
the
roadsides
is
now
as
well
extensively
that
along the ditches,
and
cultivated
so
as
from
from
the
one
fence
station
corners,
in
New
York
for New
loaded
with
the
fruit, leaves
city
Jersey alone, a train of cars
than
obtained
and
the
the
are
higher
i)rices
during
day
yet,
season,
every
but the gleaning of waste
when
the blackberry
was
why is this
places. And
demand
created
?
It is due
to
the
fact
that
when
articles
reach
the
large quantities,
the
low
prices
for
a
while
tempt
the
and
market
\
in the
buyers,
the
articles
become
to
of
time
the
regular
indis]"ensable
adjunct
course
an
afterwards
be
at
must
procured
price. In other
"family supply, and
any
of the
buyers to
population, but the education
Avords, not only the increased
of food
in
while
the demand,
the article
excess
as
a necessity influences
any
hence
the
direction
a
one
corresponding
depression in another, and
causes
ranks
who
of those
from
the
use
substitutes,
purchasers of poultry are taken
no'
in every
until
and
an
occur
equilibrium
can
consequently
over-production
As
is nearly impossible.
article
used
for food
is reached, which
long as there
them
are
buyers will have
ing
grantplenty of eggs and poultry in market
; and
in quantity, ,j
be
that
an
over-production
possibility there
by some
may
who
the
there
will "still be
demand
for (juality,and
poultrymau
a
great
in
HOW
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
19
fresh eggs to
only the plump, fat carcasses, and sends only perfectly
liiscustomers, will always find himself besiegedfor more
while others are
of good articles has never
beggingfor sales. Hence, over-production
occurred.
markets
THE
CAPITAL
REQUIRED.
made
Among the many inquiriesregarding the matter of raisingpoultry
in largenumbers, is " How
much
If the inquirerwill
capitalis required? "
but compare
the poultrybusiness with any other, a little reflection will
enable him
for himself v.^iiatevermystery may
be attached to it.
to unravel
If .'^1000 be invested in a mercantile
pursuit,the interest on capitalinvested,
at six per cent.,amounts
of ten per cent, will give
to $60, and a dividend
that a
slOO, or a total of $160 on an investment of $1000. It is conceded
return
of $160 o^n a capitalof $1000,every year, is an excellent one, and why
not take the same
view of the |)oultry
We
business?
safe in asserting
are
that $160 can
easilybe made on $1000 invested in poultry,and even
more;
l"ut the above is given to show that the beginner does not fail simply because
he cannot
several hundred
dollars on
small
investment.
secure
The
a
b
usiness
will
in
returns
as
as
l)0ultry
give
large
proportionto
any other,
is bestowed.
The
cajntai
invested,provided proper care and management
with
most
is that they expect too much.
difficulty
persons
They are not
ness
busidisposedto take a business view of the matter, but desire the poiiltry
for a moment
not
to do what they would
expect from any other,which
is a return
of the capitalin one
have often had parties
We
to ask if
season.
could
maintain
with
the
a family
tliey
poultrybusiness,on an investment of
a few hundred
not
dollars,something which
they would
hope for in any
other enterprise.
Five cents a pound will cover
of raisingchicks to the age of
the expense
three months.
That is for the feed,but we
also consider that in order
must
to hatch and raise a brood of chicks,there is the value of the eggs from
which
the chick is produced, the interest on
capitalinvested in quarters, fences,
The
largerthe number of chicks
etc.,and the labor of caring for the fowls.
but little more
raised the smaller the expense
and
as
care
proportionately,
labor is requiredfor a largenumber
In one
lot of 3000
than for a smaller.
chicks
of all the expenses
in New
farm
on
a
Jersey, a strict account
five
the
that
while
but
cents
fact
was
required for producing a
developed
Avas
pound of poultry,the total cost for buildings,labor,feed,and interest,
of
be
maximum
nine cents.
estimatetl
the
This sum
cost
as
safely
ducing
promay
be reduced or increased in proportion
a pound of poultry,but it may
to the number
raised,the largerthe number, as we stated before,the smaller
the expense for each chick.
for food will not be diminished
or
The expense
ing
will fluctuate in value accordand
labor
but the buildings,
fences,
increased,
to the number.
to about one
that the cost of the quarters amounts
It has been estimated
build
for
dollar per head, or
to
about
that
it
a house
$10
requires
rather,
ten fowls,and $100 for a house for one hundred
fowls,but it is apparent that
20
HOW
TO
^fAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
the largerthe house the cheaper the cost proportionate!
far as the
so
}-, while
labor is "concerned,
one
can
as
easilyfeed one hundred fowls as ten, and also
keep the quarters clean more
economically as compared with the fewer
number.
in
the
foce
of
these
Yet,
advantages in favor of the keeping of
in
the
poultry
large numbers,
general result heretofore has been that the
smaller the number
result entirelyat variance with
the largerthe profit,
a
for on
the rules applying to all other industries. This can only be accounted
the suppositionthat the small flocks receive more
attention than the large
have a few
who
ones, and it is prohal)lythe solution of the problem. Those
and
fowls only, are careful to feed them a variety,
the quarters are
made
as
comfortable
member
of the family
not a day passingby that some
as
possible,
does not assist in caring for the fowls, while larger numbers
often overare
looked,
and many
of the essential details neglected.
The cost,of course, depends upon the Labor,but with a small flock there is
bestowal
of labor which
and
a
is not valued, being performed by children
be considered
ladies as a source
of pleasure,
would
but which
as
an
important
item in an
account
kept with a large flock. That nine cents will cover all
the cost is a fair estimate,and it leaves a large margin for profit
if the chicks
hatched
are
early and advantage be taken of high prices. Even if only 12
is much
cents per pound be realized the profit
is 33:^ per cent., which
larger
than may be exj^ected
from many
other sources.
BREEDING
FOR
3IARKET.
it is admitted
that the markings and jdumage of a bird is an index
of the best in the
of some
often see the sacrificing
its purity,yet we
flock because
of a slightdefect that does no injury,but "which serves
as
a
in the show
This practice has been very damaging
room.
disqualification
aff'ects
to the value of the breeds for utility,as the plumage in no manner
adds to the attractiveness
of the fowls for market.
the layingqualities
or
definite rule by which
the
And
strict adherence
to some,
a
yet, without
flocks would degenerate
breeders of thoroughbred poultry can be guided,our
into dunghillsand their characteristics as breeds be entirelylost. But there
the desirable oband when once
ject
is a limit even
to the fixed outward
indications,
exterior the more
h",s been attained of giving them
a uniform
important
essentials should not be overlooked.
Poultry is destined to serve a grander
that
than
of
The
majorityof those interested have
being petted.
purpose
birds only,
inclination to devote their time
to the breedingof beautiful
no
bui prefer to realize a profitfrom
and
and
hence
carcasses
eggs ;
any
a
straightcomb or
attempt to sacrifice vigor and strength,in order to secure
detrimental.
This is proved
shade of color will in the end prove
a certain
exacting
already from the fact that while the fancy breeders have been more
in their standard
ceeded
requirements than any other class,yet, they have not sucin securinga flock of unitorm
show birds from the best of their prizewinners,
while the Berkshire
swine
who give but few points to
bi'eeders,
color marks, have only a small number
of culls in their herds.
While
to
I
J low
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
21
The
farmers
who
raise poultryfor market, however, owe
much
to the
breeders of fancypoultry,for despiteall mistalves tliey
have made, they
may
is only in its
preserved the purity of the breeds,and as their'standard
liaye
when all the breeds will combine
not only the
infancy,the time will come
characteristics of utility,
but convey also the outward evidences of the purity
of the stock.
Select those that come
up to the standard in points,if you can, but do not
discard a good specimen of robust constitution for a slight'defect.
Be liberal
in allowinga few fowls to have drawbacks
if such imperfections
are such
as
to cause
but above all,select for vigorand strength.
no
injuryto the oifspring,
It is not always the largest
fowl that is the most vigorous,but the one with
In
full,
bright eyes, heavy bone, comi"act body, and quick movement.
with the color of the
that the color of the hens harmonizes
see
]^lunutge
cock.
and if
If the hens are too dark allow the cock to be somewhat
lighter,
tlie liens are very heavy in the body use a medium-size
cock.
Too much
boast of weight in preferin fowls,although many
weight is not desirable'
ence
to other qualities.
which
breed is used,
Tlie chief object,no matter
should be vigor and activity.An overgrown,
fat fowl is a uuiexcessively
sauce, and should not be tolerated.
BREEDING
FOR
EGGS.
To keep hens for laying purposes, where eggs for market only are desired,
is a different matter from keeping hens to provideeggs for hatchingpurposes.
and hatching,the conIt may safely
ditions
be said that for market i)urposes, laying,
i
n
t
principle breeding,hat thefemale must be
vary. It is a well-known
iiia proper condition to become
and this rule appliesto the hen as
fruitful,
often barren, while
well as to the animal.
The tat Shorthorn
cows
are
such as the Jerseys,
those that producelargequantities
of milk and butter,
and Ayrshires,
Holsteins,
usuallybear calves every year, as the production
of milk prevents'
overfatting.In making up a])en for breeding pui poses,
consider two or three pointsthat must be obthe poultryman must
therefore,
In
observed in order to secure
good hatches when the eggs are incubated.
from
those
well
the firstplace,the eggs from pullets
do not hatch as
as
hens,
what,
someunless the pullets
This difficulty
are
may be overcome
earlyhatched.
old cocks v.ith them.
Again, while the
however,by mating^two-year
cockerels may beused
in the yards,they should always be mated with hens,
of all
feed a sufficiency
and not puUe'ts.
The conditions to be observed are to"
that tends to ])rovide
the constituent elements of an egg. without furnishing
scratch,we bring them
a sujierabundance.By feedingso that the hens must
that a mare
under the same
conditions bv which it isknown
kept at moderate
in
work will producea I)etter foal than the one kei)t
standing the stable,and
at improved
wlio sneer
those
stated
by
pampered. It is true,as has often been
too'
and
\s this
breeds of poultry,that theyare
much,
especially
pampered
and when they
true of breeding hens, as eggs from such do not hatch well,
HOW
do, the
chicks
are
weak
TO
and
prevent soft-shelled eggs
among
them
MAKE
POULTRY
sickly.
from
hens
No
over
amount
PAY.
of lime
or
fed,wiiile^^isease
will
oyster-shells
is liable to
occur
time.
at any
that
do
lay 200 eggs a yeL^-, but such statements
the
to
believe
such
to
be
good,by inducing
inexperienced
a
who is familiar at all with
fact. Any one
that during the
poultry knows
fall all hens undergo the process of moulting, or shedding of the feathers.
This requires,
usually,about three montlis,or 100 days. As there are only
have
in
265 days left after deducting the moulting pe365 days
a year, we
riod.
other day, she will lay 133 eggs,
If a hen lays,regularly,
an egg every
in hatchingout her broods,
but she will probably lose three months
and
more
she will take a restingspell. As moulting is a
if she is a non-sitter,
even
heavy drain on the system, but few hens lay during that process, though there
of eggs exceed
one
are
exceptions,and where tlie number
every two days,it
will be found that a corresponding reduction
occurs
during some
periodoi
We
more
often read of hens
harm
the year.
than
While
admit
that certain individual hens have been known
to
are
eggs in a year, sucli cases
rare, and if one
has a
he should
be satisfied if there is an
more,
of 100 eggs a year for the whole
Four
flock,or rather nine dozen.
average
should
dozen
realize thirtycents
out of the nine
per dozen,three dozen
should bring about twenty cents a dozen, and two dozen should realize fit'tee:i
cents per dozen in this section,or an
average of about twenty -three cents.
this calculation may be wrong, but it will convey
an'idea of what
Of course
be
expected.
may
gularly
Many poultry raisers provide their fowls with warm
quarters,and feed rebut yet they get no eggs.
and on a variety,
Such cases
are
numerous,
and we
will endeavor
to point out a remedy for tlie difiiculty.
We
well know
that if we
less
keep a horse in a stable,and feed liini well,that he becomes restand unhappy, and in order to keep him in good health he must
be exercised.
With
fowls,the winter prevents foraging,and our kind readers go to
the coops in the morning and give tlie hens a good, lieavyfeeding. The hens
and have no inducement
to ramble, consequently,
do
being full,are satisfied,
not take any
and become
better })lanis to get some
too fat. The
exercise,
cut straw, leaves,or even
chaff",
dirt,and place it where the hens can scratch
in it. In the morning give.
the hens a mess
of warm
food,but only a little.
iNTow throw some
grain into the scratchinglieap,and make them work for the
oalance of their meal.
Feed' nothing but what
they will have to ivork for.
all they will eat.
At night feed them
The objectis to keep the hens busy
during the day, but let them go on the roost full. Hens that are compelled
fo woi-k will lay better and
keep in good health,while the eggs will produce
mess
ing,
stronger chicks.
They should always have a warm
earlyin the mornin the winter, but the meal
should be so given as to leave
especially
them somewhat
hungry. Do not feed them at noon, except by puttingtheir
food in the scratchingheap, and never
give soft food in the scratchingheap.
In other words, keep them
for
scratchingfor oats, wheat, seeds,and even
ground shells. Give no corn
except at night,and give them their night's
meal without making them scratch for it.
lay as
we
175
150, or even
flock of twenty hens or
many
as
HOW
24
the material
She consumes
from
which
TO
MAKE
to do so, she is useless
largeamount
PAY.
POULTRY
of carbon
unless her Avants
every
time
are
supplied.
inhales air,wliile the
and nervous
bones, flesh,
and
system are constantlybeing wasted
repaired.
Should this waste
be permitted, without
a renewal, the bird will die
starve
a
she
"
although she
be fed liberally,
far as certain kinds of food are conas
cerned.
may
If she received nothing but corn, she would become
as
corn
fat,
very
is rich in carbon,and her body would
be kept warm
from the lieat created;
but while fat and apparently in good condition,
her bones and tissues would
graduallywaste away, and she would droop and die without apparent cause.
But food of a carbonaceous
is requiredalso in some
nature
form, as the heat
of the body is necessary, while carbon
is an
of the
constituent
important
yolk. Corn contains a small proportionof all the elements of food,but in
insufficient quantities
for the proper nourishment
of a laying hen.
We may
divide the food proper into three kinds
carbonaceous,nitrogenousand phoslime, soda,potash,etc.,must also be included.
phatic The minerals
Some
of the grains,such as wheat, oats, and buckwheat, furnish quite an
of all the elements
amount
needed, lime included,but as such foods are
balanced with all the hen requires,
not perfectly
her purposes for
they serve
short
time.
is
when
chick
the
a
a
only
Hence,
rapid formation of
growing,
iiiuscle and bone (not fat)requiresfood rich in nitrogen,which
is best given
in the form of milk or meat, and it is the absence
of nitrogenous food that
them to die when
The e.gg is largelycomcauses
posed
they are fed on cornmeal.
of nitrogen,tlie wliite especally,and the hens that are
fed on meat
and
milk as a part of their diet,will lay in winter if kept warm.
To vary
the food means
to vary
the qualityof the articles provided, in order that no
element may be lacking,and while it is important that the food be of a varied
in order to provide all the proper
materials
character,
necessary, the fowls
need succulent and bulky food for dietarypurposes.
Corn, wheat, meat, etc.,
concentrated
are
foods,and should be accompanied with grass, or any kind
of bulky food,in order to assist digestion,as well as plenty of water, justas
be allowed all the grain he desires.
a horse needs hay, although he may
In
feedinga variety,however, do not over-feed. Never allow the stock to get
too fat,or the hens will lay soft-shell eggs or none
at all.
Fat intei-feresAvith
the generativefunctions. Always endeavor
the hens
to make
exercise,
by
taining
scratchingfor their food. If they are made to work, and are fed on food conthe necessary
refrain from
elements, they will lay. and cannot
"
"
"
"
doing so.
RAISING
CHICKS.
Broilers are usuallyhatched under
hens in Marcli for the earliest supply,
but where the season'is severe, the hens and broods must
be kept in a good
location.
It is useless to attempt to raise broilers by leaving the chicks
warm
entirelyto the care of the hens. They will graduallydrop off one
by one,
until as many
left as the hen can
mum
are
convenientlycover, and when the minihas been reached,the chicks will thrive. 'Chicks under
hens demaml
those in brooders,especially
as
as much
care
at this season, and unless they
receive it,at least one-half will perish.
HOW
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
25
convinced
that artificial incubation
of persons are
While
a largenumber
find
wlio
there
it a very difficult matter
are
some
be
made
a
"'an
success, jet
in incubators.
raised every year
That chicks are
to raise chicks hatched
be conIn the first place,it must
from incubators is a fact not to be denied.
tlie chick is kept at a temperature exceeding
"idered that during incubation
stand a sudden
It can
100".
more
no
change to a temperature twenty or
tlian
child
a
can.
Hence, the most important
thirtydegreescooler,
young
the
brooder
from
90"
to
sliould
be
to
keep
100"; for while the chick may
object
have a very warm
out in the cold,it must
at times run
placewhen it returns.
of brooders made
is that the yprds or runs
One of the faults of the majx)rity
four weeks
of the chick's existence it
too large. For the first three or
are
the
outside of tlie mother, but may be
should have but very little space on
given greater range as it grows older. Plenty of fieaiand at a/l times,is very
be lower than 90",but may be as mucli as 100".
and it sliould never
essential,
ter
than too cold,as the chicks will scatIt is better to have a brooder too warm
brooder
should
the
the entrance
if it is too warm
but
and sleep near
;
cate
become
too cold they will crowd
together. The chicks themselves will indiwhether
the heat is too liigh or too low, as they will always crowd
togetherwhen the heat is insufficient. Should they remain in a brooder over
it they are
apparentlywell the
night,and the temperature is too low, even
disease will occur,
in
bowel
result
will
be
that
hours
next
a fev
morning, the
of feeding,
conditions
"avorable
is
which
caused
manv
ur
by some
suppose
-when the lack of heat is at the bottom of all the difficulties. It is given as
pel
to allow the heat in the brooder to be so low as to comii caution,
then, never
"
the chickens to crowd.
portant
imbut the water is more
in regi^'d
to feeding,
admonitions
We
have made
than the feed. That is,it should be so i)lacedbefore the chickens
stantly,
that they can
only reach it with their beaks. Keep water before them conallow a drop of it to get
and give them all they can drink,but never
should they wade in it. Dampness isfatal to young chicks,
the chicks,nor
on
Should a chick get
while Iieat and dryness are importantfactors to success.
mistaken
for
In feeding
will
which
is
often
the
have
it
gapes.
"damp
croup,
be varied
two days,but the food may
or
it is best to use hard-boiled egg for one
kind of diet,
Do not keep them
on
three days old.
one
after they are
JNlilk is excellent,
and feed a sniall allowance'of meat two or three times a week.
cornmeal
should not be
whether
fresh or clabbered,but too much
from
those
chicks differently
to feed incubator
^-"iven.It is not necessary
well
them
to
hatched
under
that are
jirovided. The
hens, except
keep
chicks
is
to
in
main
give them plentyof
raising artificially-luitclied
point
heat in the brooder, and keep them dry. Of course, the strictest cleanliness
ers
The coojis or broodnot be crowded.
be observed,and the chicks must
must
be cleaned
must
daily,and if they are well dusted with Persian insect
powder once a week, allowing it to fallover the chicks and settle in their
down, thev will be free from vermin and grow ra])idly.
that chicks can be made to weigh
on
It has been doubted
the])artof some
to our
has been the case
such
months
two pounds at two
kno\ylold, yet,
tried
have
who
from
those
never
doubt
The
comes
several
occasions.
cdge on
lengthof time. As a rule,
to have the chicks attain that weight in the same
26
HOW
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
Pa
\.
the rapid increase is on the part of incubator chicks,or where
only a fe\
in incubate
raised.
The i-eason
hatched
is made
Those
easilyapparent.
under
of
the
the
and
are
care
are
constantly
always suppliedwit
operator,
plenty of food, which is varied, and they are also ke\)tdryand tvarm, whi
is as important as the feeding. The
in their
chicks
receive a check
never
out of the shell until the two pounds are
growth from the time they come
reached.
A few chicks with a hen also receive extra
of
member
care, every
the familyjoiningto add to the care
Wei
and pleasureof their management.
add that something also depends upon
the breed. The Plymouth Rocks,
may
best fori
are
Langshans, Brahmas, Cochins, and Wyandottes, or their cross'es,
the purpose,
but a cross
of ihe Dorking or Houdan
on
any kind of a largesized hen, will give good results. Such chicks must
be forced,and althoughi
they may even
get weak in the legsfrom high pressure feeding,yet, the com-'
of them
with chicks not so managed will be very marked.
j)arison
HATCHING
Although
CHICKS
has confined
EVERY
of chicks to the earlyspringj
be hatched
and
raised withi
profitthe entire year. There is not a month in the year that does not presentii
and
the most
often meeto
successful persons
advantages and disadvantages,
with loss when
when
the obstacles seem
unexpected, and success
greatest.
there will!
because
not
September is an excellent time to begin liatching,
be a sale for broilers when
they are six weeks old, but because they can be
raised with less care.
In such cases
the poultryraiser must
take into consideration
the fact that the best pricesare not attainable until after Christmas,
and
the chicks must
The broilers
pass through the beginning of winter.
that bring the highest prices are
those that are
f\it,
comi)act, and nicely
should
into market
feathered,and when they firstcome
weigh trom one-hfdf to i
of a jiound. How
in September, and yet
to raise chicks hatched
three-quarters
to have them
small enougii for sale in January, is best done by crossing
manage
bantam
cock on small, comi)act, common
hens.
a black-red
The game
game
blood givesvigor,the flesh is the l)est of all table fowls,and the bantam
size
of
but
allows
and
before
the
prevents rapid growth,
quick feathering
age
weather
becomes
As the chicks will have
too cold.
made
sufficient growth
during the fall to enable them to withstand the severityof winter, they will
be able to endure
much
than the chicks from standard fowls of the
more
The
rule that applies to September, may
same
hold good for
same
age.
demands
of a larger kind, for the chicks will
a cross
October,but November
fast after frost. We
not grow
should
too
the hens with a cock of a
cross
that feathers up well, such as the Plymouth Rock
hardy breed, and one
(or Dominick, if the hens are large),but avoid such breeds as Hamburgs or
Black Spanish,as they are too tender for winter.
The firstconsideration for the chicks is dryness. The
slightest
dampness
is worse
than cold,though warmth
is also absolutelyessential.
The breeder
will find that his duty will be shovelingsnow,
thawing drinking fountains.
custom
months, there is
no
reason
the hatching
why they may not
3I0NTH.
HOW
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
chicks that have
nd occasionally
resuscitating
been chilled,
but after he has
amply rewarded
by the high prices
Chicks
hatched
in November, December, and January are
btained.
more
sold
the
at
weight of half a pound. February and March chicks sell
eadily
ot a poand, and April hatched
chicks at a pound, the
"est at three-quarters
"rice averaging about
fiftycents a chick, the half pound sellingat one
at seventy-five
lollar per pound, the three-quarters
cents
per pound, and
ttended
"ro
to them
he
faithfully,
will
be
rata.
Although the difficulties in winter may seem
arduous, the prices are
remuneration,but tlie largestand easiest profitsare derived from chicks
latched in the spring months"
March, April,and May, owing to the expenin comparison, the chicks not being subjectto such extremes
es being lighter
f heat and cold as during the winter and summer.
The
best m"nth
for
ellingis April,and the poorest, September and October.
be raised profitably
at all times,may
That chicks may
be made
aiyparent
becomes
less than twelve and one-half
i-onithe fact that the price seldom
iu the dullest season, though adults often sell for much
ents
a pound, even
actual
while
the
five cents
cost is about
pound. The summer
ess,
per
the most
unfavorable
nonths are usually considered
for hatching young
of failure may
be attributed to lice,
which
ihicks,but the cause
rapidlymulweather, the mortalitybeing greater than in winter or
iply during warm
is easilyobviated,however, by proper
pring. This difficulty
management,
md as the increase of carcass
is greatest during the first three months
of a
:hick's existence,a fair profit
be realized even
at low prices.
may
To classify
each month, iu a condensed
form, in regard to the advantages
Lud disadvantages,
in
state
that
we
September chicks may be hatched,
may
but the
)rought to a good condition,and sold in January at a fair profit,
"reeder must buy all the food and expect to do hard work before they reach
he market.
October enables the breeder to have the chicks feathered before the cold
in September,
be sold with those hatched
eason
sets in, and they may
Xovember
chicks will bringgood pricesabout the beginning of February,
)ut they demand
the closest supervision,
and unceasing care.
December
chicks come
at a time when
at
they must not be allowed to roam
for tlie cold, if allowed
and
to injurethem, brings on
vill,
they graduroup,
be
and sunlight,however, they may
illydrop off". With plenty of warmth
tarried forward with but littleloss,
January chicks are those that j)roducethe earlypulletsfor winter laying^
)ut they must
It is the extra
be raised witliout snow
and ice to injurethem.
;are
requiredthat makes them valuable.
Both
January and February are the months for raisingthe April market
jhicks ; the best breeds for the purpose
being those possessingstrong consti;utions,
heavy bone, and close feathering. All chicks raised in the winter
nonths grow
faster the greater the proportionof artificial heat supplied.
March
chicks get the benefit of the first growth of vegetationin warm,
jandy sections,and a varietyof food is more
easilyobtained than previously.
i cross of the Leghorn on common
die best, as the chicks will
hens is now
HOW
TO
POULTRY
MAKE
PAY.
into market
with greater attractions,
owing to t
rapidlyand come
maturity of the Leghorns. Chicks hatched in March sell best in ^1;
when
about one
pound each in weight.
April and May are twin months, the conditions being nearly the san
The chicks will*receive a greater variety,and can
begin to forage. Th
of June
reach the market
about the middle
and first of July, up to whi
time the priceswill be from fifty
cents down
to twenty-five cents per pou
for two pound chicks,but the cost of productionwill be less.
feather
easy
GEOWTH
THE
OF
YOUNG
CHICKS.
Considerable
discussion as to the growth of young
fowls
here
the
of
careful
result
give
experiments.
The growth of chicks,as ascertained
by us during the
was
as
follows,viz :
having reached
i
we
jiadtthree montl
"
The egg weighs
Chick
newly hatched weighs
"
1 week
old weighs
"
old weighs
2 weeks
"
2
....
2
4
3
"
''
*'
4
"
"
"'
5
"
"
0
7
"
"
18i
"
"
23V
8
"
"
2S"
9
10
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
*'
"
''
"
"
11
oune(j
li
6i
10
14
32
36
,
41
The
mixed
chicks experimented with were
Plymouth Rocks, though considerab
with other bloods.
fed mostly on
of bran, oa
were
mixture
a
They
meal, and corn
meal, moistened with milk or water, and baked, sometim
Whole
and
skim
wheat
milk
chee;
merely cooked with boiling water.
served as a varietyduring th- first four weeks, and tlie cake was
sometime'
made
richer by the addition of a little animal
meal, (" pulverizeddried boi
and meat."). Out of quitea largeflock,not one
chicken
died from diseas
They were fed very regularlythree times a day, and all they would eat u'
A flock which
clean.
increased two
le'
pounds in weight a day, consumed
than six pounds of corn
its
in
in
other
food
meal, or
equivalent
twenty-foi;
hours; and what vegetableor animal
matter
they could pick up, which,
spite of unlimited range, did not appear to be very much; at least they wei
"From the above, you wi|
to their meals.
always hungry when they came
that the actual expense
see
of making one
pound of ''springchicken " wa
in this case, not
than four cents.
more
The market
price in cities durin
July, varied between twenty and twenty-eightcents,
W"* might have grown
these chicks stillfaster by giving them
a
greatii
'
HOW
TO
MAKE
of food,but did not attempt
'ariety
hem slower,but with less expense,
Chere were
no
grasshoppers.
,EXPEEI3IEXTS
POULTRY
to f jrce
hai we
WITH
them.
made
YOUXG
PAY.
Or
them
we
might have grown
shift for themselves.
CHICKS.
indebted
to Mr. Geo. W. Pressey,of Hammonton,
N. J., for the
has
which
been
derived
him
after
careful
bllowing,
by
experiments in artiand
iciallyhatching,brooding,
successfullyraising and marketing large
lumbers of chicks.
incubator and brooder,he began
Constructinghis own
We
are
series of
I
)arkingin
That
or
ten
which
investigations,
artificial incubation.
valuable
as
to all who
follows :
contemplate em^
"
it will cost to raise a
weeks, the cost being
eached, and
me
are
He states
chick,without
regard to breed,one cent a week
less until the fifth week
is
proportionately
greater afterwards,the cost for the fifth week
being exactly
cent.
the brood of chicks will double
in weight each week
until they are
old.
He found ten chicks to weigh half a pound (together)
when
latched.
to a pound in a week, reached
two
They doubled
pounds in
mother
week, four pounds the next, and so upwards to the fortieth day,
in weight, the ratio of gain
to increase
vhen, although they continued
)ecame
gradually less.
That it requiresone
pound of feed (corn,oats,wheat, etc) per week for
of course
ach chick for ten weeks, the minimun'i
being the first week, the
the
naxinium
the tenth,and the fifth week
making ten
denoting
average,
After that period the quantity necessarily
30unds of food for ten weeks.
That
brty dajA
ncreases.
That it is easier,
cheaper,and safer,so far as health is concerned,to use
but in order to get the best results,
ncubatoi-s instead of hens, for hatcliing,
more
and
attention to the matter, but not necessarily
must
me
give care
of hens
for the number
;han is required in any other pursuit. To care
than
chicks as a 300-eggincubator,entails more
accessary to hatch as many
louble the time and expense.
That it has been heretofore dilficult to raise chicks hatched in incubators,
ivith most farmers and others,but by experiment he has been satisfied that a
stream of pure, warm
air,which he furnishes the chicks by the arrangement
)f the brooder,is absolutely
as to be
necessary, the loss being so insignificant
3ut a
matter.
trifling
THE
BEST
BREEDS.
breed that suits all the different climates of the United
is .10 one
and therefore the desire to secure
a generalpurpose
hen, like the general
States,
the
is
W
hen
snow
very deep the heusmust
purpose coWj is au impossibility.
There
HOW
30
be
kept indoors,and
vices,such
as
the active
MAKE
breeds
PAY.
POULTRY
(which
are
the
best
and
restive,
Hamburgs, become
etc.
feather-pulling,
egg-eating,
tlie Leghorns, Houdans
to
TO
and
such
layers),
are
soonaddicti
have a small comb, in ord^
hen best suited for a cold climate should
and easilykept in connnemeii
should be well feathered,
the frost,
the pure breeds exclusively,
Nor is it the best to use
as
they are bred,as
forhis
rule,too fine. The beginner should rely on crosses
purpose, seekii
in one.
The hardiness of tl
of several bj:eeds
to combine
the good qualities
Plymouth Rocks, the lieavy featheringof the Cochins, the earlymaturity "
and Wyandottes shoul
the Leghorns, and the small combs of the Brahmas
be retained yellow legs,skii
time tliere must
be secured ; and at the same
is the common
and good laying qualities.The best foundation
fowl,for tli
first thing to do is to increase tli
that it is always acclimated,
The
reason
cock,which also in
size,which may be done by the use of a lightBrahma
A cross
of the Rose-comb
White
Leghorn v^i
plantsthe small pea comb.
and if the cross is continued
by the use of th
give early-ma?turing
qualities,
Wyandotte, the size is again largerand the comb small, with plump bodit
and golden yellow skin and legs. Occasionally,
for a change, a dash of tli
Pea-comb
Cochin
used
with
Partridge
maybe
advantage; but whenever
with the Cochin or Plymouth Rock
be followed wit
is made, it should
cross
Wyandotte, as one of the principalobjectsshould be to breed for small comb:One-fourth
Leghorn blood is enough in any cross, as the Leghorn blood prt
dominates.
A half-bred Leghorn hen will have nearly as largea comb, an*
be nearly as small in size,as a pure-bredone, and in making crosses
th
use
cock
with
hens
of
the
breeds
instead
of
tlie
other
J
Leghorn
larger
way.
fluff"
hen
indicates
that
she
is
well
cold
on
a
good, heavy
protectedagainst
and if the houses are warm
and comfortable,
the hens well cared for,
and mad
about getting eggs ii
to scratch for all they eat,there will be no
difficulty
winter.
But to get eggs in winter, if the climate is severe, there is no
re
liance to be placed iu BJack
Polish.
Tin
or
Spanish,Hamburgs, Houdans
Leghorns may be partially
excepted,but the best are the Brahmas, Langshaiis
and
of all of whicl
Cochins,Wyandottes
Plymouth Rocks, the good qualities
be
certain
to
a
combined,
may
extent, by judiciouscrossing
There
mistakes
made
in winter management
due to a lack ""
are
many
knowledge of the ])roper mode of feedingand protectingagainstcold. Ti
keep the hens closelyconfined in a poultryhouse because the weather iscoh
is to deprivethem of pure air and exercise. At the same
time, if they art
exposed to cold winds they will not lay. Some breeds go through the wintei
without injuryto the combs
and wattles by freezing,
such as the Brahmas, foi
which reason
considered
the
best
winter layers. Thi.'
are
as
they
by many
claim is not true.
Brahmas
better for winter laying than tht
The
are
no
but the small combs and wattle.^
Leghorns, if the latter are properlyprotected,
do not present a large surface to the action of the frost,
of the Brahmas
anc
and they are
consequentlyexempt in that respect. They are also heavih
and are usuallygross feeders and create more
animal heat than tht
feathered,
But
the
will
than
the Brahmas
if
more
Leghorns.
Leghorns
lay
eggs
poultryhouse is kept svarm, as has been demonstrated
by actual experiment.!
While
the Brahmas
better protected,
are
easilyfatted.|
yet they are more
The
to avoid
^hejl
32
HOW
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
LANGSHANS.
A stron;
The
the Langshans are tried,
the better they are liked.
more
of their dark legs,but as sensibL
prejudiceexisted againstthem on account
that tlie legsare the most
useless part about a fowl,
people are reflecting
far as tahle purposes
are
concerned,the breed is becoming more
popular
and yet tin
The Langshan is a large fowl
nearly as large as the Brahma
pulletssometimes lay as early as the'pulletsof the Leghorns. "We can \)\\
five month
hands on two pullets
that began to lay ^vhen they were
our
old,an"
that
that began before they were
six months
old. When
mud
w^e
a score
say
in their favor,it is not all,for they lay as steadilyafter they begin as an;^
other fowls.
They are not non-sitters like Leghoriis,but they do not inclim
s"
"
"
LANGbHANS.
quickly as the Brahmas, though they make excellent mothers,and
lay again before leavingthe chicks. For the table they are fine. Ihe^
and
flesh is close-grained
and the body is full,compact,
tender,dresses w'hite,
and
nice-looking.If there is any one particularfowl that may be
lor
claimed as a perfectone, it is the Langshan^
breed answers
but as no one
to sit as
begin to
it is safe to say that this breed comes
to that desideratum
nearer
ban any other.
The jdumage, cainage, and form is simply magnificent. A black in color,
the lustre is heiglitened
by a greenishcast that adtla a polishand brilliancyi
onsurj^assed. They are beautiful in every respect, aud are as useful as they
a".e pretty. One
cannot
judge by looking at a young cLick what the edult
'illpurposes,
HOW
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
33
F\\.
bird must
be seen
to be appreciated,lor the lustra
with their
them until they are completely endowed
white
and
chicks
black
and
The
tails.
hackles
are
saddie-teathers,
young
and
when
they grow yery fast
hatched, but the white gradually disappears,
hold their own
It IS safe to say that the Langshan chicks can
against any'
^ *
and are intelbgentand gentle.
Crossed on
other fowls,they impress themselves very
strongly, and make
has the
witli any breed. If crossed with Black Spanish,the cross
a good cross
both
than
comb
of
hardier
the
and
they
are
vSpanish,though
itraiglit
parent.^,
he latter has clean legswhile those of the Langshan are feathered heavily.
afraid to recommend
not
the Langshans to any one, for they are
e
are
be found for nearly all purposes
ibout as good as can
This cut represents a pair of MajorY'road's imported Langshans, direct
their native
from
place. Their plumage is of a uniform glossyblack,ami
1111 ot lustre ; combs
single,and a bright red color. The beak and legs are
lark, with flesh-colored variations along the line of the mouth, and lower
jart of toes and sole of foot.
The
wattles and ear-lobes a bright
is\lark,
eve
"ea color; tail very full and
flowing,carried rather high and forward,and
with
in the breeze as streamers,
urnished
which
wave
good-sized sickles,
quickly,
lliey are
grow
agile,active, and impetuous; are very prolific,
they are
nature early,
and lay well.
to
Ijroody,
being
Although not given
a'
have
and
they
oitters
flesh
is
white
Their
mothers.
food
very thin.
good
;
vane
skin, and as a table fowl,are equal to small turkeys,and not inferior
o them
m
and flavor. AVe belieye them to be the best.
delicacy
The grown
IS.
LiUi,L,^slian
does not iully ai)pear on
VJ
^
JDISEJ^SES.
leave the droppings
How
manv
be numt)ered. Some
persons
the use of absorbents defer the
is to clean out the houses and
is
It
the
stables.
done
with
not at all surprisingthat so
oops daily,as is
attach that
do
not
as they do not
as
regard poultrv
profitable,
lany persons
clean out
did
not
who
farmer
Any
the
it
to
business
deserves.
rnpoi-taiice
much
how
matter
oftener than
no
IS stables
or
a
a week
once
month,
off in condition
find his stock falling
bsorbent
material he used, would soon
and yet, because the hens are no
r dying of disease,
exception to the rule,
le raising of poultryis regarded by such
persons as unprofitable.Poultrv
The cholera
but not otherwise.
iseases
maybe prevented by cleanliness,
and
are
houses
runs
nd roup
but
the
be
unless
cured a dozen
times,
may
the
of
the
will
moon,
such
diseases
as
])eriods
ept clean,
appear as regularly
conditions.
but not under unfavorable
business,
oultry is a profitable
of the farmyard for years,
On
old farms, where
the hens have had the run
earlyall diseases may be traced to filth.
in large heaps,cannot
thejr^ccumulatout the coops weekly, while
others,by
lea^ii
safest course
Fork to longer periods. The
mtil
matter
of decomi)osed
a certain amount
graduallyaccumulated
with
which
the
dirt
which
f
rom
is
not
distinguishable
i_edroppings,
lere
is
iixed.
Ihis
condition
is the
cause
of gapes
in chicks
and
cholera
in
from
it is
adults.
HOW
34
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
has been repeatedlyproved by those who
have tried the experiment o
W(
avoided.
the gapes were
feedingchicks on board floors,
by which means
do not allude to yards in which
fowls are
confined,but the farm yards,ir
which
they are supposed to have plenty of room.
Gapes and cholera an
in
in
for confining fowls
the
small
used
than
more
prevalent farmyards
yards
for the reason
and turned
that the small yards are frequentlycleaned
uj
with the spade. If the farmyards could be occasionallyscraped over, an(
then thoroughlysprinkl6"l
with
of chloride of lime or copperas
a solution
it would
do much
What
is to mix
to prevent
disease.
is better,
O'
an
ounce
sulphuric acid with a bucket of water, and sprinkle the yards,but it is noi
A pound d
as
easilyhandled as the chloride of lime or copperas water.
chloride
of water
of lime to ten buckets
or
a pound of oopp*jra.s to fou
as
buckets
will
of water
answer
the purpose.
CHOLERA.
disease.
What
roup is to the winter,cholera is to th
parasitic
disease,
arisingfrom the rapidmultiplicationof
minute
parasitethat destroysvitality
by preying upon the fowls,as the para
sites pass wherever
the blood reaches,the liver being the principalpoint o\
attack.
To cure
it we
and while there are plenti
must
destroythe parasites,
of remedies,they are too severe, endangering the life of the fowl.
Sulpliui
is the agent by which
all diseases may
be avoided
or
cured,but sulphur i
of sulphur can
insoluble.
The fumes
be collected in water, which
absorbs it
and administered; but we
in
another
can
give sulphur gas
shape. Hyposul
phite of soda is a compound of soda, sulphur,and sulphur gas. It is harir
less,is solid,and easilygiven. It acts as a cathartic,and not only destroy
the parasites,
but compels them
to pass off. With
cholera, the fowl
weakened
and debilitated,
and care
be observed not to kill it in th
must
This
is
a
summer
It is
summer.
a
endeavor
it.
to cure
The first thing to do
is to give a teaspoonfulof hyposulphiteof soda,fon
ing it,slightly
moistened,down the throat of the fowl. An hour afterwarc
give a grain each of powdered mandrake, red pepper, ground ginger,an
Each
substance
should
be finelypulverized,mixed
with a littl
copperas.
starch
meal, moistened
and
administered.
Place the sick fowl in
leave it until well enough to ea
Then
feed on cooked food for a few days, and it will most likelybe all righ
The symptoms are a nervous, anxious look,droopingspirits,
ar
great thirst,
It comes
from filth.
pale or black comb.
or
corn
quietplace,give plenty of cool
water, and
ROUP.
The
ever,
comes
inquiriescoming to us relate to roup. But few,ho^'i
prevalence of the disease when roup is present,as :
"questionable
shapes" as to completelydeceive many who ai
the
of the
majorityof
are
aware
in such
HOW
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
rect
inexperienced. They will,perhaps,treat for every ailment except the corwhich
is easily
a
one.
discharge at the nostrils,
Roup usually causes
discernable.
It is,as a rule,accompanied with hoarse breathing,the comb
changes color,and the fowl droops. The beak will be open if breathingis
and a foul odor will prevailin the coop or will be given off by
very difficult,
occasional "pip" may
be heard,
the bird.
In lightattacks,
a
sneeze, or an
but the great danger is from
the cases
accompanied by the foul odor ana
the phlegm, which
hoarse
breathing. The first thing to do is to remove
in a solution of
should
be done
with
soft
the
a
gently
mop
mop, dipping
chlorinated
be
had
to
at
store.
soda,
Repeat this
Larrabaraque's
any drug
once
a day until the bird is well.
Feed, either in the soft food or in the
of equal parts of asafoetida,
a mixture
shape of a pill,
ground ginger,gentine,
fowls.
and boracic acid,allowing a teaspoonfulof the mixture
ten
to every
It may
be given night and morning. A dry, warm
as roup
place is essential,
is caused by cold and dampness. A spoonful of kerosene oil in the soft food
for ten hens will assist in preventing the disease,
while the drinking water
should be changed often to prevent contagion.
such as
minor difficulties,
In addition to cholera and roup there are many
bumble
foot,scaly leg,feather-pulling,
etc.,which may be prevented with
but it never
the part of the poultyman. Bumble
foot is common,
on
care
them
if the roosts are so constructed
occurs
as to permit the foAvls to get upon
be
be
low
and
should
descend
without
to
or
being compelled flyor jump. They
made
firm and steady. Scaly leg comes
from a parasite.If taken in hand as
is is easilyprevented,but should the matter
soon
as the first symptoms
appear,
and the legs
be deferred,
the hens will soon
have an unsightlyappearance,
graduallygrow largeand rough. By applying a mixture of kerosene and lard
twice it will disappear,if it is done during the first stages,but when
or
once
the legs are fullycovered, much
scraping and frequent applicationsare
the vice is acquired,
Feather
be cured when
cannot
once
pulling
necessary.
but by keeping the hens busy and giving them animal food in some
shape at
least twice a week, there will be but little danger of its appearance.
Cropbound, frosted combs, and loss of appetitemay be occasioned by carelessness.
11 With
protectionfrom winds frosted combs need not be feared,wnile a supply
liof gravel and ground shells are
excellent preventivesof diseases of the diA piece of
[" gestive
causes.
Crop-bound may arise from mechanical
organs.
tlold rag, tarred rope, or any
other substance
clog up the passage to the
may
culties
gizzardand prevent the food being conducted from the crop. As the diffiis all that
are
more
easilyprevented than removed, a little foresight
is necessary to save
at a time when
vexation
and annoyance,
:li
prices
especially
desired.
are high and production
most
LEG
Somehow
other we
haVe received a great many
relatingto leg
inquiries
this
the inquirers
in
all
their
state
manner:
complaints
nearly
of my chicks move
stand on
about on their knees,and cannot
I feed well,and give them
Leg-weakness is
every attention."
or
and
loiweakness,
"Several
asj
ih"
ojiiheir
legs:
WEAKNESS.
"
m
HOW
TO
POULTIiY
MAKE
PAY.
occasioned by very high feeding. It is not dangerous nor does it indicate that
It means
that they have
been
with the chicks.
there is anything wrong
does
with
not
the
increase
of
that
and
strength
correspond
thegro'vvth
forced,
is the
of the body. A deficiencyof phosphate or of lime in the food,which
bone-forming material,will cause leg weakness, especiallyif the food is rich
is the fat-formingsubstance,
Carbon
in nitrogen,or flesh-formingmaterial.
and is useless to a growing chick unless it is intended for market.
Sometimes,
however, the leg weakness is reallya slightattack of rheumatism,especially
from
the same
forced growth.
if the weatlier is damp, but it comes
cause
for the chicks generallycome
No alarm need be entertained,
up again,unless
the food fed is largelydeficient in some
respects.
How
to avoid and cure
leg weakness, is to feed judiciously.Plenty of meal,
the table,is justthe material
which
is usuallygiven with scraps from
that
but
contains
little
of
nieat
the
the
chicks
forward,
rapidly
pushes
phates.
phosvery
Wheat, of course, contains it,but it is not sufiicient when the growth
But if \ve will I
of the chicks is very rapid. Corn is injuriousat such a time.
then feed anything de
add a substance that suppliesthe deficiency,
we
can
With
is ground bone.
sired. Such a substance
ground bone and pounded 1
will
ward off leg weakness,and
to
chicks
be
shells
the
fullyequipped
oyster
such a system.
but very little trouble will ensue
on
is a deficiency
of green
other cause, however, which
There
is one
food.
and if grass,
Highly-concentratedfood given at every meal is too stimulating,
boiled'potatoes, turnips,or any kind of vegetablesare fed,it will be better
the scrap diet. In cold weather the green food |
than feedingtoo exclusively
on
in
if
the
De
preferred,'
shape of finelycut clover hay, steeped in
given,
may
In fact,any kind of hay will serve
hot water and fed warm.
such a purpose,
if it is cut into short lengths and steeped. Always give a little salt in the
for fowls as for cows
other stock. A littlered
soft food.
It is as necessary
or
in
awhile
is
also
but
do
not
feed
it daily,as is often
once
good,
pepper
"
.
suggested.
LICK
It is sometimes
to get rid of lice on
an
fowls,but the poultry
easy matter
house is not so easilymanaged.
During June the lice will be active and
increase rapidly. It is no
to attempt to rid the fowls of lice until the
use
premises are thoroughly cleaned,as such labor is lost. If the houses are kept
To rid
clean,the hens will,with the use of the dust bath,clean themselves.
first remove
the house of lice,
all filth from the roosts,floors,
walls,and nests.
Scrub the roosts with coal oil,not overlookinga singlespot. Take
the nests
clean them out, and with a white-wash
brush
outside,
apply a lightcoating
of coal-oil to them, inside and outside.
Now
touch a lighted match
to che
nest boxes
and let them burn.
No damage will be done, as the oil will bei
quicklyconsumed, but such work should not be done inside the houses. Now
make
bucket
of whitewash, and
add
to it an
a
of liquidcarbolic
ounce
and
of
tobacco
which
be
a
made
acid,
pint
water,
may
by pouring
boilingwater over tobacco refuse, and allowing the water to remain over
HOW
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
37
and dust Persian
Apply the whitewash
night with the tobacco.
profusely,
insect powder through the feathers of the hens, holding them
by the legsfor
Do
little chicks.
not
that purpose.
Persian insect powder
use
grease on
will
to use
remove
in the
Little's Chemical
lice from them.
Fluid is an
place of carbolic acid,it being etticacious ajid
excellent
article
non-poisouous.
DUCKS.
PennsylvaniaState
Easton,Mass.,the
Fair
had an interriew with Mr. Jas. Rankin,
we
manufacturer
of the Monarch
Incubator, who
with
300
time
of
the
our
visit,busy
ducklings and chicks which he
was, at
is enthusiastic over
Mr. Rankin
his results with ducks
out.
had justhatched
his
and
the
follows:
as
gives
experience
during
past year,
he hatched
3000 ducklingsin hiHis adult ducks number
35, from which
from
each
adult.
He
received
$45
from 18 to sv
profit
incubator,making
when
for
the
about
cents per pound
ducklings
they were
eightor nine weeks
from
that
8
10
to
and
at
pounds per pair,growing nearly
old,
age they weighed
At the
of South
"
sold dressed,the feathers paying for the
fast as chicks.
They were
Each
of feathers,
duck
and
picking.
yieldedabout two ounces
killing
young
of the young
sold at 50 cents per pound.
which
ducks
Occasionallysome
On weighing them
would
increase at the rate of a pound a week.
at six
week more
would attain
weeks old,they have averaged 2i pounds, and in one
but require
manner
as
3} pounds. They are fed in the same
cliicks,
young
is
animal
food.
Soft
food
better
for
them
than
little
more
?,rain.
a
hard-boiled
soaked
in milk, anfirst hatched
"When
swers
egg, with stale bread
of scalded meal
three or four days old a mixture
well.
When
and
excellent food.
an
potatoes are added, makes
middlings,to which mashed
The
best months
not
be omitted.
for
Green food and meat, however, must
selling (Boston market) are May and June, the average price ])er pound,
in at a time when
chicks are depressed
They come
wholesale,being 22 cents.
is two cents
for nine weeks,
cost for each duck
a week
in price. The average
five cents a pound.
or about
the 1st of February, and luy about
ducks begin to lay near
Mr. Rankin's
old.
commencing wlien five months
They are of
,140 eg^s each per annum,
feathers
and
skin
and
white
the
the Pekin variety,
being
yellow legs
pure
desirable. The old ducks can be kept with only a large trough for bathing
at all,except
ducks he uses
water
no
As to the raisingof young
purposes.
as
chicks,
for drinking purposes.
Tliey are kept in little yards the same
Rankin
Mr.
and
fast.
and
fewer
are
to
diseases,
hardy
grow
subject
being
astonished the
and literally
incubators
being very successful,
uses
entirely,
from Boston
'exhibit
his
with
his
visitors of the State Fair
by bringing
eggs
ing
hatchoiit
and
of
the
hours
18
them
incubator,
to Philadelphia,
keeping
the journey,
well shaken
on
nearly all of them ; although they were
The figuresgiven,as well as the
out during transit.
"them
of
hatching
many
to be ex'
feet that no water is required,solves the problem as to the ])rofit
twice
as
HOW
38
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
states,the secret is in a good incu
pected from ducks,but, as Mr. Rankin
the time of incubation upt(
and
attention
a
during
breed,
good
good
bator,
tlie periodof marketing the ducklings.
not to b(
in ducks, for tlieypossess many
Tliere is a profit
good qualities
faster than chicks, and are read}
overlooked.
In the first place they grow
old.
for market
when
three months
anc
They are subjectto fewer diseases,
and attention.
need less care
They usuallylay earlyin the morning, anc
and consume
are
anything
regularin their habits. Ducks are gross feeders,
with meal and mid
A })otof boiled turnips,thickened
that may
be offered.
dlings, furnishes them with a delicacy,while the tops of vegetablesar"
to a pond, bui
tlveyhave access
They thrive best when
greedilydevoured.
for
if desired
is
what
without
be
required
drinking,
kept
water, except
may
but in such case
they should be supplied with a ration of meat every day;
them
for bathing purposes,
and if suppliedwithal
A largetrough will serve
Ducks
voracious and greedy,anc
are
they require,will give good returns.
will run
unless fed judiciously,
nearly equal to the receipts
up an
expense
consist of grass and other bulky material
but a largeportionof tlieir food may
concentrated
food.
which
is better for them than too much
They do no*
therefore have as much
for exercise as can be al
and should
room
scratch,
the largestbreedst but the Aylesbury;
The Pekins and Rouens
lowed.
are
the
claimed
be
best
to
are
layers.
The breeds of ducks consist of the Aylesbury,Rouen, Lall,Cayuga,Muscovy
Crested,and Pekin, though the Call and Muscovy are of two colors,dividet
and Colored
Th'
into White
Muscovy, and Gray and White Call ducks.
about
largest is the Pekin, which
twenty pounds per pair,an"
averages
deriv*
often weighs eighteen pounds per pair. Ducks
the Rouen, which
seeds and grains on th
fish and aquaticplantsfrom the water, and worms,
land,and consequentlyare not very dainty;grass also being accepted. On
be allowed.
The period of incubation is foui
drake with three females may
The Pekins may be kept in yards with no
weeks.
running water, provider
them
for bathing purposes.
Ducks
will average
fron
a trough be allowed
hundred
instances
known
in
whicl
to
one
are
though
seventy
eggs per annum,
they have laid
as
many
as
loO.
Ducklings, if allowed on ponds where turtles exist,will be destroyed
When
Then
hatched, feed nothing for twenty- four hours.
give boiled oat
meal and corn
After the second
meal, mixed with milk and eggs.
day
pieceof meat, boiled to pieces,and thickened with oat meal, should be give)
three times a week, adding to the mess
chopped grass, cabbage or onion
Cooked
Feed
oi
vegetablesare excellent,as also bread soaked in milk.
clean places,and give the food and water
in sliallow dishes. Ai'ter they ar
two weeks old give anything that they will eat.
RAISING
G^mSAS.
Q
When
c
guineasare confined they seldom sit,but when given the liberty
the fields,
they will hatch broods and rear them under difficulties that woul
be fatal to other kinds of poultry. The young
feather very rapidly,
ones
an
HOW
4i)
TO
POULTRY
MAKE
PAY.
be plucked for feathers two or three times
during the summer,
\vorth from
sixty to
yield about a pound of leathers per annum
of
is
if
the
will
Geese
sexes
cents.
proportion
equal,but
pair
seventy-five
limit.
be permitted with one
as
a
three geese may
Ihey are easily)
gander
restrained within enclosures by clippingtheir wings.
the Wild, Toulouse, Embden, African,
There
are
eightvarieties of geese
White
Chinese, Brown
Chinese, Egyptian, and Sebastopol. The Toulouse
the largest,
and sometimes
and Embden
are
weigh sixty pounds per pair.
other breeds.
The latter is entirelywhite, and also more
prolificthan some
the lai-gest;
Embden
makes
with
the
of the Toulouse
A cross
gander
goose
They
and
may
will
"
bird for market.
inanagement
of
The
other
ornamental
than useful.
breeds are more
ducks.
be similar to that of young
The
goslingsshould
TUEKEYS.
hens, and allow six hens with eacW|
gobbler witli common
limit,though fewer are better. Each hen will lay from twentyj
The
to fortyeggs, accordingto management.
periodof incubation is thirtjl
no]
f
or
hen.
Allow
the young
constitute
Sixteen
a
ones
a
sitting
"lays.
eggs
Then
feed often (but avoid overfeeding),
food for twenty-fourhours.
giving]
of this is tliat
The reason
food at least every
hours until they feather.
two
the growth of feathers on
a con^
turkeys is very rapid and demands
young
stant
supply of nutrition,hence a singleomission of food for a few hours
be coarse
.sometimes proves fatal. The feed at firstshould
corn
meal, which
should
be
mixture
of
milk
and
Tliis
is added
to a
cooked, and am
eggs.
three
to it. After
onion chopped up and added
are
they
days old, feed
and
well
mixed
withl
oats
inashed
onions,
chopped
ground
egg,
potatoes,
Milkis
always excellent. After they are a week old the
milk, and cooked,
and a little ground bone
meat
be omitted,but a proportionof cooked
egg may
sliould
be allowed.
grain of all kinds (corn
They may then be allowed
and milk.
The water
should be fresh and
being ground),cooked vegetables,
iron
of
of
of
be gi""n in every
to
tincture
a
teaspoonful
clean,one-quarter
Cross
a
as
jj^obbler
l)intof
Bronze
a
water.
of the secrets of raisingyoung
to allow them
to gel
turkeys is never
in a coop with the hen
wet
The damp grass is fatal. Keep them
or chilled.
for three or four days, and tlien allow them
with her on dry day"\
to ramble
in a
place on the a[)proachof damj) w^eather.
only,keeping them
roomy
They cannot be confined like chicks,as it is not their nature, but if carefully
take care
watched
until they are beyond danger they are very hardy and cnn
of themselves.
Do not attempt to raise turkeys unless you have ample room
for them
to forageupon,
as
they are fond of straying off to long distances,
the highest fences.
and easilyflyover
Keep the male away from the hens
he will eject them from the nests.
When
while the latter are sitting,
or
on
the nest the hen sticks closely,and will nearly starve
before she will leave
it,consequentlyher food should not be neglected. Turkeys are subjecttc
the same
diseases as chickens,and the remedies
in the case
of one
apply tc
the other.
One
TO
HOW
MAKE
PAY.
POULTRY
41
varieties of turkeys the Wild, Bronze, Narragansett,
There
seven
are
"White, Bh\ck, Buff,and Slate,the Bronze and Narragansettbeing the largest
in size,sometimes
attainingthe weight of fortypounds. All varieties prefer
"
to roost
in trees, but may,
to roost iu the
by being
hatched
under
THE
POULTRY
HOUSES.
if eggs
TL.e warmer
the poultry houses the better,
there
is no
and
houses
make
the
little
to
warm,
very
and
barnyard hens,be taught
poultryhouses.
wattles, if the poultryman is careful.
Wall
are
It costs but
for frozen combs
and so is
is excellent,
desired.
excuse
paper
tarred paper.
If conimon
brown
is pasted on
the wall, it will keep
paper
out tlie cold admirably. Make
of glue to
of
a paste
flour,adding an ounce
add a teaeach quart of paste, first soaking the glue in hot water.
Then
spoonful of carbolic acid to each gallon of paste. Use plentv of paste, and
of paper straightup and down, on the walls. Lay another course
lay a course
over
this,running the paper crosswise,and lapjiingeacli layerover the first.
Common
An ordinary,
newspapers
may be used if the paste is used liberally.
brush is all the implement required. Siiould there be fear
cheap whitewash
of lice,
the carbolic acid will serve
a
a
as
preventive,and as a precaution,
it
i3
o?"
tlie
Insect
Powder
Persian
J)rofuse dusting
over
dnmp paper, as
HOW
42
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY,
the walls,will render tlie poultryhouse decidedlj'
unhealthy for
to ha\'e a close roof to prevent dampness,
all kinds of insects. It is necessary
also be pastedif necessary.
and the underside of the roof may
of
We give here a row
poultryhouses, and also one of them enlargedand
the floor,
is one
house
that contains a large space
on
The
shown
singly.
from
the
front
to the
the
there
same
room
where it is most
needed,
being
that
in
house
with
tlie
roof
Avould
be
contained
a
covering
as
larger
rear,
of
house
this
The
the
is
are
which
advantages
to
arranged.
glass
portion
that less lumber is requiredin proportionto space gained,while it also serves
a covered
as
yard during the cold days of winter. ^X'\X\\most poultryhousesdo not enter until quitelate in the morning, but with this
the rays of the sun
tinues
the
light and heat enters as soon as the sun rises,and so conarrangement,
until sundown, thus allowing heat the whole ihty. Our readers may,
economical
be enabled to build an
with tlmhelp of these illustrations,
try
poulothers,or make an improvement on the plans
house, compared with some
applied to
suggested.
G. W.
Mr.
Pressey, of Hammonton,
poultryhouses,
one
number.
says
We
can
is shown
of which
better describe it
J., sends us illustrations of his
arranged in a
alone,wirh the same
by using Mr. Pressey'slanguage. He
N.
:
"
'"I send you
feet wide, and
a
of my poultryhouse.
into 12 rooms,
5 feet each.
sketch
i)encil
is divided
long by 12
has in it
partition
It is 60 feet
Each
HOW
TO
:make
pay.
poultry
43
door,2ix6 feet. The front is 6 feet high, and the back is 3
the back of these shed rooms,
as will be
plainlyand quickly
At
high.
is a
the roosts
Under
nests.
the
roosts and
roosting
are
placed
seen,
bottom
the
of the sill.
abov^e
and
1
foot
board 2^ feet wide by five feet long,
lu front of
foot above it the two roosts.
Under this are four nests,ond one
a
wire
screen
feet
these is
and
3^ feet wide attached to
partition
in front of the roosts
down
extending
a
the
at
the roostingboard, but 10 inches in front of
nnd from the roosts,when
for cold
shut down
a
roof,2i feet from the plate,
rightangle,nearly as low as
that the hens
to
',an go
in
t.
as
seen
"e
sheds.
weather,
it,so
POULrRY
MAKE
TO
HOW
44
PAY.
lower half of tiiis partitionis hinged to the
The
be turned ujd in warm
weather, and for cleaning
in firstshed.
"
In front of these sheds are
yards about 50 feet long,fan-shaped,and 15
end.
This
feet wide at the outer
building fronts the south. The entrance
should
be made
of boards,to keep out the
end
the
west
fence
on
door and the
Avill
of
wire
the sun
should
be
made
the
so
others
All
clotli,
cold wind.
as
shine in the yards and sheds as much
possible. In very cold climates,it
be found best to close the fronts of tlie sheds with glassin cold,stormy
may
do not think it best.
but here we
M-eather,
the
with
little room
in Avhich the hens sleep,is nicely warmed
**The
hens which
animal
heat of the ten or twelve
we
keep in each pen. These
apartments may be made twice as largefor twenty-fivehens each,if the eggs
not to be hatched.
are
Being open at the bottom,the poisonousgases, being
the greatest
heavier than pure air,drop out, and Ave have proper ventilation,
in
most
of
both
the
animal
and
compact, and
possiblesaving
cheapest,
heat,
convenient
form.
"
for breeding pure Langshan fowls,
I have used these sheds three seasons
I know
and I am
satisfied it is the best plan of which
anything. If it proves
of benefit to your readers,
I shall feel well repaid."
exceptingthe
first one.
upper halt,so that it can
the roostingboard,as seen
PO
UL TR
Y
no
USE
FOR
CHICKS.
More fowls are destroyedin infancy,like humans, by injudiciousfeeding,
of the young
than at any other time.
fir-t four weeks' management
The
for no after-cares can
chicks is everything,
compensate for neglectduring the
be given the
critical period. For the first twenty-four hours no food should
be given hard-boiled
At first they may
chicks of any kind.
egg, chopped
fine. This need
the food should be
only be given two or three days,when
of oatmeal
cooked in milk
to which
an
changed to one
consisting
egg has
The
been added.
second
and oatmeal
week
the milk
nuxde,
gruel,stiffly
be continued,and good Avheat screeningsallowed
should
After the
also.
second week
the food may be varied so as to consist of anything they Avill
eat,but do not co)ifine them to a singlearticle of diet,as disease of the bowels
Green grass, cooked
and milk
occur.
vegetables,
may
may be given freely.
The chicks should not be alloAved to roam
outside witli the hen, if possible,
until the sun
is well uj), as dampness is more
injuriousto them than cold.
and meat
are
is
cleanliness
forming very
after
observed but few diseases appear.
Never let a surplusof food remain
the feedingis over, but see that they are
suppliedbefore taking
sufficiently
the excess
Young chicks are not troublesome to raise if a little system
away.
"When
very
feed every two
houi-s,as featr.ers. bone
When
fast,requiringplenty of nourishment.
young
and care is practicsd.
Our artist has prepared another
of his admirable
poultryhouses for the
farmer.
In many
instances it is desirable to keep the breeds separate,
same
side
The two outshows
and the cnt a^ ove
houses for three varieties of chickens.
houses h ve doors opening toward the front out of which the poultrycan
HOW
at
"onio
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
45
The centre house,though it has a window
facingfront and
inside partitions
The
opening into a yard at^theback.
simply with lath doors for the owner.
By being in a row thev
much
more
and
no
cheaply,
arrangement other thau this will
pleasure.
snath, has its door
vnn
-an
ho made
be made
allow so small an amount
of ground to make
three yards. For
those wanting more
than three houses,the followingplan can
the first:
II H H H
representsfour houses such as are shown in the
Y Y Y Y are the four yards,made
by fence F F F F, and at
the yards. The houses
the doors from which
enter
can
poultry
liave glassat south as shown
in first cut.
THE
I
breeders and
be added to
first picture.
d d d are
should
each
d
ROOSTS,
instinct of self-preservation
prompts fowls to perch on the highest
cause
attain wiien seeking the quarters at night. This is done becan
of
from
above
reach
desire
be
far
the
to
below,
danger
they naturally
that flyin the air. This inand they go under shelter to avoid the enemies
sti!\ctof the fowl is well known, and yet a largemajorityof breeders construct
the rear
to have
cross
as
piece higher than the
their roosts in such a manner
will take
first
is
the
low.
until
]lfanyone
one
and so continuing,
quite
The
pointthey
next,
HOW
46
TO
MAKE
POULTRY
PAY.
look into the quarters at night after the fowls have retired,
it wiA
be seen
how mucli
that no matter
there may
be on the roots, a portionof the
room
lower space will be unoccupied,while
the higher poles will be crowded, the
fowls being as compactly pressedtogetheras though the packing process had
been purposely done to get them
all as high as possible.
There are several objections
to such
fort
roosts,not only so far as the discomof the fowls is concerned,but because they are
unsightly,unhandy, and
filthy. The gridironroost,with its low and high perches,is an obstacle in
It takes up unnecessary
the way of cleaning the coop.
space, and it compels
the heavy fowls to jump higher,at the risk of knocking over
the small ones,
when
and an occasional fall is the consequence
coming off. Not only are the
feet injured,but bruises and jarsto the body are also the result.
should all be on
Perches
the level with each other,and should
be made
easilyremovable.
By so doing the fowls will not crowd each other,and the
perches can be cleaned and washed with coal oil occasionally. No injury
from getting on or off will occui-, and
conflict for preferenceof position
no
"c.
will take place,to say nothing of superiorventilation,
a
CLEANLINESS
IN
THE
POULTRY
HOUSE,
task at all times to clean out the poultry houses
and
a disagreeable
but, like every other undertaking, much
depends on the systematic
have seen
in whicn
the work
is performed. We
labor hard
manner
persons
with shovel and hoe,cleaningthe poultryhouse,
all day, in the midst of filth,
finished but little appearance
and when
the job was
of cleanliness was
added
effectual
of
x'here is an
if
the
neat,
cleaning
poultry house,
easy,
way
the dread
and disgustof the work, and makes
it
Wiiich,if adopted, removes
of an annoyance.
The first consideration
is the construca pleasure instead
tion
of the floors. Dry dirt will not answer,
for the reason
that it absorbs
and the filth can only be removed
the impurities,
with the dirt,thus entailing
the necessityof changing the entire floor and substituting
fresh material.
found
the use of the broom
the cleanest,easiest,
and
best
We have
to be
method
of removing the droppings,but in order to do so, the floor must
be
hard.
Wood
is the best material,but a wooden
floor is liable to become
a
ciently
harboringplace for rats,unless it is well closed underneath, or raised suffi-
It is
coops,
"
in and out under it. When
cat or terrier to run
this is
to allow
a
done the cold air comes
in winter,and makes
the
up into the poultry house
is better,
for it not only prevents vermin
wooden
floors objectionable.Cement
from entering,but also the drafts.
The cheapest way to make
such a floor is
of cement, and
to take 1 barrel oi lime, 2 of sand, 1 of fine gravel,1 bushel
Mix
the ingredientsdry, then add water, and
2 gallons liquid coal tar.
spread evenly on a hard surface which has been graveled. The coal tar may
be brought to a proper
consistencywith coal oil. It keeps away lice,and
undisturbed
for twenty-fourhours,
colors the cement.
Let the floor remain
and. add another
coatingin order to stop the cracks.
HOW
TO
PUBLICATIONS
NEW
OF
rOTATOES."
IN
"MONEY
FRANKLIN
for the
Potato
ooinplete Instructor
Fifty-six
chapters.
plaiued iu seventeen
the
to
Grower.
A
Feed
different
from
amounts
to
how
shooting with
snap
shoot
rifle
a
a
ISSUES
Complete Novels
all
and
think
we
jne
no
form
1.
book
The
over
cried, and
Widow
which
it is
etc.,
:i.
The
Other
and
4.
The
_
^
all the works
5. Manual
of
fairystories
ever
publihed.
delighted with them.
of the Lake.
By Sir Walter
"
Lake
is
a
guide
6.
and
to
^ving plain directions
kind, with
everv
V.
"
Harrow
and
ire
RIFLE."
aroumJ
an
pert
ex-
an
pert.
ex-
LIBKAKY.
Given
Away!
for the
innumerable
"Winter Evening
composition of
form-;
and
Recreations,
a
interesting and instructive book of
very
travels, describing the peculiar life,habits, manners
of the people of foreign countries; illus.
and customs
12. Sixteen
Stories
by Popular AuComplete
and
detective
ries,
stolove, humorous
tliors,embracing
stories of societylife,of adventure, of railway
life, etc., all very interesting.
13. The
and
Fun,
Budget ofW it. Humor
dotes,
a large collection of the funny stories, sketches, anecand
that
have
been
written
for
jokes
poems,
illustrated.
some
years ;
letters
Useful
U.
the rules of nioiern
and
A
Authors. Almost
book
various
of
examples.
a large col-
for
Knowledge
useful
of
handy
romance
politeness and good breeding, giving
etiquette for all occasions.
for Ladies
Writer
Letter
Standard
The
a complete guide to correspondence,
Gentlemen,
a
W
_
Scott.
in verse,
and of
this.
beautiful
than
is more
of Scott none
men,
of Etiquette for Ladies and Gentlethe
the
Lands,
This is the
IJedott
Papers.
grandmothers laughed till they
it
ever
was.
just as funny to-day as
Lady
WITH
S
Works, by Famous
pockets, brackets, needle work, embroidery, etc.,
v.
profusely and elegantly illustrated.
for the Young.
Grimm's
Fairy Stories
".The Lady of
(iruii,
are
your
finest
collection
clilldreii will be
The
t'ultivatiuji
unfolds
of the
mysteries thrown
many
useful book, to any one
who
wislies to become
under
these
instructions, will make
practice,
:"IAK\ELOl
THE
OF
an
for Home
Work
Adornment,
2. Fancy
this subject, containing easy
work
upon
entirelynew
and
practicalinstructions for making fancy baskets,
wall
t.
of them
form, many
handsomely
publi-iu.l in neat
].anii.lil:-t
illustrated,
They treat of a L'reut \ ariety of subjects, and
good paper.
gooil type upon
wit'hout
"thiTrein
that
he
she
would
like
list
to
In
or
many"
e\auuue
finding
possess.
can
is"complete in itself.
book
Kach
ould cost $1.01)each.
those
books
following books
are
printed from
cloth-bound
ex-
cents.
NEW
The
fully
contiliniM^
cover,
rifle,and
a
by professionals, Tlie most
iiublished. Less than a month's
rifle,ever
Price, by mail, 50
with
with
wdng
the
on
handsome
a,
Crop.
system
Worm, the
laii.l iiiiplriiieiits,
plow sorting,
"ii-di.s-^rmiuatinn
: local or
shipping trade;
s, it will pay
you to buy this book.
Free,
cultivator,shovel
Teaches
Our
hite
Jiui^s jiiul Wortii
plow, hoe; le\tl r.s. liil
iiiiiot
.iu-;i
Potato
Harvesting"
Colorado
Hug.
i^i'-'du ii..u oi new
\ ;!
Seed Potatoes"
handv
crates,
to plant
pot;
you intend
high breeding. If you have an acre
or
postal note.
by mail, for 50 cents in stamps
BALL.
!"iHOOTING
AND
GLAS8
"WING
Field
a
imints in potato raising: ftiericncr
"oil. Manure
and
it"
d" Single eye ; \ ields resulting
M.il,
Desirable
\ ir-in
soils, soils to be avoided.
i
feed you.
the land well and
tli
Cutting
of seed.
Phintii
r-Ti
Ground"
Application"
as
lIliiNtriitetl.
"
of
leetion
COIVIPANY.
Acre
well-priuti-il\"-j,r" and
showing' tlir"v (^-uiitial
idea;:, and
new
NEWS
Uiisliels
400
chapters fully explaining the following
PAY.
POULTRY
MAKE
subjects
inlbnnation
; illustrated.
tl.
A No
the
Million,
for all upon
a.
many
lo. Called
Back.
By Hugh Conway,
of "Dark
author
Davs." etc.
A
Novel.
16. At
the
World's
Bj
Mercy.
i,( '-The
House' on
the
Florence
AVarden, author
etc.
Marsh,"
A Xovel.
17. Mildred
Trevanion.
By "The
of "Molly
etc.
author
Eawn,"
Duchess,"
A Novel.
18. Dark
Days.
By Hugh Conway,
a
of
Called Back," etc.
A
of the
The
Holly Tree.
Mystery
Dora
Thorne."
Novel.
By the author of
A
Novel.
Snow.
20. Shadows
the
ByB.
on
Bread-aud-Clieese-and-Kissof
L. Farjeon, author
and
es."
PuzGames,
Tableaux,
of Acting Charades,
"iHion
Jlfcs,
etc., for social gatherings, private theatricals,
illustrated.
and evenings at home;
8.
Dialogues,
Recitations
and
Readings,
exhibitions
collection for school
large and choice
public and private entertainments.
9. Parlor
Chemical
ments,
ExperiMa^ic and
which
tells how
to perform hundreds
a book
tricks
in magic and
instructive experiof amusing
ments
with simple agents.
10. The
Cook
and
Book
Home
Family
ing
cookof exuellent
Physician, containing hundreds
also
hints
to
and
tel'ing
recipes
housekeepers,
how
ailments
to cure
all common
by simple home
19.
"
"
Manners
OUR
in
amps.
stamps.
and
Customs
in
Far
21.
Any
Any
"
8 books
Registered Letter, or Money
30
ets.
lud
Ord'r.
We
The
of
22. The
Frozen
Collins, author of
23. Red
Court
Wood,
24.
"
will
P. o.Note,
Send
at once
address
anv
prices of
Farm
the
of
four
7S5
a
Filbert
A
Old
By
Mrs.
etc.
A
Novel.
By Wilkie
etc.
in White."
Mrs.
Novel.
Henry
By
Lynne."
etc.
By the author
Novel.
A Novel.
Home.
Perils," etc.
of
By ..lary
Hidden
"
of these
all leadini;
FRANKLIN
No.
Woman
Ket.
Cupid's
Thome."
Dora
25. Back
to
send
Deep.
The
of "East
author
In
"
"
Novel.
A
Woman.
Mary Barton,"
Gray
author
Cecil Hay, author
Away
UNEQUALEDOFFER:
etc.
Gaskell.
remedies.^
11.
"
author
books
pa|ior"
and
and
our
taining
catalogue, con-
b,.,,k-^ for
18
NEWS
CO.,
St., Philadelphia,
cents
"
Pa"
WIGMORE'S
PATENT
FARMERS'
Set
Caponizing
the
in this country;
little known
very
and
and
in France
Italy is frequently
and
allotted
I have
manufactured
children.
to mere
operated with all kinds
and
not
isfied
of caponizing
for the past twenty-five
instruments
being satyears,
the
of my
with
other
own
or
present set,
any
makes, until I invented
I am
satisfied
is perfect, and
had
which
therefore
22, 1886. My
patented June
farmers
set is especially invented
to enable
and
poultei'ers to do their own
Witli
caponizing.
improved
set, after a little practice, you will not have
my
killed.
three
over
Slips or partly-caponized fowls will be unknown.
per cent,
The
of
art
caponlzinof
however,
operation,
is
to
seems
be
quite simple,
and
from
farmers
poulterers using my
daily receiving congratulations
and
States
and
in all parts of the United
Canada,
experts speak of them
With
set you
in
the
terms.
can
assistance,
caponize, without
highest
my
little or no
with
than
r"ieaner
with
apparently
quiclcer and
other, and
any
after the first incision.
motionless
pain to the fowl, as they lay almost
and
finer meat,
The
of capons
much
are
advantages
larger fowls, sweeter
and
more
they sell at a much
higher price. They will rear and care for many
of their
from
chicks
an
incubator
a hen
will, on account
or
young
hen, than
hens
cocks
neither
nor
like
chicks'
the young
large size.
They
company,
and
feed
out a brood, coop
after bringing
hen
The
having any use for them.
she will lay again.
her
for a few
the flock and
with
up
days, then let her run
of their
quiet
food
as
cockerels, on account
Capons do not require as much
I
am
S('t"i
^
the food all going to flesh.
to one
hundred
per cent, more
farmer
who
poultry can
nyses
nature,
Fifty
on
profit is made
capons.
and
set.
book
aff'ord to be without
my
Poultry
Make
tains
How
to
Pay, conand
PRACTirAi.
Caponizing
My book:
8 illustrations
of
with
40 pages,
to caponizing
12 are
devoted
which
of
life.
from
the operation
at diflTerent
points photographed
steel nickle-plated spreader,
set consists
fine steel knife; one
of one
My
German-silver
both
cutting and
well adapted
for the purpose;
improved
my
German-silver
fine
with
fine
hook
on
opposite end; one
twisting scoop,
"
No
probe, and
the
fowl;
"Daponizing
""n
for quickly
to cords
hooks
attached
securing
German-silver
book
25-cent
: Pkaotical,
fine velvet-lined
a
my
case, with
Make
Poultry
by mail,
How
Pay, sent to any address
to
and
of price, $3.00. Send
postal order or registered letter
four
all in
receipt
and
inventor
Iwi
M.
H.
WIGMORE.
107
S.
EIGHTH
manufacturer,
ST..
PHILADELPHIA,
PA.
J.
S.A.
6.6.
"D
-1
A-
"