1. pets
2. birds

GUIDE
TO
SUCCESS
POULTRY
KEEPING,
SHOWING
HOW
MAKE
TO
POULTEY
PAY
nr
AND
SUMMEE
WINTEE;
WITH
HINTS.
RULEa
GOLDEN
200
AND
VALUABLE
Am)
NEW
MAJTT
"
0
G.
W.
LONDON
G.
W,
BACON
r.E.G.S.
BACON,
"
:
CO., LIMITED,
127, STKAND.
PREFACE.
Although
the
the
market,
for
there
concise
a
Author
ready reference,
TO
Poultry
variety,with
mainly
the
result
of
the
Facility
t
headings
the
of
of
and
Golden
a
Bules;
a
an
and
rearing
by
the
has
an
Guide
"
almost
of
every
this
work
items
many
"
plan
years
; and
success
promoted
been
value
of
being
in
the
by
which
some
reference
200
to
a
and
success,
is
side
work
containing
requisitesof
pages,
occasiona]
many
"Appendix"
Index,"
want
a
experiments.
the
essential
dozen
of
careful
and
present
had
experience
reference
Rules
half
and
the
has
breeding
of that
throughout,
summary
within
in
repeated
enhanced
"
He
still
convenient
a
in
already
was
on
undertaken
highest degree
result
specially
the
arranged
KEEPmo."
practicalexperience
there
believing
has
Books
Poultry
many
Handbook,
for
is
are
is
cise
con-
by
incorporated,
Valuable
either
Hints
of
which
PBEFAOK.
IV
will
enable
not
of
success.
The
overlooking
Aathor
is
Practical
Poultry
published
Poultry,
and
and
edited
indebted
Keeper,
by
exhibitor
by
Mr.
the
L.
latter
"
and
and
should
which
one
be
without
valuable
no
breeder
at
but
and
Messrs.
Wright,
being
works
of
which
Cassell,
Patter,
of
one
the
the
poultry
Galpin,
"
breeder
most
subject
ou
a
the
Book
celebrated
the
to
Illustrated
the
on
elements
especially
more
to
whether
glance
authorities
various
to
;
a
essential
the
of
some
elsewhere
acknowledged
are
ascertain
to
amateur
is
he
or
of
the
large
prehensive
com-
extant,
scale
CONTENTS.
OHAPTEB
PAOB
Fowls
I. "Will
II.
Early
"
Pay
?
Hatching
1
Selection
"
and
Renewal
of
Stock
9
.
III.
Houses,
"
IV.
"
Food
V.
"
Beebdinq
Sheds,
VII.
IX.
X.
"
"
Fattening
Hatching
Numbers
"
Pke-
Sex
"
"
Nests"
Selection
Eggs
51
Fertility
"
of
....
of
of
Diseases
Description
of
Incubation
60
Chickens
71
Poultry
82
of
89
Breeds
108
Appendix
The
Fowls
42
for
"
Rearing
"
Sitting"
"
Eggs
Theory
"
VIII.
Age
17
"o
31
Laying
"
Preparations
"
Coops,
Drink
and
SEBViNG
VI."
Runs,
Golden
Rules
118
Index
.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
HOW
TO
SUCCEED
w
POULTRY
KEEPING.
CHAPTER
WILL
Causes
TioNS
An
"
French
Mr.
FOWLS
Failure"
of
Manage
Causes
in
the
Testimony
"
Harriet
Miss
Ferguson
PAY
?
Non-Observance
Interest
Piper,
I.
of
Work
of
"
Mr.
Martineau,
InsthucHow
the
L. Wright,
and
Mrs.
Blair.
of
Failure.
"
The
successful
and
profitable
and
for
or
use
rearing of Poultry, either for home
have
their
market, and
especially where
they cannot
and upon
liberty,
depends whoUy upon
good management,
strict compliance with
essential though simple
numerous
of which
requisites,
being omitted, only partial sacany
keeping
at
cess
most
Some
be
can
attained.
attention
of these
requisites,
of necessary
mation,
and, for the want
facihties,thought, or inforomit
For instance, one
others.
complies with all
essentials
why
dry house, yet wonders
except a warm
his fowls do not lay La winter; while
another builds a good
house
give
but
with
due
a
northern
to
many
aspect, or
omits
ventilation
and
so
cleanliness,or perhaps has the ventilation
arranged that
the fowls are
draught;
compelled to roost in a constant
and
he cannot
imagine why they have colds, roup, "c.
2
CAUSES
FAILURE.
OF
The house of another has no windows, and the owner,
ignorantof the great benefit of the sun's rays, wonders
beingalmost frozen to death
why his fowls seem to prefer
out of doors rather than resort to a warm
(butdark)house
in daytime. Another
overcrowds,which with want of
of disease and faihin".
is a most frequent
cause
cleanliness,
Another
overfeeds
so
his fowls that
they get
too
fat,
and become diseased ; while another omits to
laying,
which fowls obtain for
providethe natural requirements
the supply
when at liberty.Another
themselves
neglects
that his chickens are
of clean fresh water, and complains
cease
is unable to hatch more
afflictedwith the gapes. Another
than three chickens out of a dozen eggs, simplybecause
the nests are not made on the ground. Another hatches
that theyproducenothing
chickens so late in the season
till a whole
autumn, and winter's expense has
summer,
them.
incurred in feeding
of the above either
Each
one
been
attains
turn
pay.
down
to
comes
But
to
we
or
only
entirely
each in his
the erroneous
conclusion that fowls do not
assert that the simplerules laid
confidently
limited
a
fails
degreeof
success
; and
not only
will,if properlyobserved,
when
insure unfailing
fined,
consuccess, but that fowls,even
thus be made
to
to pay better,in proportion
can
in this treatise
their cost, than
any other class of domestic
that the so-called
"
bad luck
"
we
so
animals ; and
hear of,is
frequently
simplybad management.
of fowls not paying is found
Another
frequentcause
peoplewho think theycan afifordto buy but little
among
if any grainfor them, and who do not take the trouble to
ascertain how cheaperfoods can be prepared,
but are content
the scraps from their table. The
to depend upon
of failure in such
is that too many fowls are
of food has to be divided
kept,and a small amount
amongst a dozen or twenty,which is barelysufficientto
afford them subsistence ; the result is that very few
eggs
and in winter none
at all,
are
whereas if only
produced,
half-a-dozen young birds of some
choice breed were
the
of food would
sole stock,the amount
be ample,and a
secret
plentiful
supplyof
result.
eggs,
cases
summer
and
winter,would be the
AN
INTEREST
IN
Kon-observance
THE
3
WORK.
of Instructions. Authors and writers
often complainthat their instrucon
tions
poultry-keeping
not carried out, that theyare
are
therefore obliged
that many read their books but neglect
to be dogmatical,
to complywith the rules laid down,acting
as thoughthe
all that is necessary
were
readingof a book on poiiltry
"
that then it is asserted that " fowls won't
as to this or that suspected
pay." When questioned
lect,
negtheyadmit it at once, and confess that although
they
read in differentbooks of the importance
have perhaps
of
the matter, they have inadvertently
overlooked it. No
doubt, much of this non-observance of rules may be
attributed to the fact that the essential points,
though
and
a
ttended
scattered
are
so
to,
easily
simple
throughout
the various poultry
of easy reference,
books,without means
that the readers are, to some
extent,excusable for
the state of affairswhich the authors complainof
We
have endeavoured to meet this difficulty
by the special
for ready reference ; by the
arrangementof this Manual
addition of an "Appendix"
a complete
containing
summary
of the work; and by the "Golden
of the entire contents
who finds himself
Rules Index,"and we hope the amateur
"unlucky"with his poultrywill glance throughthis
Appendix and see whether or not he is overlooking
of the indispensable
elements of success, before he
some
does not pay."
declares that "poultry-keeping
One greatelement of sucAn Interest in the Work,
cess
is undoubtedly
a real interest in the work
a love for
attendant.
We
should
it on the partof the owner
or
where
this quality
was
hardlyexpect to find success
would advise no one
to attemptto
we
wanting;in fact,
make confined fowls pay who has not sufficientlove for
the wellthe work to induce him to put into practice
We
rules for their generalmanagement.
known
may
in
various
authors
take
their
the
interestwhich
of
judge
quotations.One writer
yardsby the following
poultry
at home
my
among
says: "I confess myselfperfectly
the
i
s
mutual."
feathered pets, and I am
sure
feeling
to
success
:
and
"
"
"
"
"
Another writes :
Perhapsthere are few among us who
the first egg laid by the first pet hen,
oaimot remember
and
with which the firstpromising
caw-caw
the pleasure
listened to. On such
cackle wera
triumphant concluding
"
B
i
4
AN
INTEREST
IN
THE
WORK.
the hen
which is in the greaterbustle of delight,
occasions,
the young
or
amateur?"
Another
tellsus
"Fowls cost
We can ascertain
:
and perseverance.
thought,
care, diligence,
the priceof their food,but the greatvnterest and
these
omuseTnent
less easy
certainly
creatures
to
to
are
their
it is
owners
calculate."
tion
Miss Fairhurst,
of Woodlands,Ormskirk,in a contributrated
she furnished Mr. L. Wright,for his valuable Illus"White Dorkingsare
Book
of Poultry,"
says:
favourite breed,and I look upon them as
certainly
my
of fowls. The elegance
of
quiteamongst the aristocracy
the gloss
their carriage,
and purity
of their plumage,and
in the way theyadvance
a certain indescribable something
those in whom
to meet
at
seems
they have confidence,
'I
the
and
their
to say,
once
belongto
upper rank;'
dress of pure white satin,
with itsred coral ornaments, is a
to
regalcourt suit in which theyare fit for presentation
of whose
their sovereign
any day,on tha grassy banks
mansion no more
could be placed.They
ornament
lovely
wherever
to be desired for the countryvilla,
are
equally
be secured in front of the garden,
a
can
green run
protected
by wire or a sunk fence,so that theycan be seen
along with the flowers,givinglife and beauty to the
Their natural disposition
than
tame
scene.
seems
more
that of other fowls,
and theysoon
learn to eat from the
hand ; indeed,I wish any lady would notice,
I have
as
often done,the peculiar
with which a
grace and dignity
white Dorkingpullet
will advance towards her to be fed
from her hand.
fit to
They are of all thingsessentiaUy
'
be considered as
ladies'pets.'
"
"
The Illustrated Farmers' and Gardeners' Almanack
Trouble is a word that enters not into
speaksthus :
the vocabulary
of the lover of the feathered tribe. No !
far from beingtroubles,
but those who have experinone
enced
it can
conceive the pleasure
the
attending
formance
perof these varied and delightful
duties
that,
for example,for selecting
faithfol and tried mother
a
hen
of watchingher day by day as she fulfils
patiently
her apparentlywearisome
task of waitingfor the
first appearance
of a
chick, of countingthem one
and finally,
by one as theyemerge from the shell,
of see"
"
"
"
"
"
"
HOW
THB
FBBNCH
6
ICANAQE.
around her,eagerly
iaga largehealthybrood gathering
and crumbs she with so much
looking
up for the corn
them.
such an
scatters around
ment
excitepleasure
Verily,
80
so
intense,and yet so healthful
pleasing,
throws in the backgroundthat to be obtained from the
theatre or the card-table,
and renders those who delight
in it independent
of those excitableamusements."
Elizabeth Watts,Authoress of Warne
" Go's. Poultry
of her firstexperience
Book,after an interesting
description
with a few fowls,
They throve well and produced
says ;
well ; and looking
back to that time,with the aid of the
of after years,I attribute the success
with them
experience
to very simplecauses.
the number of fowls was not
First,
too greatfor the space allotted to them ; second,
the earth
clean and pure; third,
did not buy food lavishly,
was
we
but used it with due economy ; fourth,
the new
pets were
a
delightto us and we attended to them ourselves
and well.
regularly
How the French Manage. The French have a faculty
do. They have reof making fowls pay better than we
duced
"
"
"
"
is celeand their success
the business to a science,
brated.
One secret of this is the attention they pay to
the choice of breeds.
They know which mature, or
become fitfor market,at the least cost,which are the best
"c.,and no others are kept. They consequently
layers,
The cheapness
realise a handsome
income.
in
of poultry
France compared with England may be illustrated by a
quotationfrom Bonington Mowbray, who says : " In
form an important
France poultry
part of the live stock
ani/mal
of the farmer,and the poultryyardssupplymore
foodto thegreatmass ofthe com/munitythanthe hutchers'
shops."
the French make Fowls Pay. Mr. Edwards, in
How
"
The Fxench are
his pamphletwith the above title,
says :
both as to quality
celebratedfor their poultry,
pre-eminently
and quantity.
The principles
adoptedby them are
early
liberal
food,
hatcMng,earlykillirig, feeding,
stimulating
and egg-producing.
both for fattening
They keep only
the best breeds,celebrated either as egg-layers
or for quick
growthto maturity.They keeptheir stock alwaysyoung,
with stimulating
both flesh
food,
and, by liberal feeding
"
"
6
OF
TESTIMONY
of
eggs are producedwith the regularitymachinery,
with which
risk of disease beinjg
by the rapidity
prevented
keepingup a constant succession.
they fatten and realise,
It is onlyfrom want of proper knowledgeof their management
man's
the rich
that eggs and poultry
are
delicacy,
food for the million. I
rather than what they should be
of knowledgealone,because no great trouble,
say, want
and far less expense, is involved in making them a source
instead of loss." Neglected
fowls are often falling
of profit
who expectsa good return
of flesh and eggs
ill. A man
from fowls insuflSciently
fed and cared for,is like a miller
to get meal from a mill to which he does not
expecting
and
"
supplygrain.
Testimony of Poultry Authorities.
Mr. L. Wright,
in his valuable work, "The
Illustrated
Book
of
Poultry," says: "Any account
fairlykept,and with
that
judiciousmanagement, wiU prove conclusively
those who
be made
beUeve poultry
cannot
remunerative,
do a grievous
and productive
wrong to the most profitable
*
*
*
of any
live stock in the world."
'^jje
various productsof poultry,properlymanaged, form
the
he procured.
cheapestanimal
food which can
*
*
*
It is true that many
persons cannot, if they
others can, and hence
would, keep fowls ; but many
we
regardit as both a worthyand a practicable
objectto
the better knowledge of a
as widelyas
spread,
possible,
creature which seems
expressly
adaptedby Providence to
supplythe very best animal food for a young famiily
*
*
which Nature has provided.*
Jt g^g gratified
us
to see the steady
increase in the number
of fowl-houses
which appear in small town yardsor gardensof late years,
and stiU more
have often done,the
to ascertain,
as
we
results when
sotmd directions have
generally
satisfactory
been fairly
attended to ; though there is still much room
for progress in this respect,
and there might be a far more
general
enjoymentof tiie luxuryof a fresh egg at half the
presentpriceof stale.
Mr. Piper,in his excellent book
on
poultry,says:
fowls
the
are
so
"Although
to
commonly kept,
proportion
the population
is stillvery small,and the number
of those
who rear and manage them properly
stillsmaller ; chiefly
"
POCTLTHT
because most
and have not
7
AUTHORITIES.
pwoplekeep them without system or order,
attention to the subject.
giventhe slightest
Nevertheless,it
no
more
trouble,and much less
fowls
and profitably."
keep
successfully
expense,
Miss Harriet Martineau says :
It becomes an interesting
wonder
every year why the rural cottagersof the
United Kingdom do not rear
fowls almost universally,
seeinghow littlethe cost would be, and how great the
demand.
We
import many millions of eggs annually.
there is a
Why should we import any 1 Wherever
and grass
cottagefamilylivingon potatoesor better fare,
growinganywherenear them,it would be worth while to
and make
nail up a littlepent-house,
nests of clean straw,
and go in for a speculation
in eggs and chickens.
Seeds,
insects
and
in
worms,
feeding
poultryin
go a great way
and
such places,
then there are
the small and refuse
potatoesfrom the heap,and the outside cabbageleaves,
and the scraps of all sorts.
Very small purchasesof
broken rice (whichis extremely
inferiorgrain,
and
cheap),
mixed meal, would do all else that is necessary. It is
is largely
understood that the keepingof poultry
the
on
increase in the country generally,
and
even
among
but
the
of
idea
is
as to
competition
prevailmg
cottagers,
and specimensfor the poultry
races
yard,rather than of
meetingthe demand for eggs, and fowls for the table."
authoress of
The Henwife," and
Mrs. FergusonBlair,
successful breeder and exhibitor of poultry,
most
a
says :
for
I began to breed poultry
amusement
only,then for
was
exhibition,
and, lastly,
glad to take the trouble to
make it pay, and do not like my poultry
yardless because
to imagineany occupait is not a loss. It is impossible
tion
i
n
the
than
suited
that
to
a ladyliving
more
country
affection to
of poultry
rearing. If she has any superfluous
and it will be returned
bestow,let it be on her chicken-kind,
Are you a lover of nature ? come
cent, per cent.
and view,with delighted
with me
gaze, her chosen dyes.
in such an increase of the
Are you a utilitarian? rejoice
Are you a philanthropist
? ^be grateful
food.
people's
to afford a possible
that yours has been the privilege
are
so many
to the poor man, to whom
impossibh.
pleasure
mean
Such we often find fond of poultry"
no
judges,
costs
to
"
"
"
"
"
"
8
TESTIMONT
and
pleasure
for
fight
your
such
man
too."
in
victory
brother.
richer
by
successftil
frequently
may
can
it.
Let
win
in
many
poultry
exhibition.
least,
at
him,
then,
also
from
by
the
have
your
and
poor
and
haunt
mans
that
as
field
of
his
whereon
shows,
not
A
presence.
dissipation
honours
A
great
as
village poultry
Encourage
patronage,
save
is,
but
ATJTHORITIES.
POULTRY
OP
much
taste
evil.
the
to
only
for
No
taproom
CHAPTER
EARLY
II.
SELECTION
HATCHING,
OF
RENEWAL
Benefits
Early
of
Stock
OF
Hatching
How
"
Layers
Ordinary
Sitting
The
on
useful
of
Early
Hatching
on
ter
^Win-
"
Buyinpi
Different
qualities
"
of
Eggs
Breeds
for
"
advantages
affectingthe question of making
hatching
selection
followinghints
Stock
for
Breeds.
greatest items
two
for
Improvement
on
of
Fowls
Stock
of
the
Hints
Non-Flying
THE
Early
might at
"
Young
respecting
Classification
"
"
/
Hints
Selection
"
Preferable
Renewal
"
Stock
fowls pay are :
and
THE
stock,
the
"
"
comki.nation
OF
Bints
Chickens
Rearing
Illustrated
Cochins
"
Sitters
Early
STOCK.
Distinguish
to
Purchasing
WHEN
AND
these
of
for
BREEDS,
the
as
renewal
will be
of
seen
by
points,
contributes
more
to
success
than
possible. Let us take an illustration.
A
and B both
begin poultry-keeping by purchasing a few
Those
Cochin
purchased by A
pullets,say in August.
hatched
been
have
early,and begin laying in October
and
warm
and, with good management
housing,continue
to lay the greater part of the winter, when
are
eggs
time has arrived his,
and now,
that the earlysitting
dea/rest,
not
pullets axe
only ready to sit, but being twelve
third
months
or
old, and their eggs being the second
batch, they are
quite as suitable for rearing chickens
These
from as the eggs of adult fowls.
early chickens, in
their turn, will,of course,
begin laying in October, and
thus pulletswill mature
each
for replacingthe
autumn
first
older stock.
seem
10
SELECTION
OF
STOCK.
chickens hatched
B, on the other hand, has purchased
in May. They are the same
breed,and recei^^ethe same
too late for laying
care, as A's,but havingbeen hatched
in autumn
they probablydo not begin till February or
three or four months' more
March, thus incurring
feeding
before theyproduceany return ; and when
they do begii,
of the year when eggs are
it is at a season
cheap. The
arrived,but B has no
proper hatchingtime has now
if some
of the pullets
have begun to lay
sitters; and even
in time to sit,their eggs are
not suitable ; for the first
how promisingthe birds
matter
eggs of any pullet no
will seldom producestrong, healthychickens.
be
may
for
B, therefore,is unable to get out of his difficulty
another twelve months, unless,
havingby dear experience
of
learned the value
he purchases
and
earlypullets,
some,
thus secures
layersfor the followingwinter,and early
sittersfor the spring.
it will thus be seen,
The advantagesof earlyhatching,
manifold.
are
First,winter layersare secured. Second,
the pullets
begin to producea return when six months
Third, earlypulletsare
old, instead of nine months.
Fourth, theyattain
readyto sit justwhen most wanted.
time which makes their
an
age au the next earlysitting
own
eggs suitable for hatching. Fifth, early hatched
chickens fetch higherpricesin the market.
To these
be added a sixth advantage,
which
the exhibitor
may
than the other five combined, viz.,his
prizesmore
chickens mature
in time for the summer
and autumn
shows.
Selection of Stock, We shall givesome
hints
general
and replacing
of fowls for stock purposes,
as to the selecting
the fuller description
of the different breeds for
leaving
"
"
"
"c.,to a subsequent
exhibition,
chapter.
be
can
Yovmg fowls
recognised
by the
legsbeing
smooth and neW; the comb and wattles softand fresh ; whilst
will have hard,drier,
aud more
scnrfycombs,and
with
horny shanks,
lougerand sharperspurs. On beginning
but young fowls,
under twelve, months
none
old,
should be purchased.
// rearingchickens be desired,cocks must be kept,
for every eightor ten hens.
If it be the intentionto
one
I'ld 0UC8
12
IMPROVEMENT
and
outlayis to be studied,
original
are
chosen,largethe ordinary
barn-door fowls,or mongrels,
and a cook ofsv/perior
breed
should be selected,
sized ones
of course,
that
should always be procured ^provided,
greateconomy
in the
"
the home eggs. The comparatively
such will be manifold
small outlayin securing
of the male
qualities
repaidin the end,since the superior
bird will be impartedto the chickens of all the hens with
which he is mated.
breed of cocks thus to be chosen will dependmuch
The
if table chickens
upon the objectsought. For instance,
either for home
be specially
for market
use
or
required,
a
Dorking cock will be preferable.If superior
laying
desired in the pullets
to be reared,
are
qualities
specially
the keeping of a Hamburgh cock will go a great way
towards effecting
that end ; and if the hens are pretty
the chickens will retain enoughplumpness
stout and heavy,
them
fair table fowls. A Houdan
cock would
to make
chickens
are
to be reared from
impartgreathardiness,
superior
laying,
greatcompactness,
and excellent table qualities,
It not unfrequently
pens
hapthat the qualities
of
of a stock
fowls are very much
deteriorated through a cock of weakly constitution,
or
otherwise defective,
beingkept.
Pure breeds,
have said,being by far more
as we
able
profitthan any mongrels,
economical
where
time
an
plan,
allowed, is to
and have them
breeders,
can
be
^
procure
eggs
from
well-known
ordinarybarn-door
hatched by
fowls.
The profit
well as pleasureof any poultry
as
yard,largeor small,town or country, may thus be greatly
advice to every one keepincreased;and our unqualified
ing
either to
mongrelswould be to begin again de novo
and rear earlyspringpulletsenough
buy eggs for sitting,
tn rr^lace the entire stock of layersthe first autumn, oi
economical plan: buy a few sittings
adopt a still more
and let the pulletstherefrom replace
of eggs at first,
a
old
of
the
stock
the
first
part
year, and hatch enough
from the eggs of these pullets
the next year to replace
the
remainder.
If a rightbeginning
is thus made,i.e.,
if purebred
hatched early,
and so cared for that they
are
pullets
the following
begin laying;
autumn, their next
spring's
wiU
be
as
suitable for hatchmentioned,
previously
eggs,
"
OF
breeders
13
STOCK.
believe,quite as well
those from
fowls two years old; and our
own
experiencetends to
confirm the belief. If,however, the beginninghas been
made too late for the new
breeds of pullets
to beginlaying
in autumn
number
and the requisite
of a new
or winter,
stock has not been obtained,we would advise the purchase
of more
rather than to
eggs the next springfor sitting,
hatch theyoungpullets'
after instituting
eggsj for certainly,
the new
rdgvme, degeneracyin any form should be
guaxdedagainst We may here add that a male bird for
be procured,
must
matingwith these pullets
by exchange
where
from
different
the eggs
from
that
a
or purchase,
yard
in the progeny
have been obtained,
otherwise degeneracy
the probability
being that cockerels
may be the result,
hatched from the eggs which have been bought would be
ens
chickrelated to the pullets
of the same
brood. In rearing
for exhibition,
however,the selectionof a suitable male
bird for mating is not so simple,as we
have explained
in another chapter.
unless boughtof expe^
/ In huyiTig
eggs for hadicking,
it will be well, when
rienced breeders of reputation,
in chapterv.
that the suggestions
to see
practicable,
ments
the selection are followed. Num erous advertiserespecting
preparedto supplychoice eggs at from
by parties
in the
4s. 6d. to 25s. per dozen can
always be seen
the
Journal of Horticulture,"
or
Exchange and Mart"
ing many
"
as
"
"
pricewill purchaseeggs of almost any breed,
stock birds ; the latter price
qiiite
good enoughfor rearing
beingfor eggs from prizebirds. We have often succeeded
in hatching
and rearing
an
average of nine out of thirteen^
^
longdistances by railway.
.eggs which have come
The former
become
at the
is two-and-a-half years, i.e.,
as layers
anprofitable
end of their second summer's laying. The best time for
Renewal
of Stock.
"
^The
age at which
hens
them is in the early
autumn, before moulting time,
killing
or
a
good plan is to kill them at any time when they
beginto sit after the firstof August A hen is generally
at this time,as she eats
in a better condition for killing
than at
for the few weeks before sitting
more
voraciously
be kept a
time. Valuable stock,however, may
any otitier
two longer.Coduns, Brahmas, Hamburghs,and
or
vear
14
RENEWAL
OF
STOCK.
other breeds,will often continue to lay througha
great part of the winter,up to the third or fourth year.
as a sitter aad
A hen which has shewn superior
qualities
also be kept a year or two longerfor that
mother may
difference in this respectbeingfound in
purpose, much
hens of the same
breed; but,as a rule,all hens become
at two-and-a-half years, and unless
unprofitable
actually
be
be altogether
the item of profit
ignored,they mmt
hilled at thai age. If kept longer,
they also become too
tough for eating.It is a good planto arrange matters so
that one-third of the stock will arrive at this age every
number
of pulletssupplyingtheir
autumn, the same
some
place.
economical one
is alwayswithin
with pure breeds,
for making a beginning
At Stevens' auction
London.
reach of parties
near
residing
rooms,
King Street,Goyent Garden, a sale of many
hundreds of choice fowls of every breed takes placeonce
Here pullets,
of
or twice a month
throughoutthe year.
almost any desirable breed suitable for stock birds,
may
be purchased
to eightshillings
at froni four shillings
each;
of course
with exhibition qualities,
choice birds,
bringing
much
higherprices.Surplusstock may also be readily
of at these sales.
disposed
Tlie test Breeds for generalstock purposes must
depend
the
the
conditions
under
which
birds
housed
be
to
are
upon
and kept,and the extent of range at their disposal
; but the
or IndianPlymouthRock,Wyandotte,Dorking,
Orpington,
Game can be relied upon under almost any circumstances to
thrive and amply repay for trouble and attention bestowed
If a singlechoice were
upon them.
necessary, we should
but either of the breeds mentioned
rely upon the first,
will afford their owner
of pleasure
sources
and profit,
which
he could not possibly
derive from mongrel or cross-bied
fowls ; and this is true of almost
any of the pure breeds
kept distinct. The rearer of them can often obtain a high
and also for his
pricefor eggs for sitting,
surplusstock for
the
of
breedingfrom,
qualities the selectionsnamed being
well known, and more
generally
preferredthan others.
They attain a largesize for table use or for market in five
excellent winter layers,
or six months, are
and thus afford
Another
method, and probablythe
most
CLASSIFICATION
an
importantsource
OF
of income
at
15
BREEDS.
time when
a
eggs
are
dearest.
Dorkingsbeingso celebrated for the qualityof their
them to obher breeds,but they are
meat, some
may prefer
far from beingso hardy as the breeds justnamed.
They
wide
and
a
dry soil,a
require
high fences. They
range,
and
decrease in size by interbreeding
more
degenerate
quicklythan any other breeds,and they are not good
winter layers. The hardier breeds should certainly
be
chosen by those who are inexperiencedin keepingfowls.
Classification of Breeds.
We
indebted to a
are
who is an extensive breeder and exhibitor,
for
gentleman,
the following
very useful classification of the special
of the different breeds. The order in which the
qualities
named
classes are
under most
indicates,
circumstances,
value of each :
the comparative
best layersare : Minorcas, leghorns.Ham1. The
Houdaiis.
burghs,Wyandottes,Orpingtons,
2. For meat, the best are :" Dorkings,
Indian-Game,
"
"
"
Houdans, Orpingtons,
Plymouth Rocks, Brahmas, Cochins,
Malays,and Wyandottes.
3. For size and weight: Cochins,Brahmas, Dorkings,
Malays,Indian-Game.
Orpingtons,
4. The most
hardy breeds are : Brahmas, Cochins,
Houdans, IndianOrpingtons,
Plymouth Rocks, Leghorns,
Game, Wyandottes.
5. The best sittersand mothers are:
Silkies,
Dorkings,
PlymouthRocks, Wyandottes,Langshans; while as sitters
only,Brahmas and Cochins stand pre-eminent.
For corribinafAoHof usefulqualities
the same
generally,
writer recommends, Orpingtons,
Wyandottes, and Plymonth ^ocks, as the most profitable
where a few chickens
small space (avoiding
to be reared in a comparatively
are
both non-sitting
and those requiring
to sit too often).
Where more
space is at command, so that the breeding
and layingstock can
be divided,Minorcas
mended
recomare
most
as the
profitable
singlebreed. The same
selections will also be found best suited to these requirements
"
"
"
of a
where a wide range is available,
or for the run
farm, Minorcas
over
having the preference
every single
chickens are
to be reared,Orpingtons
breed where no
16
where
chickens
many
where
few
a
The
decided
a
possess
important
desirable
and
yet
A
of
the
which
a
well
as
Winter
especially
each
secured
by
will
cross-bred
other
these
owing
to
their
superior
be
in
many
plumage
plump
fowls,
found
a
different
fowls,
as
in
with
which
winter
and
the
in
is,
and
layers
no
so
doubt,
Brahmas,
may
the
breed,
same
vary
special
heavy
difference
often
It
a
and
full
of
upon
plump
becomes
is
laying
hens
Cochins
largely
therefore
decided
respects.
others.
all
heavy
the
justify
alone
depends
winter
enclose
advantages
"
to
is
disturbing
"c.
laying
where
peculiarities
qualities
from
will
It
It
neighbours'
securely
them
housing.
in
plumage
in
by
warm
large
There
of
quantity
"
importance,
select
to
plumage.
from
as
of
matter
object,
is
will
preference
viz.,
possible,
as
and
carriages,
in
one
height.
owners'
prevent
on
breeds
Laying'.
warmth,
and
in
overlooked,
liberty
high,
Brahmas,
others
be
much
feet
3
all
considerable
circumstances,
these
Winter
build,
fence,
and
Cochins
not
their
market
invaluable.
over
any
from
them
some
of
as
as
roosting
under
selection
to
breeds,
these
such
must
fowls
wire
gardens,
which,
fly
to
keep
to
gardens.
either
which
give
to
are
advantage
respect,
inability
their
of fowls,
breeds
heavy
they
not
are
where
except
space,
when
object,
the
Dorkings
desirable.
are
Rocks
Plymouth
and
object,
an
limited
for
is
poultry
are
chickens
recommended
BREEDS.
DIFFERENT
OF
QUALITIES
be
much
partly
that
buted.
attri-
17
CHAPTER
THE
Construction
III.
POULTRY-HOUSE.
Position of the
House"
Aspect"
Ai^ Indoor
Fowl
House
Winter
tion
Ventilafor
Light
The Roof
The
Floor
Movable
The Perch
Shelf
The
A Turf
Nests
House
Cleanliness
Sanitary
and
Arrangements
Avoiding
Vermin
Grass Runs, "c.
and
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
Construction and Position of the House." A
and
warm,
the birds
which
dry house,
roost,lay their eggs, and take shelter in cold or
may
in poultryto success
windy weather,is indispensable
keeping.It may be built of brick a four-inch wall
The former will be less liable to vermin,
or of inch boards.
If the house is built of wood,
warmer.
as well as much
of the sides ^towards the colder quarters
or
more
one
The cost of
may be covered outside with felt-roofing.
the felt is about Id. per square foot. It should be tarred
from rain ;
Want of protection
at least once
a year.
over
dampness,cold winds, and impure air,are the principal
of diseaseand death in the poultry-yard.
sources
If economy
of space is necessary, a house four fee^
with a covered shed,
square, and five or six feet in height,
if
and double the size,
the same
will,
adjoining,
height,
for six or eight
answer
keptclean,as hereafter directed,
shed^the
fowls.
Of course, a larger-sized
largerthe
light,clean,
in
"
"
"
"
be afforded; but, for the
the small size has the advantageof warmth,and
house,
need onlybe increased beyond these dimensions in proportion
of
fowls.
to the increase of the number
Where a large
number
are
kept,it is much better to
rather
if practicable),
have several small houses (detached,
better
"
than
one
is preferable,
if space
largeone.
can
fowls
thrive better in
a
email
18
ASPECT
OF
HOUSES.
will be found useful
and the separate houses
companies,
"c.
chickens,
for keeping different breeds apart,rearing
east,
Aspect. The house should front the south or southfowls
the advantageof sunshine,
Without
if possible.
to rear
and it is impossible
do not thrive,
healthychickens.
the rays of the earlymorningsun
admit
If the house can
at all seasons, it will be a great advantage.If a southern
greater care will be needed in
aspect is not practicable,
and dry house.
a warm
Exposing fowls to
constructing
"
dampness is the
1." House
A
cause
of roup
the north,admitting
sun's
fronting
fowl-house should
wall and
and other diseases
facingthe
never
be
built
rays
through top.
againsta brick
where space
city,
north. In a crowded
doubt convenient
IS valuable,it is no
sometimes to build
the house fronting
the north
the back end of a
across
narrow
garden; but when so built it will hardlybe possible
to avoid roup and other
diseases amongst the fowls
and certainly
impossibleto rear healthychickens We
have
known
of ten
out
nine
chickews to droop and
other cause
die from no
than having their house thus
situated,and the mother of the brood being shut in
the sun's ray never
house where
a
When
entered.
the dwellingfaces the north, and
the garden is the
width as the house-which
same
is so
the
frequently
better plan is to build the fowl-.
towns-the
house across
the bach garden, faehu, the
south, and as
wall
the
hack
an
/ar from
^o^^Me, in order to have
case
in
20
SECURING
SUNSHINE
"
^VElfTILATION.
side of -which is to be of glass.A window
be placedin the soutK
the full size of the coop must
side of the stable,
close to the floor. The coop, having
no
the
with
side
stable
to
glazed
bottom,is to be set in the
The
floor
of the
the window
and a few inches from it.
stable where the coop is to stand should be covered with
dry earth,an inch or two in depth. The entrance to the
and it may he
coop will,of course, be from the stable,
the fowls wiU soon
left open for ventilation,
discover
as
and will constantly
the advantages
of their sunny home
resort to it. Another
advantageof this plan is,that the
in extreme
made warmer
weather,
coop can be readily
by
other
straw
it.
or
some
over
Where
placing
covering
is
specially
necessary, an ordinary
packingcase,
economy
for the side to be glazed,
with an old window-sash
will
is
for
If
a
a coop.
serve
building so situated that a
window placedas described would
be shaded by a wall,
the same
serviceable if arrangedin a
planwill be equally
loft.
It should be born in mind when constructing
poultrythat
in
the
shortest
the
rises
to so low
sun
houses,
days
will
that
wall
altitude
an
cast a shadow,even
a house or
at
four times itsown
This
midday,a distance of nearly
height.
in securing
the admission of the sun's rays can
difiSculty
be overcome
in many cases
the poultry-house
by building
and placinga wide shelf a few feet from
a goodheight
the ground on a level with a south window.
The fowls
will soon
learn to resort to the shelf in order to enjoythe
rays of the sun : or the planshown in Fig.1 may be adopted.
Ventilation must receive due attention. Fowls,more
than any other animals,
requirepure air. The aperture
will admit sufficient
by which they enter the fowl-house,
air;and there must be an opening,
say eightinches square,
the
of
the
in
near
house, the side next to the covered
top
hole
inches square, covered with
shed, or a
eighteen
forated
perzinc,to prevent draughts.The aperture in the
door by which they enter should have a
flapturning
upwards and outwards, which should be providedwith
an
openingdown the centre three inches wide. This flap
may then be closed in very cold or windy weather,
one
structed,
vided the house be
aod
cleaa,
pro.
not too crowded, When
LIGHT
the fowls
"
ROOFS.
21
allowed their liberty
at
which is
daylight,
this flap
alwaysspecially
desirable,
closed
at aight
may be
to keep out cats, weasels,"c.
; but yet the fowls will,
their
efforts
to
by
escape through the narrow
opening,
it
themselves
to come
out in the morning.
open
sufficiently
If any are slow in learning
to get out in this manner,
a
cord may be fastened to the flapand passedthrougha
small hole in the door,and a weight attached to the
end of the cord to balance the weightof the flap,
opposite
raised it will remain open. (SeeFig.2.)
so that when
once
A wire netting,
size as the door
upon a frame the same
or
window, will be found very useful for admitting
the
the house in the daytime. It may
sun
or
ventilating
be movable
to be placedin front of the opened
so
as
door,or hung in the same
way as the door.
fowls,like birds of the air,
Light is indispensable;
requirethe lightand openness of the skies,and will not
thrive without it. The house should be well lighted
with a glass
window, or the fowls will suffer any extreme
of cold rather than resort to it in the daytime,except
for laying,
and thus one
valuable use of the house will
be lost. This shunningof a warm
house in the daytime,
in winter,where fowls have their liberty,
has been noticed,
and wondered
the cause, but
not suspecting
at,the owner
when informed of it,and a window has been put into the
house,the fowls have afterwards resorted to it constantly
are
in bad weather.
should be in the south or
The window
east side.
six inches beyond
The Boof of the house should project
the front,
and either a guttershould be made or a board
should extend across
the front,
at the bottom, to prevent
the droppings
from splashing
in.
to secure
Board roofs should be covered with feltroofing,
their beingperfectly
warmth
in winter and,to ensure
a
once
waterproof They should be tarred over
year,
A house with a roof of slate
and sprinkled
with sand.
it will be too hot in
tile should have a ceiling,
or
or
and too cold in winter ; or a felt liningnaUed
summer
The
the purpose.
underneath on the rafters will answer
or failure
roof must in all cases be proofagavnstl-eakage,
is prettysure
to be the result.
22
PLOOE"
The
Floor for both the house
and
shed
should
be of
brick-
gravel,
firmlypacked. A layerof chalk or burnt
down, and the gravelplacedupon, it,
earth,well rammed
dom
freewill be an improvement,the object
being to secure
from dampness. The floor will thus be several inches
above the level of the ground outside,
whereby additional
drynesswill be secured. The whole floor should slope
the gravelhas become
towards the front. When
slightly
firmly
packedand smooth,a layerof dry sifted mould with
mixed with it,
should be
or fine gravel
a httle sand,ashes,
strewn
upon the groundto the depthof two inches. This
planshould also be adoptedwhen fowls have theirliberty,
it is perfectly
a retreat from the rain,where
dry under
of it a frequent
and a want
foot being indispensable,
of disease. A fine rake passedover
the dry earth
source
the excrement,
remove
dailywiU quicklyand effectually
which is more
valuable for garden purposes than any other
board floor should under no circumstances be
used ; it harbours vermin and absorbs filth without the
it. It is also unyielding
to the feetof
power of deodorising
swelled feet and joints. Those who
fowls, and causes
have .-such
fioorsin use, and cannot well dispense
with them,
should at least keep them strewn
with sand and dry earth
two inches in depth. A brick floor is too damp ; a concrete
is as good a one
floor,
upon dryand firm foundation,
can"be desired;but of whatever material the floor is
as
made it should,as above stated,be covered an inch or
two with earth,the deodorising
property of which is of
such great value that no poultry-keeper
afford to disregard
can
this sanitary
element.
Earth loses its deodorising
why
property by becoming wet, hence another reason
be
roofs
should
so carefully
leaky
guardedagainst.
uianure.
A
A Movable
of the
the
Shelf should be
placedacross
at the
back
house,twenty inches wide and twelve inches from
for
it must
be twenty-four
inches
wide. This shelf should be kept covered, with sand or
ashes.
Its uses will presently
be seen.
The Perch should be placedsix inches above this shelf,
with it,
parallel
quitetwelve inches from the waU, the flat
side resting
bearer at each end, so as to be readily
on
a
removed when the house is beingcleaned and whitened.
ground;
largefowls
23
24
OF
AKRANGEMENT
PERCHES.
A fir
It should be at least five or six inches in diameter.
poleof that size,cut in halves,the round side beingplaced
the roughness
and the bark left on, is preferable,
upwards,
aflforded by the bark enablingthe fowls to hold on with
smooth
on
a
their claws. They cannot rest comfortably
bar,and the rougherit is made the better,unless a pole
to
error
with the bark on be provided.It is a common
them
make
the perches
too small,too smooth,and to place
too high. It is true, the instinct of the fowls inclines
to their wild state,
them to roost high,but this applies
from beasts of prey. The air at the
where theyseek safety
impure than near the
top of the house is alwaysmore
such breeds as
ground. Heavy fowls,and especially
in their
Cochins and Brahmas, are liable to serious injury
where the house is
descent from a high perch,
especially
small as to compel then to descend perpendicularly.
so
perchthan light
Heavy fowls also requirea much larger
recommend
writers even
a beddingof straw,
ones, and some
the ground,for the larger
breeds. The effort required
on
in clinging
to a smooth perchis said to cause
a diseaseof
the feet,
and fowls often fallfrom such a perchia the night.
Where fowls have been accustomed to a high perch,
they
will at first
manifest a dislike to a low one, but it wiU only
be for a few days.
For the Hatching of Chickens a separate compartment
be constructed at the
should be provided
; it may
end of the covered shed,and if one end is more
opposite
damp or shaded than the other,it should be selectedfor
that
use.
Nests
should
alwaysbe
on
the ground, and if suited
the instincts of the fowls,theywill lay better,and
there will be no fear of their layingabroad when
they
have their liberty,
which they are very apt to do if the
if theyare
nests are not to their liking,
or
offensive. A
secluded spot for the nests,and rather dark than light.,
is
soughtby the hen, and should alwaysbe provided.Her
inchnation for lightseems
she has to make
gone when
choice of a nest.
The nests should be tmdemeath
the shelj
above referred to, which wiU afford the
necessary privacy.
No boards will be required,
short
except
piecesfor partitioning
off the spaces, say twelve inches apart ; loose bricks
to
NKaTS
willof
do
THE
"
MOVABIiK
SHELF.
26
well j but the divisions,
of whatever
should bo sufficient
to obstruct the view of each
material,
nest from the adjoiniug
A slight
hollow should be
one.
made in the ground m each compartment, and a little
in it The groundunderneath the shelf,
straw placed
in a
house whei-ehens are intended to sit,
should not be gravelled
like the remainder of the house. (See
or
conci'eted,
course
aa
chapteron Incubation.)
If boxes are preferred,
of the convenience of
account
on
hens,theymay be twelve by
movingthe nests of sitting
sixteen inches,and six inches high,the bottom having
holesbored in it to admit moisture from the ground.They
will then slide in between
the partitions
under
the
shelf;
or, the partitions
may
be dispensed
with by having
side of each box twelve inches high.
one
Straw must alwaysbe used for the nests,never
hay,aa
It should be beaten until
the latterencourages vermin.
and cut into short lengths
of a few inches. It must
soft,
alsobe changedwhenever there is any musty or foul smell;
if the nests become
the hens will frequently
offensive,
droptheir eggs upon the groundrather than resort to them.
The plan of a riiovable shelf
(withperchabove and
have longtried,
and found it very advantageous.
nests belowit)
we
The shelf beingkept covered with sand,ashes,
is readily
removed every
the daily
excrement
or dryearth,
liness
morningwith a dustpanand brush,and the strictestcleanis thus preserved.
This arrangement will be found
to economise space better than any omer
; it also keepsoff
of air about the perch,
allupward draughts
preventsthe
hens from roostinc;
upon the nests,and affords seclusion for
in a
the nests. The planwas firstmentioned,we believe,
recommended
Canadian publication,
and is highly
in several
No one who aims
popularworks on poultry-keeping.
of fowls in a limited space shoxild do
at tne proper care
without it. The house requires
to be not less than three
and a half or four feet square in order to make the plan
shown
in
available. The whole anrangement is clearly
our
Illustration,
Fig.2.
planwhich isoften used for build"
warmth
and securing
to stables,
ingcellarsabove ground,
"a, in cold dimates,will be found specially
poultry-houses,
The Turf House.
"
A
2ft
HOTJSB
TURF
means.
boards,and
WAKMTH.
secured by
sufficiently
It consists of a house built of rough,cheap
enclosed with turf,which is cut
completely
serviceable where
other
"
warmth
is not
width, and laid like a wall close to the
The doors
sides of the house,to the full heightall round.
about
are
one
narrow,
Spaces of
foot in
and
extend
three inches
"
the whole
heightof
extendingacross
the house.
the door
may
"
be left at the top and bottom,and covered with perforated
zinc. A window
may be in the door,say twenty inches
durable if laid
square. The turf wall will be found more
six inches wider at the bottom, and ifthe house be built not
than five feet high. Where
the extra expense can
more
the house will be drier if built of double thicknesses
be afforded,
of boards throughout,
four inches apart,the boards
beingnailed both outside and inside the four inch quartering
used for the frame.
The roof must, of course, be
weather tight,
which isbest secured by a feltroofing
perfectly
the boards.
over
With strictcleanliness,
which can
be effectually
secured
of the sanded shelf previously
described,this
by means
turf-house may
without injury
^be kept so
to the fowls
close that the temperature will remain at a comfortable
degreein the coldest weather,throughthe heat generated
It will thus go far towards
by the fowls themselves.
with artificialheating,
it is much
as
warmer
dispensing
than a brick house.
The interior may
be. constructed,
in aU respects,as
directed for other styles
of poultryhouses.
when well ventilated and lighted,
Undergroundcellars,
have been foimd to answer
well for winter houses for
layinghens.
Wartrdk may also be secured,
in ordinary
houses built
of boards,by liningthe inside of the house allround with
of boards or laths nailed to the studding,
any roughstrips
a few inches apart: the spaces thus made
in the wall can
then be stuffed with straw.
A glazed
window should be
in the south side; double glazingwiU
be
preferable.
If the house is so constructed that the
door
ventilating
into
h
ouse
an
or
instead
adjoining
of opening
shed,
opens
it will be preferable.
This arrangement will be
outside,
found to be an excellent one, tendingmuch
to
"
"
promote
28
Avoromo
vermin
methods.
sanitabt
"
and the arrangement
plan for Becuringventilation,
cleanliness
of the perches,
described,perfect
previously
be secured, The eand or dry earth "which we
can
have previously
stated should be sprinkled
upon the floor
inches must be either raked over
to the depth of two
with a fine rake daUy,and the excrement
removed; or, if
be
raked
the
i
t
earth acting
under,
more
convenient, may
By
the
"
"
as
a
deodoriser ; but in the latter case
the whole will require
three weeks ; the former
be renewed every two or
economical
method will therefore be found the more
which should be facing
The door of the roosting-house
the south should be left open a great deal duringthe
to ventilate the house and admit the sun,
day,thoroughly
if the house is at all inclined to be damp. The
especially
lime- whitened
should be regularly
at least
roosting-house
twice duringthe year.
of the shed must
Avoidvng yerw-m.'" In a dry comer
alwaysbe kepta supplyof ashes and sand,mixed together,
for the hens to rollin,in their own
peculiar
way, this being
to their health and freedom
from vermin.
indispensable
added to it,will also be useful ;
Lime from an old ceiling,
it should be renewed
If the
every two or three weeks.
fowls are troubled with vermin,a quarter of a pound of
flour of sulphurput into this dust-bath wiU be very serviceable,
the fowls will thus work it completely
into
as
their feathers. Dusting their feathers with it is,however,
Hen-lice are very often troublesome to
preferable.
to young
fore
thereand must
fowls,and especially
chickens,
from the first,
be guardedagainst
and if theymake
their appearance they must
be entirely
got rid of. One
effectual methods
of the most
is to catch each fowl,old
and rub lard or dripping
or
young, at night,
thoroughly
under its wings,and in other parts where
the insects
found.
If very numerous,
most
are
the whole body of
be rubbed over.
the fowl may
If the house be then
renovated and lime-whitened,
this ought to put an end
The
all
insects.
substance of the following
to
method
and
of preventing
vermin
in the poultrydestroying
yard is from Part I. of Mr. L. Wright'svaluable work,
"
"
The Ulustrated Book of Poultry
:
Sulphateof iron
should be mixed
with the lime-wash for
to
"
"
"
"
whitening
GKASS
RUNS
"
WIBE
NETTING*
29
the house,one pound to every three gallons.
The wash
should be put on hot,if possible,
and thoroughly
worked
into every orevioe in the walls. In building
houses of
should be brushed on the edge
wood,kerosine or paraffin
of all the boards. Should vermin at any time get into
tliecrevices,
or
bolic
cartheyshould be destroyed
by paraffin
acid ; the latter,
beingcertain death to nearlyall
is a valuable addition to the resources
of the
insects,
poultry-keeper."
in front of the houses and sheds are of great
be large
if
value where theycan be had, but they must
fowls have the constant run of them, or the graas will soon
to gi'ow ; about ten feet square to each fowl being
coiise
Where
the space for
necessary to preserve the grass.
tlie fowls should onlyhave access
to
grass is very limited,
it for a short time each day. It will be well worth while
forthose who are limited to a small town garden
to appropriate
of it to a grass plotfor this purpose.
a portion
wire netting
A garde)i
wall five feet highwill require
two feet above it,in order to confine ordinary
fowls,and
breeds will require
with that protection
to have
some
even
one
wingclipped
; when thisis to be done the whole wing
but merely the outer course, or
should not be clipped,
"
"
ten in number). These flight
flightfeathers (usually
feauiei'Salways dose underneath the remainder of the
the
not disfigure
ot them
does
wing,and tliusthe cutuna
it is intended
when
add
tnai
fowl. We
nere
may
be cut
that hens should sit,their wings must
never
it happens that both Cochin and Brahma
Fortunately
valnnble for sitting,are
so
easily
fowls, which are
confinedby a fence four feet high,so there is no occasion
Grass
runs
for clipping
their wings.
The cost of suitable wire nettingtwo feet wide is 3d.
a
post at
per yard. A small gardenwall onlyrequires
the
each corner, two feet above the wall,for straining
No rail should be alongthe top of the wire,as
netting.
without it the fowls,
seeingnothingto lightupon, ai-e less
inclined to flyup.
in the yard
Small treen,
cun-ant bushes,or a shrubbery,
whei-e the fowls may take shelterfix)m the sun, especially
when
willbe found veiy serviceablei
i"hot weather,
buoq
30
SHKUBBEBT.
find
fowls
in
"The
provided.
pleasure which
of young
shade
the
fir-trees,
scratching the ground under
world
of
a
They makfe
larch, is quite remarkable.
or
it regularly, showing
to
their own
return
there, and
no
for
time
in
at
desire
a
to
day
a
remaining
stray away,
this, to them, delightful comer.
They
injure the trees,
the
lower
havoc
branches, and picking out
making
among
the
of the
leading shoots ; but this, in the neighbourhood
of the young
trees."
poultry-house, ought to be the use
can
be
and
houses
of
prettily finished
Properly constructed
be purchased
various
at very
moderate
designs may
now
class of
to that
give special attention
prices, of firms who
work
there
is, therefore, no
necessity to put up rough,
;
times.
untidy looking places, as in olden
31
CHAPTER
FOOD
Varieties
TV.
AND
DRINK.
Grain"
Soft Food
Green
Food
Animal
Water
Food
^Lime Gravel
Manner
Feeding
Change
Food
Regularity
OF
of
Cost of
Feeding
Moulting
Time
To
mote
ProLaying.
of
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
will firstdescriBethe different
kinds of suitable grain,
mentioningthem in the order of
their usefulness for adult fowls. With the exception
of
of grainwill alwaysbe found
wheat, the best qualities
the most economical.
Barleyis as economical and useful a grainas can be
used for all seasons.
It contains a good percentageof
It may
but not fat-forming,
flesh-forming,
properties.
in
and Indian corn
be alternated with oats in summer
winter. The best quality weighing521bs. to the bushel
should be used.
too dear
Wheat,though an excellent food,is generally
called in England
The quality
to be used extensively.
"
"
tailwheat," and in America
is,however,
screenings,"
comparatively
cheap,and should be used as a regular
articleof food when the priceis low enough to justify
referred to beingqiiite
as
good for fowls
it,tlie quality
Varietiesof G-rain. We
"
"
"
the
perfect
grain.
form a valuable food,espethe
best quality,
Oats,if of
of
a portion
wallyfor summer
; but theycontain too laige
not sufficiare
husk for frequent
use, and,consequently,
eutlyheatingfor winter. One fourth of maize,however,
mixed witli them, will help to make up this deficiency.
as
The best and heaviest quality
onlyshould be bought,
of waste in the cheapsmall grain,
there is a largeamount
thus givingthe appearwhich fowls leave on the ground,
ance
of over-feeding.
as
32
OF
PROPERTIES
FOOD.
be relied upon
seldom
as
can
"Poultry Mixtures"
offered by corndealers.
By far the most satisfactory
method
is to purchase the several varieties of grainseparately
and feed with
each
in
turn.
of the best
grainsthat can
and fowls
effect,
be given. It has a slightly
stimulating
used in France and
are
very fond of it. It is extensively
where it is much
other parts of the Continent,
cheaper
of
than in England; and the prolific
qualities French
of this grair.
attributed to the use
fowls are by some
of its extensive use, on
There are writers who disapprove
of its fattening
account
tendency,but with the system of
changewhich we recommend, givingit one or two days
to it ; and
be no valid objection
in a week, there "an
while hens are laying.
especially
Maize exceeds every other grainin its fattening
perties.
prothis
It is four times as fattening
as barley.On
account, it must be Used with caution,for,as we have
to laywhen she becomes fat. It may
a hen
ceases
stated,
however,with advantagebe given one day per week in
and two days a week in winter. Fowls eat it
summer,
than any other grain,
more
but,like all other food
eagerly
it soon
We
to attract.
when
ceases
given continuously,
it broken or crushed,and it is generally
to be had
prefer
to Cochins
in that form. It should be givenmore
sparingly
than other fowls because of their tendencyto fatten.
elements
Rice contains less egg-forming
or flesh-forming
and thoughuseful in fattening
fowls
than any other grain,
boiled in milk, it should not be given to laying
when
Buckwheat
is,no
doubt, one
hens.
Soft Food.
Meals, of the various kinds
rule
economical food for fowls than the grainfrom which
more
In enumeratingthe differentdescriptions
it is made.
of
soft food we will take them in their order of merit.
the best both
Oatmeal, groundcoarse, is unquestionably
but its pricewill precludeits
for fowls and chickens,
ral
geneIt may, however,be mixed with middlings,
use.
which
from the grainfrom which it
are
cheap. It differs more
is made than any other meal, so much husk beingrejected
in the grinding.
Oround
"
Oatt when
theycan
are
be obtained
as
a
uats
(i.e.,
SOFT
33
FOODS.
groundwitiioutthe
husks beingseparated
from the meal)
willform the best food that can be given(withthe above
and the cost will be much less than ordinary
exception),
oatmeal.
will form the
Barle!/-meiil,
beingcheapand excellent,
soft food. Fowls relishitbetterthan any other meal.
staple
It is improved
by havinajone-fourth part of middlings
or
with
mixed
it.
poUiU-d
Maize-meal is oxcoUent for occasional use, but our
to maiae beingtoo fattening,
caution in regard
of oourso
It is,therefore,
to the meal.
better mixed
equally
applies
with middlingaor pollard,
or other meals
week in cola weatner, and one
day per
would
ofton
its use.
advise
as
wo
as
are
; two
week
are
Pollard,^-o.,
Bran, Middlings,
S/iarps,
daysper
in
the
warm
names
tliohusks of wlioat in differentdegrees
of fineness.
of bran,which is too coarse, theyare
With the exception
useful for mixingwith other meals and with boiled vegetables.
sold
bushel.
low
and
2s.
Is.
as
aiv
as
They
per
and
flesh
than oats,
contain
matter
more
egg-forming
They
but are too coarso
to be used except as mentioned.
and
Patent PoultryMeal contains meat-fibre,
Spiitt's
is an oxoellent soft food for all kinds of poultry,
MantjoldWurtzch, boiled and mixed with middlings,
form an oxeolloiitand ooouomical food for fowls,
Potdfocii. The morning food for a few fowls,
may often
bo provided
Potato parings
boiled
at a very trifling
cost
and niixod with pollard
or
are
middlings,
very good and
oheap They should be minced,and mixed with enough
scalded to make a atijr
and dry past",
of the middlings,
dry enough to break when thrown upon the ground.
without this or some
similar mixture,are
of
Potatoes,
to
given
"
little
benefitto fowls.
for fowls which
Greaves should not be used,especially
for the table,
flavour to
are
as
theygive a disagreeable
the meat
They will,no doubt,cause an increase of
disease will be
for a time,but,if longcontinued,
laying
Diseases.
the result,
in the chapter
as explained
on
have stated,meal and other soft foods
it must be remembered
ooonomical than grain,
are
more
and it is no doubt best
is a grinding-mill,
thatthe gizztvrd
Althoughas
wo
34
ANIMAL
FOOD
"
WATER.
fore
employment,corn should therequantity
every day.
of ihis
Green
Food
must be givendaily. The neglect
of entire failure in keepis a frequent
cause
ing
requirement
and
fowls in confinement ; theywill droop and pine,
sometimes
die,with plentyof grainbefore them,for the
of green food ; turnip-tops,
bage-leav
cabwant of a constant picking
cut grass, and,in fact,
or
lettuce,
turfs,
any
which
the
will
be
and
food
fowls
eat,
given, if a
may
green
it will materially
lessen the cost of
varietyis allowed,
feeding.
that it should have
be givenin some
Food
Animal
meat
where
some
sort is necessary for fowls ifwe
laywell. This theygenerally
providefor
when theyhave their freedom ; but when confined,
be giventhem.
must
Scrapsfrom the table,
few fowls are kept,may be sufiicient. Or one
expectthem
themselves
of
some
to
but
fowls twice a week
pound of bullock's liver for half-a-dozen
will suffice,
and the increase of eggs will always
well repay
the cost. A less quantity
will be enough,if the fowls
have any opportunity
to obtain their natural supplyof
and insects. The liver should be boiled,
worms
chopped
and
mixed
with
it
is
fine,
meal,otherwise
apt to interfere
with a relish for other food ; and the more
active birds will,
get the greatershare. Eggs cannot be producedwithout
nutritious food,and' cooked meat when givenin moderation,
while it cannot injure
is more
the fowls,
conducive to
the production
of eggs than any other food. Horseflesh,
when it is to be had,is very suitable. The water in which
it is boiled is useful for mixingmeal.
Salt meat should
be given. During severe
never
continuous cold
or
frosts,
winds in winter,an extra quantityof animal food
may
be
with
benefit.
always given
Red pepper
to twenty-five
(abouta tea-spoonful
or thirty
mixed with the soft food in the
fowls),
times
morning,will somebe found beneficial and will
promote laying;but,
for reasons
elsewhere explained,
(page39),it must not
be longcontinued,
and onlyduring
inclement weather.
very
freshand dean,must be kept before fowls at
all hours; this is indispensable.
Stale and dirtywater,
that which has stood long in the
or
sun, is the frequent
of disease in the poultry-yard.
cause
It should be reWater,
36
OF
MANNER
FEEDING.
and will
of food i8 indispensable,
food should be
not increase the cost of feeding
; the
changed at least twice a week, the diiferent varieties
A
frequent change
thrive npon any
Fowls Avillnever
in torn.
beinggive-a
how selected. The eagerkind of food,no matter
one
ness
with which they will run after any new food,in
to what has been giventhem for a few days,
preference
ferent
is a sure indication that the change is beneficial. Difbe mixed,otherwise
sorts of food should not,as a rule,
the opportunity
for frequent
changeswould be lessened.
The poultry-keeper
Manner
who supOf Feeding.
poses
his fowls are properly
fed because he sees gram
the ground before them
at all hours, and who
upon
bestows upon them no further care
about their feeding
is a far more
commits the greatest
error.
Over-feeding
"
than under-feeding.
A hen is more
ject
suband producesless eggs, when fat,and if
to disease,
to lay; so that there is a
cease
very fat,will entirely
Fowls must, however,
double Joss throughover-feeding.
be well and regularly
fed.
As to quantitp,
the rule should be to givefowls as much
in about ten miuutes, when the
flis theywill eat
edgerly
should be removed, and no more
food which is not eaten
feeds twice each day;this
given, except at the regular
and at liberty.
to fowls both iu confinement
applies
Where
they have not space tn run and foragefor thettbe givenof table scraps and
a midday feed should
feelves,
common
error
greeu food.
Soft or ground food should
morning,and grainshould
go to roost at night.After
givenDery earlyiu the
alwaysbe givenbefore the fowls
the lobguight'sfastiug,
softfood
be
satisfies their iumiediate wants
if
:
while,
grainbe givenin the morning,several hours must elapse
before it affordsfull nourishment.
This system of feeding
in the morning
and some
is often reversed,
writers even
recommend
the
but
those
latter course,
who adopt it should not fail to
soft food with the grain in the morning,
give some
after
especially
the
long nightsof winter,in
oider
to
ftfibrdthat immediate nourishment so essential after sixtenn hours' fasting.
Soft food should be ^iv?n warm
Cnothot) at all times.
in winter.
tmd eipeoially
Meal should always be mixed
with boiling
cooks the food. A
water, which partially
is to make
error
oommon
the food too wet
and
soft,in
which state it becomes injurious
to the fowls,
compelling
than their nature
them to take more
it
water
requires;
be very dry when mixed,so as to roll into balls and
thrown
the ground,and never
break into pieoaawhen
on
which it is thrown.
to stick to the surface upon
so wet as
must
Salt,must be
injurious.
It is a bad
used
plan to
very
as
sparingly,
feed fowls
in
too much
of it is
trough or
pan, as
and the timid ones
driven away and
are
theyeat too fast,
do not get their share. Grain should be thrown on the
that the fowls must
and well scattered,
hard gravel,
so
run
af'terit
Soft food
should
be
a
given upon
smooth
kept for the purpose, which should be washed often
enough to keep them alwayssweet and cle.in. It is best
distance apart,and compel the
to placethe boards some
from one
as
fowls to run
to the other,back and forth
No plan is
the food is thrown to them a littleat a time.
all the food in one
that of placing
as
so
objectionable
feed without moving ; this
that the fowls can
so
place,
but not for health and good condition.
may do for fattening,
Wo need hardlygivea caution againstthrowing the food
is
bel'ore intimated
we
as
on
muddy ground,for mud
in the poultry-yard.
be seen
should never
a thingmat
them
Feedingfowls on muddy ground is apt to cause
them to eat their own
ment,
excreserious injury,
by compelling
in their
with the mud
mixed
is generally
which
in winter,to strew
especially
yards. It is an excellent plan,
grainupon a floor well-covered with cut straw,so that the
boards
"
"
"
fowls will have to work in order to obtain it
in feedingis very essential : fowls are creatures
liegularity
to reguand when they become accustomed
of habit,
lar
in
search
will
certain
it
and
at
times,
go
feeding, expect
much
and
obtain
do
to
of food if theyhave any liberty
so,
It is likewise a good
than they otherwise would.
more
planto feed them tn their house in winter ; theywill then
the cola,
thus avoiding
inclined to resort there,
their laying. If
promotingtheir health,and increasing
rod about the door,theywill stand about begging in the
be
more
TBEATMENT
38
WHEN
MOULTING.
cold,for hours,and suffer in consequence. We are, of
theirhouse to be a fit habitation for them
course, supposing
in the previous
and clean,
as
explained
warm, dry,light
chapter.
quire
At Moulting time, which beginsin autumn, fowls re"
The Douglas Mixture" is
than usual care,
more
recommended by highauthorities. It is made with half-aof sulphuric
of iron and one
ounce
acid,
pound of sulphate
of which
of water,one teaspoonful
dissolvedin two gallons
mixture is to be added to every pintof water givento the
of moulting. It is also useful in
fowls duringthe period
"
very cold weather.
is also of special
ing
durlittle
use
hemp-seed,
givendaily,
half a peck,costing
the moultingseason
; probably
Is.,
the whole period.
will be sufficientfor a dozen fowls during
of meat, if
A very littlepepper, and an
extra quantity
givenduringthe few weeks throughwhich moultinglasts
will preventloss of fowls. With the more
hardybreeds
these precautions
not so necessary, but they always
are
of
have a goodeffectin causing
an
earlyrecommencement
A
laying.
"
All birds require
warmth and more
more
generous diet
duringthistime of drain upon their system. This is especially
the case with old fowls. Do not let them out early
but feed them under
in the morningif the weather is chilly,
such as
soft food chiefly,
cover, and give them warm,
bread and ale,
milk porridge
made very thick with oatmeal,
littleboiled meat, such as liver,
a
"c.,cut small,
potatoes
mashed
and a littleground pepper
up with potliquor,
mixed daily
in their mess."
PoultryBook for tlieMany.
and care, recomwith due warmth
mence
Young fowls will,
after the moultingprocess is completed
layingsoon
older
should
ones
;
beginin Januaryand February,
will seldom begin tillthe spring.Old
but very old ones
fowls also finishmoulting
much later than young ones, and
be expected
cannot
to begin layingagain tillthe process
"
is
completed.
Fowls which have their liberty
should not be compelled,
from hunger,to go in search of food in cold,
wet, or very
b
ut
should
be
fed at such times.
windyweather,
generously
The
of keepingfowls,
cost
when in confinement,
ought
PROMOTING
to exceed
39
LAYING.
twoponce each
per week for the smaller
and threepence
for the hirger;
of course
much will
birds,
in prodependupon the amount of scraps from the table,
of fowls kept. When
to the number
fowls are not
the cost oughtnot
or when
theyhave their liberty,
aying,
Fowls will eat much more
to exceed half the above sum.
never
fmrtion
while
than
laying
Foods
at other
and should be fed accordingly.
times,
Laying. Many would consider a
directions
poultryincompletewithout some
to Promote
"
work
on
under thishead ; out we think that the rules laid down in
and the
those pages for ihe general
management of fowls,
for promoting
brace
empreviously
suggested
laying,
nearly all that is really
or
practicable
necessary to
of a warm
and comfortable
be said. With the advantage
house in winter,
an
average of at least two eggs per week
have elsewhere
from each hen may be expected
; and, as we
will laymucJi better in winter than
pullets
stated,
food so often reof stimulating
older fowls. The excess
commended
tliem to layin winter,
with the view of forcing
is injurious
an
to the fowls in the end ; for although
the
increasednumber of eggs may be produced in winter,
that
productive
power of the fowls will be so exhausted,
theywill be only fitfor the stew-pan.
oy the spring
authoress of " Warne's
Elizabeth Watts,
On this subject,
Forcing-feeding
Poultry Book," observes :"
Shilling
antly,
fowls
to lay abundinduce
beans,peas, suid meat
may
out it will not producelastingly
stronghealthy
and those thus fed will seldom either live out their
fowls,
chickens of natui-alstrength
natural term of life,
or produce
ti-eatment
"
"
"
and stamina."
directions for promoting
will,however,givesome
of course,
to be adoptedat discretion,
preferably,
laying
in winter,
bered,
when eggs are dear. Fowls,it must be rememWe
and few
of rest from laying,
certam
periods
require
be made to laymore
hens can, by any system of feeding,
than 200 or 225 eggs in a year. If,by the aid of wivinth
and stimulants,
portion
theycan be made to producea good probe
number
of them in winter,
expected
a less
may
stimulant be givenin
much
If therefore,
m
summer.
We
summer, we must expeotfew,if any, eggs in winter.
4i()
to
PROMOTE
LAYING.
signed
few months before fowls are to be conor
winter,
to the stew-pan,whether it be summer
stimulants may
munerative
increase of egg-producing
prove rean
to those who keep fowls for profit
Efd pepper, givenwith the soft morningfood,
especially
small
One
teaincrease
will greatly
in winter,
laying.
three times a week, is sufficient.
to a dozen fowls,
spoonful
and discontinued
If givenonlyto the fowls that are not laying,
to
when they beginto lay,it wUl be less likely
to all stimulants of this
applies
injurethem,and the same
may
add that for
a
class.
have already
as
we
stated,
sort,
If giventhree or four times
givenoccasionally.
a
week, a piecethe size of a walnut to each fowl will
greatlypromote layingin winter,or in summer, when
fowls are, by confinement,
of it in the form of
deprived
be boiled,
insects. It must
minced,and mixed with their
the appefood,and never be givenraw ; otherwise it spoils
tite
Animal
should be
Food
of
some
for other food.
A
the
of cooked animal
effects of the stimulants
injurious
moderate
use
food does not have
above mentioned.
The dairymen in France and Germany have a method
of housingand feeding
fowls which greatly
promoteslaying
between the stalls
in winter.
They build double partitions
inches apart,thus forming
in their cow-houses some
eighteen
compartmentsfor the hens between the stalls. These
and the
and clean,
compartments are kept well lighted
hens are
confined therein in cold weather,and fed on
Indian corn
and buckwheat
alternately.
Every morning
w
ith
small
of
are
a
they
supplied
quantity paste,made of
and a littlebrick-dust.
hemp-seedmixed with barley-meal
The warmth
of the cow-house and the stimulating
nature
of the food (especially
the hemp-seed)cause
them to lay
all the winter,
but by the springtheir productive
powers
if
are
not
exhausted,
and,
nearly
diseased,
theyare onlyfit
for fattening.
The warm
housingand generous feeding
food should produce more
without the stimulating
factory
satisresults.
Mr. Baily,
an
in his valuable little
experienced
breeder,
"
book on
of any sort will
fowls,says, High feeding
make fowls lay,
especially
hemp-seedand tallow-chandlers'
TO
and
hno
for
the
produce
in
several,
loses
of
matter
cease
all
of
that
entirely
greaves
will
have
of
course
and
that
the
to
lay."
usefulness
most
them
prolitio
lay,
and
on,
dropsy,
which
being
and
hens
is
for
forced
to
work
of
the
^et
but
ease
dis-
laying
been
;
^to
"
continued
have
ered,
cov-
cooked
comes
nature,
should
kept
are
make
chopped
are
and
water,
especially
would
what
oeauty
the
latter
decrepitude
appears,
years
the
boiling
This
premature
wonder
whole,
till
cold.
ordinary
two
given
steam,
fowl
41
LAYING.
vessel
forms
The
in
years,
:
many
incurable.
a
nearly
time
a
is
the
when
in
a
into
confine
given
only
former
put
to
bo
the
;
greaves
I'ROMOTE
it
should
is
often
denly
sud-
42
V.
CHAPTEE
BEEEDING.
Purity
Breeds
of
Laying, Time of CoMMENoma"
Hens
Sit
Breaking
Sitting
Causing
off
the
to
Success of Hidden
NestsSitting Hen
Supposed
Fertile and
Eggs
Fattening
Chickens
Unfertile
Eggs.
To Fatten Fowls
Preserving
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
of the term
In the strictest sense
be called absolutely
breed of fowls can
no
pure, all the
varieties now
having sprung from a common
existing,
quote the
origin,viz.,the Indian Jungle fowl. We
able remarks on this subject
from The Field.
following
"All that can
be asserted of the so-called purest-bred
is that it has been reared for a number of years
variety
with any other variety.
without a cross
or
generations
has been
But it should be remembered
that every variety
either from the
reared by careful artificial selection,
Purity
of Breeds.
stock
original
"
from other varieties.
"
In the strictsense
of the word,then,there is no such
the term is onlycomparatively
thingas an absolutely
pure breed
We
the Spanishfowl of pure
true.
may term
and obviously
breed,because it has existed a longperiod,
could not be improvedby crossing
with any other known
in fact,its originas a varietyis not known.
variety;
But many
of our domesticated birds have a much
more
recent
bantams
were
origin.Where
fiftyyears
game
The
d
id
?
not
exist.
have
been made
variety
They
ago
by two modes : breedinggame to reduce the size,and
then crossingthe small game
fowl so
obtained with
bantams.
Yet game
bantams,as at present shown,have
quiteas good a titleto a pure breed as any other variety.
In fact,every variety
be called a pure breed that
may
its own
likeness true to form and colour.
reproduces
or
"
44
TO
XJ^JJOCB
BITTING..
It is not advisable to breed from birds of the same
age.
The best results are
to be obtained by mating two year
old hens with a year old cock or vice versa.
in one
of a
Vincent Skinner,
to Sit.
Causing Hens
series of papers in the Journal of JEfortieultwe,
says :
"
sit
when
to
show
Should a hen not
a disposition
required
be placedin her nest with a few eggs,
to do so, she must
consist of buckwheat,
and keptvery warm
; her food must
and Indian corn
hemp-seed,a littleraw chopped liver,
(maize); she must also be keptin the dark,and she will
probablysoon manifest a desire to sit." This treatment
must, of course, be appliedto a hen duringthe laying
periodin order to become effectual.
The number of eggs which a hen will laybefore beginning
the
breed
and
to sit dependsvery much
upon
upon
circumstances.
When a hen hides her nest,and the eggs
allowed to remain unmolested,she will seldom lay
are
than from twelve to fifteen. The plan of leaving
more
destined
a dozen eggs in the nests of those hens which
are
and (withthe exfor sitting,
is therefore recommended
ception
of the non-sitting
this
will generally
breeds)
succeed in inducing
them to sit early.Such hens as
have these
are
preferredfor sitters should preferably
full nests to themselves.
When
the desired number
of
sitters is obtained it is best to remove
aU the nest-eggs
The subject
of hatching
except one, from every nest
will be found fullytreated upon in the two subsequent
"
"
chapters.
Breaking Ofif the Sitting Hen.
hen persists
in sitting
at a time when
it is not desirable,
she may be
shut up for two or three days away from any nest,and
in a placewhich is strangeto her. The most
preferably,
suitable food will be the low non-heating
such as
sorts,
boiled rice ; she should have a constant supply
or
potatoes
of clean water,also green food and gravel.This planisso
simpleand effectual that there is no occasion to resort to
unnatural means.
The movable
more
coops, (see
page 23),
well suited for the purpose.
are
mend
Some, however,recomthe hen in a dark but well ventilated
confining
without food or drink,
for two days,as the quickest,
place,
the least cruel method ; the inclination
and, therefore,
"
When
a
HIDDEN
from
to sitarising
NESTS
"
FHBTILITY
OF
EGGS.
45
state of feverishness,
which is reduced
is to dipthe
fasting.A common
practice
a
food or
hen under water ; but this is a pieceof cruelty
for which
have seldom heard of this,
there is no excuse, and we
or
any similar means, being successful. If keptentirely
however
from the nest for four or five consecutive days,
well fed,any hen will be broken of the desire to sit;
and three days will sufficefor most breeds.
There are writers who advance the theorythat hens
be allowed to sit for a few weeks when so
should always
and upon imitation eggs when
the season, or
inclined,
render hatching
other circumstances,
impracticable
; and
be
some
go so far as to say that hens may advantageously
allowed to sitfor six weeks in the autumn
upon imitation
eggs, in order to helpthem throughthe moultingprocess.
It is certain that sitting
is,at any rate,no tax upon the
she will actually
fatten
of a hen ; on the contrary,
strength
duringtlieprocess,if well fed ; and the extra week's sitting
for hatching
required
geese or ducks' eggs is no cruelty,
hen is broken off from
a
as is often supposed.When
she will generally
recommence
layingwithin a
sitting,
few weeks,and the beneficialrest is of short duration compared
and rearing
with that of the hatching
processes.
is a common
It
Hidden
NestsSuccess
of
Supposed
oeliefthat when a hen hides her nest,she is very likely
buted
attrito hatch all her eggs, this success
being generally
to the fad that the hen is undisturbed while sitting.
by low
"
attained
be equally
But complete
in hatchingcan
success
to be fed,
when the sitting
hen is liftedfrom the nest daily
examined under a strong light
and the eggs occasionally
unfertile.
to discover which are
(aselsewhere explained)
is that the hidden nest
The more
reasonable explanation
where the necessary
isgenerally
made upon the ground,
hen sometimes hides her
moisture is secured. Again,
a
and
to sit,
and abandons itin a few daysafter beginning
nest,
is brought
leavesthe eggs to rot. It is when the hatching
ing
of findto a successful conclusion that we have the means
home her brood.
bringing
work on poultry
The writer of a popular
havingnoticed
for a few days,
that a hen abandoned her nest after sitting
all unfertile.
and th')tthe eggs, on being broken,ware
it out
"
by the
hen
46
FATTENING
CHICKENS.
conclusion that a hen is able to
extraordinary
which beginsin fertile
the pulsation
distinguish
(through
fertileor not,
eggs on the fourth day) whether eggs are
she abandons them ! Those who
and that if unfertile,
with which a hen will sit upon
have seen the persistency
comes
to the
imitation eggs,
week, will
or
an
empty nest,week after
upon
giveher credit for so much wisdom.
even
hardly
It has been found by experience
fattened and the highest
that chickens can be most readily
results obtained,
as
regardstheir condition for the table,
by the employment of food in the form of meal,giving
them but a very small amount of grainfood. Buckwheatmaize-meal,and the other soft foods
meal, barley-meal,
mixed with milk,and every alternate day with
preferably
farther on, for
as
a
dripping,
change,as recommended
adult fowls,
fattening
may be used with equal advantage
in the fattening
of chickens. The food should be given
at regular
intervals about every four or five hours
and
removed as soon
sufficient. Oats,
as the birds have eaten
and rice,
far inferior to oatmeal in their
and potatoes
are
With such care
have indicated,
as
we
properties.
fattening
the chickens should be well fattened in ten or twelve
or
days,when they should be killed,
they begin to lose
weight. Careful attention should be givento cleanliness;
the feeding-trough
must alwaysbe keptsweet and clean,
constant
a
supplyof clean water and a fresh supplyof
suitable green food should also be provideddaily,
and a
littlefine fresh gravel
should alwaysbe within their reach
to assist digestion.
Warmth
is a very greatassistancein
the fattening
should thereforebe
process, and due provision
that the birds are comfortably
made to ensure
and warmly
If fattened in coops, they should be
housed.
placedin a
but well-ventilated place; if keptin the dark,
warm
except
while feeding,
theywill fatten much more
but it
quickly,
is stated by good authorities that their flesh is not so
good as when fattened in the light.
When
chickens are to be fattened,
the process
young
should be begun as soon
as
theyhave leftthe hen, provided
theyare at least three months old,when,iftheyhave
been properly
fed and cared for,they will
be in
usually
condition
good
; whereas,
as theirbones
afterwards,
Fattening Chickens.
"
"
"
develop,
FATTENING
FOWLa
47
theyare in the most
theybeginto lose flesh. Moreover,
and delicate condition for eatingif fattened at
perfect
this earlyage. If kept for four or five months before
eimer for home use or market,the profit
fattening,
upon
lessened. They should be well fed
them will be much
from the day they are
hatched,or their growth will
become so stunted that no amount
of extra feeding
will
the injury.If well fed from the first,
not onlywill
repair
and quickly
be more
but their flesh
fattened,
easily
they
willbe richer and
delicate.
^An excellent planis to placethem
To Fatten
Fowls.
houses constructed specially
for the purpose.
in fattening
Each house may be made to contain from ten to twenty
and should be warm
and airy,with raised earth
fowls,
of gravel
with
covered with a layer
strewn slighthr
floors,
clean. Several
straw,the house must be keptperfectly
for food and water should be placed
in the house,
troughs
have easy access
For fattening
to them.
so that each bird may
the use of a perch is contraryto the usual
fowls,
the firstportion
of
practice
; but it may be allowed during
the time : for this purpose, a few perchesmay be placed
in the house,but theywill not be required
long,for as
soon
as the fowls beginto fatten from
they will
feeding,
to roost in the straw.
prefer
By this method fowls may
be fattened to as higha degree,
and their flesh will be as
fattened in a farmyard.
as if theywere
delicate,
Another planis to fatten in coops ; these may be about
three feet high,
which will furnish
two wide,and four long,
for six or eight fowls,
room
to their size. The
according
coops may also be ouilt in compartmentsabout ten inches
sist
by twenty,and twentyinches high. The floor should conof wooden bars about two inches wide,and two apart,
with the upper edgesrounded,
the bars extend from side to
side of the coops ; the front should be enclosed with rails
about an inch wide and three apart. The coops should be
in a well-ventilatedhouse,
warm
placed
keptat a moderately
and
freefrom
the
fronts
covered
temperature,
draughts,
being
with matting
cold
in
weather. Large wooden traysthe
sizeof the coops, and filled
with dryearth should be placed
and the coops fixed two or three inches above
on the ground,
tLein; the traysshould be moved out and cleaned out daily.
more
"
48
FATTENING
FOWLS.
food should be given to the
The most easily-digested
is the best;
and but littlegrain. Buckwheat-meal
fowls,
in sendthe French attribute their great success
ing
to its use
The next best food is
well-fattened fowls to market.
in equalproportions,
maize-meal and barley-meal
and
mixed with milk,if possible.
Barley-mealand oatmeal
mixed with milk,or at times with a
given alternately,
is an
excellent fattening
littledripping,
food,some
give
with
and
excellent
results.
drippingregularly
Chopped
food
should
be
fresh
The
fowls
supplied
green
every day.
should be fed from troughs,
at regular
keptperfectly
clean,
the
and
in
ing
periods
againjustbefore roost; early
morning
best ; and as soon
time are
sufficienthas been
as
eaten, the troughsshould be taken away; a littlefine
of
gravelmust be placedwithin reach to aid the digestion
the food. A sufficientsupplyof clean water is necessary,
and must
always be accessible. Should the confinement
under the coops producevermin,a littlepowderedsulphur,
rubbed into the roots of the feathers,
will soon
prove a
be completed
in
remedy. The process of fattening
may
ten daysif the fowls are
keptin the dark,but it will extend
to twenty days if they are
in
the light
kept
; the
fl^shof tbose fattenedin the light
is however superior
to
in
that of those kept
the dark. As soon
as the fowls are
in proper condition,
theyshould be kiUed,otherwise,
they
will speedily
lose flesh,
become feverish,
and unfit for food,
and sometim-s
they will quicklydie. After the fowls
removed for market or killing,
are
the coops should be
well washed with lime and dried before other birds are
placedunder them.
'
as we
do, with all iho highest
that
Agreeing,
authorities,
the method of fattening
pou'tryby cramming,"
tionable
is,objecthe
of
on
account
and
chiefly
inferiortlesh
coarse
omit
we
producedby it,
of the
givingany description
"
process.
Fowls that have been fattened should be
kept without
food or water for ten or twelve hours before
beingkflled;
theywill tlien keepmuch better,
as the fermenting
of food
in lie crops and bowels often cause
them to turn green
in warm
weather. If the crop and bowels are empty, the
fowls should not be drawn ; they will then
'much
keep
PRESERVING
EGGS.
49
longer.They should be plucked while warm, and then
dippedfor an instant in boiling
water, to givethem a
but
good plump appearance ;
they must not be packed
cold.
When
until quite
a
appearance is not an object,
fowls by dipgreatqealof time may be saved in plucldng
ping
them for half a minute in boiling
water justbefore
to pluck tliem. In this way
be
fowls can
beginnin;T
in one fourth the usual time,and, with due care,
plucked
their appearance for table.
it need not injure
Preserving Eggs. Mr. Wright,in his admirable
"
to which we
Book of Poultry,"
indebted for several
are
"
describes the following
best plan of
other extracts,
as the
"
"
To four gallons
of boiling
all for preserving
eggs :
water add half a peck of new
lime,
stirrmgit some little
time. When
cold,remove
any hard lumps by a coarse
of salt and three ounces
of cream
of
add ten ounces
sieve,
and mix the whole thoroughly.
The mixture is
tartar,
then allowed to stand for a fortnight
to temper before use.
"
"
be
covered up. Thus treated,
if put in when
kept closely
new
laid,
theywill eat quiteas good nine months after
of course, not quite
as
thoughlaid onlysix days,though,
laid.
like new
by whatever meUiod,
Eggs preserved
should be treated the same
day theyare taken from tho
"
nest ; and care should be taken that theyhave not been
hen more
hour or two at most.
under a sitting
an
tlyi^
in
recommended by Mrs. Blair,
A goodand simple
plan,
her work," The Henwife,"
is to selectonlyperfectly-formed
them in a jar,
and pour on them lime-water,
eggs, place
made by dissolving
in the proportion
of half
quick-lime,
of water.
This mixture must stand
a peck to four gallons
tillthe residue has settled at the bottom ;
a day at least,
is then pouredover
the eggs, so as to
the clear portion
fre^ eggs are
them. Should the jar not be full,
cover
added from time to time,and as the lime-water rises,
it
is pouredoff into another jar ready to be filledin like
The eggs must be at least one inch below the
manner.
Place a plate,
lid of wood over,
surfaceof the water.
or
to prevent
them from floating
; tie up the jarand label it,
the date and number of eggs. Preserved in this way,
stating
the eggs will be found very good after six months keeping.
The eggs
are
to be
.
.
and to
as possible,
packedas closely
.
50
EGGS.
COOKING
The
shell
fresh
closes
simple oiling of eggs which
and
prevents evaporation, will cause
month
at least one
longer than when
the
of
pores
thnm
keep
to
left in
the
the
usual
manners
How
to
Cook
boiling
eggs,
i
is
to
them
them
off
the
exact
but
do
let
fire, and
they
will
hard,
be
and
the
ot-dinary way.
time
for
cooking
of
egga.
not
like
and
the
stand
them
in
regulated by
number
who
and
best
boiling water,
into
not
The
"
those
when
minutes,
cooked
for
put
through,
Eggs.
far
found
more
only good plan of
hard
them
boiled,
immediately take
from
cooked
delicious
five
to
six
thoroughly
than
when
this method, the
Adopting
will of course
require to be somewhat
used for a given
quantity of water
52
NEST.
SITTING
THE
break the eggs. A goodplanalso is
the surface of the nest with feathers before putting
to cover
the eggs in, to assistin keepingthem warm,
ally
especinot be too rounded
The nest must
in the early
spring.
or
deep,otherwise the eggs will press too much against
each other,and thus be liable to break as the hen steps
The straw must be
to the nest.
upon them in returning
fuUyan inch or two in depthat the bottom of the box,for
that the eggs
if it were
at any time to become
so displaced
touched the bottom of the box, theywould be sure to beaddled. The box should be fuU within an inch or
ome
of the top,or the hen may break the eggs in jumping
jWO
In winter the nest must
down upon them.
not onlybe
straw is then required,
house,but more
placedin a warm
and the whole surface of the nest underneath the eggs
should be well covered with feathers.
ting
Becoming used to the Nest. When the house for sitis separatefrom the roosting
and laying-house,
as is
there may be some
from the
alwayspreferable,
difficulty,
hens to sit nowhere except
strong inclination of some
where theyhave been laying.The best way, therefore,
is
to prepare the nest in the laying-house
only
; providing
imitation eggs at first,
and moving the hen and nest altogether,
into the sitting-house,
her the
at night,
not giving
until the next night,
after she has become
eggs for hatching
satisfiedwith the change.
Enclosingthe Nest. It is a goodplan for the nest to
be constructed with a fire-screenflap,
to liftup in front,
that the hen may be confined there until used to the
so
nest ; and,indeed,there is no objection
to the flapbeing
closed duringthe whole time,opening
to
it every morning
allow the hen to come
off for food. This method is necessary
where
hens are allowed to sit in a house to which
'
layinghens have access ; otherwise the sitteris liableto be
driven from the nest by a larger
ted.
hen, or otherwise molesIf the flap
be opened at a
regulartime every day,
she will,
in a few days,
the habit of comingofffor
acquire
food when the flap
is raised. She
lifted
may be carefully
from the nest for the firstfew
days,if necessary untilthis
habit is acquired. (Seechap,
viii.)Enclosing
each most,
and attending
to the feeding
of the sitters
dailywill also
their claws in it and
"
"
SELECTION
preventthe dangerof
OF
53
BOGS.
their
goinginto the wrong nest, or
of two to the same
nest, as theymay do when left'
to
of eggs is often addled.
themselves,
wherebya sitting
Nest boxes are often rhade too narrow, and so
arranged
that the hen is compelled,
after stepping
to the nest,
on
to turn rownd, in order to get her head towards the light
and thus she is very likely
(herusual way of sitting),
to
break her eggs.
should be at one
To avoid this,
her entrance to the nest
side,and not at the front.
Hens
Season for Hatching."
will offer to sit at all
times throughout
the year, and theywill sometimes hatch
three broods in one
and May are,
season.
March, April,
the best months for
however,under ordinary
circumstances,
chickens are hatched,as before
hatching.The sooner
there will be of the pullets
ginning
bestated,the more
certainty
the
time when the old hens
to layin autumn, at
to laythroughmoulting.
should be killed off,
or are
ceasing
Where warm
housingand every attention can be sectirfed,
hatchingin Februarymay be desirable. When required
for the table,
chickens may be hatched at any time, up to
befote severe
August,and, if well fed,will be fitfor eating
hatched later than August,they
weather sets in. When
before
to be stunted by cold weather coming on
are likely
theyare fledged.
Selection of Eggs for Hatching. Carelessness in
of smallness
is a frequent
cause
selecting
eggs for hatching
of sizeand weakness in the brood.
Eggs laid hy unhealthy
ill-conditioned fowls will hatch small,puny chickens,
or
"
chickens
which wiU never
attain a fair size. We have seen
affected with
hatched from eggs laid by a hen slightly
by
onlykept alive for the firstfortnight
roup, which were
of
two
the most careful attention,and which, at the age
months, althoughthen in good condition,weighed not
orood.
quitehalf a-s much as other chickens in the same
be
in chapter
Pullefa eggs should not, as explained
ii.,
much smaller,
used for sitting,
the qhickens beinggenerally
which have been hatched early
except eggs from pullets
springto attain full size,and have
enoughin the previous
But generally
the previous
autumn.
eggs
of
produce
third
second
laying,
or
from hens in their
yeax
begunlayingin
the finestchickens,
OF
SELECTION
54
EGGS.
degeneracyin stock
should
for
care
When, therefore,
eggs are procured sitting,
the cocks are
a yard where
be taken that theyare from
Breed'mg-inis
also
a
cause
of
the hens ; the birds should also be well fed
and in good condition.
stock are to be used,and there
If eggs from the home
not
related
to
is any choice in the different breeds,the best should be
the
and the attendant should learn to recognise
selected,
its peculiar
shape,
size,
eggs of the best hens, each having
of nests, so that each
a number
or colour.
By providing
litated.
hen may resort to a separateone, this would be much faciOr, the choice hens may be placedin a separate
compartment daily,until theyhave laid,if there be any
in identifying
their eggs. The date should be
diflSculty
marked
upon each,and if the weather be hot the eggs
be keptin a cool place
in winter theyremust
quire
; of course
from frost When
to be protected
put under the
around each,
hen, a line should be drawn entirely
sitting
that if others are
laid afterwards theycan
be readily
so
and removed.
distinguished
Eggs which are much larger
smaller than the usual size should be rejected;
the
or
former often contain two yolks,
and as a rule neither will
hatch ; althoughwe know of one instance in which a chick
with two
heads was
hatched from such an egg,
actually
but did not live. In another instance we
h-ive seen a
chick fully
developed,
thoughnot hatched,with four perfectly
formed legsand feet. Any unusual in-egularity
iii
and mis-shaped
shapeis unfavourable to fertility,
eggs are
liable to be broken in the nest before theyare hatched,
thus endangering
the whole, as explainedin the chapter
Incubation.
on
When
is to hatch pullets
the object
for laying
stock,it
is importantto select
eggs from hens which are, known to
be prolific
as the chickens are
layers,
to inherit the
sure
same
quality.We have tried this experiment repeatedly,
and with unvarying
success.
It is a mistake to hatch two breeds,
ference
havingmuch difin their natures, in the same
brood
for instance
;
in
broods
partlySpanish and partlyCochins,we have
found the former so much
quickerupon their remarkably
longlegs,that the hen leads them on, or rather theylead
AGE
iier
on,
the
leaving
AND
CARB
others to
OF
11008.
65
lag behind,and perhapsbe
lost.
when eggs can
Age of the EggaforSitting.It is better,
that none
should be more
be so selected,
than a fortnight
old,and those only one week old are much preferable.
Older eggs may hatch,but longertime is required,
and the
"
Where there is much difiFerchickens are not so thrifty.
in the eggs in pointof time, it is well to placethe
ence
older ones under the hen some
hours before those newly
laid,so as to insure the hatchingof all the chickens at
nearlythe same time ; for every week that an egg is kept,
four or five hours may be reckoned as the additional time
nineteen and a half to twenty
to hatch it. From
required
for hatching,
and a half daysis the usual time required
than a week old ; very old
when the eggs are not more
have been known to be twenty-two days and even
ones
in which case the chickens are generally
longerin hatching,
would never
to live. We
mend
recomweak, and not so likely
than four weeks old.
eggs to be sat when more
should be keptin a cool
Care of Eggs. Eggs for sitting
in dry chaff or bran, and placedupon end, and, by
place
turningthem the oppositeway every day,they may be
extra
in good condition for hatchingfor an
preserved
of the
Most writers advise the placing
week or more.
them.
Mr. L.
when
preserving
eggs on the small end
Wright,however,in Part II. of his Illustrated Book of
parison
states that, after careful observation and comPoultry,"
for two seasons, he has found that eggs keepmuch
when
and for eating,
both for the purpose of sitting
better,
placedwith the largeend downwards; that there is a
in one week
marked difference between the two positions
of the air-bubble ; that in three
the spreading
as
regards
guished
weeks the difference in favour of his plan can be distinby the taste alone ; and that eggs may thus be
The reason
given,
keptfor hatchingfor a month or more.
less
is at the large
end)spreads
that the air-bubble (which
a very natural
end is downwards, seems
when
the
"
"
large
of the eggs upon end,though
placing
nor
is not at all indispensable,
yet
doubt preferable
no
where
instances
of
the
is
one
to nature, but this
according
we
can
improveupon nature
one.
Of
course
the
66
SEX
OK
EGQ8.
OilingEggs." The coatingof
eggs with
shell and
oil
or
checks
fresh
the pores of the
evaporar
of
or
injured'
cause
tion (the'
eggs
principal
this process has been geheraUjr'recomand although
stale);
most writers have
for preserving
mended
eggs for eating,
recorded a caution against
oilingthose whicli
specially
the supposition
that the oil
for sitting,
on
inteiided,
were
successful
hatchinginnposso closes the pores as \o render
sible. Recent experiments,
however,prove the faUaciof
well established that the oihngof
this idea,and it is now
not onlyis no detriment,but is a positive
eggs for sitting,
it tends to prevent evaporation,
and thus
as
advantage,
the eggs fresh until theyare put under the hen,
preserves'
whilst the heat of the hen duringhatching
to have
seems
of dispelling
the oil. Our own
the efifect
planis invariably
the day theyare taken
io oil all eggs intended for sitting
in hatching.
There
from the nest,g-ndwith marked success
is no doiibtthat by this means
can
safely
eggs for sitting
weeks longerthan when not oSed. Fresh
be kept some
The mere
of
butter is suitable for the purpose.
gireasihg
is sufficient.
the entire surface,
Sex of Eggs." It is an old theory ^which has survived
for two thousand year^ ^that short eggs producepullets
have
cockerels; but our own
and longones
experiments
when taken mnot satisfiedus of the truth of the theory,
It is also statedby
of other circumstances.
dependently
of the air-vesiclein eggs
writers that the position
some
determines the sex, those havingit in the centre of the
and those showingit at
cockerels,
largeend producing
side of the centre containing
one
pullets
; but this theory
is contraryboth to reason
and experience.
Mr. L. Wright,in the
Illustrated Book of Poultry,"
states the following
four facts as the result of careful experiment
and these facts are
and ipquiry,
confirmedby
1st. The eggs of a
:
own
our
experience
are
young pullet
generally
longerand more pointedat the small end than
bird either later in the season
those laijd,
ly the same
or
2nd. These earlypullets'
the next year.
eggs will produce,
about
an
the
on
of six cockerels
average,
proportion
3rd. Eggs laid e"rlyin the
to four pullets.
season
by
older hens are also,
as
a rule,
a
nd
perceptibly
more
butter
doses
becoming
"
"
"
"
longer
SEX
OF
57
EGGS.
pointedthan those laidlater in the season.
4th. It iswell
iinown that cpckerels
oftener predominate
in early
Taroods,
and pullets
in laterones.
From
these rules which we believe will accord with
the experience of all observing
it will be
poultry-keepers
that the sex of eggs depends
seen
more
upon the time at
which they are laili
than upon their shape; the latter
theorydoubtless had its foundation in the fact that,if
long eggs are selected in earlyspring,with a view of
later m the season, with
or short ones
cockerels,
hatching
both experiments
a view of hatching
pullets,
may prove
^both
successful,
results,
however,dependingentirely
upon
the time the eggs were
of
laid,instead
upon their shape.
There is so much differencein the shapeof eggs from different
hens that the selection of the long or short ones
from a promispuous
lot of eggs, with a vigw to the sex,
would onlylead to disappointment
; and yet if a batch of
hen are kept separate,
their comparative
eggs from one
would be an indication as to which had been laid
lengths
to their probable
therefore,
first,
sex.
ai^d,
The above-mentioned writer believes that the smaller
number of hens that run with a cock,and the more
vigorous
the more
cockerels may be expected
from the eggs;
thebird,
alsothat,in any batch of eggs, those laid firstwill generally
cockerels
than
This
the
later
ones.
producemore
theorywe have verified in all the broods in which
laljljer
have tested it duringseveral seasons
we
; and remarkably
in one instance,
where the sex of every one in a brood of
twelve proved the truth of the theory the eggs selected
from the last half-dozen laid by hens justbefore sitting
all pullets,
and those from hens which had just
pi^oducing
aU cockerels. We
producing
begunlaying
may therefore
the sex of eggs :
thus suiiimarisethree rules governing
"
"
"
"
"
1. If the eggs have been laid earlyin the season,
cockerels wiU most
predominatein the
probably
broods.
of
the earlyeggs in any batch,irre.spective
to be produced
more
likely
season, cockerels are
;
from the last
more
pullets
Yfhile
may be expected
eggs of a baitch.
2. From
68
OF
NUMBER
EGGS
FOB
STTTING,
of hens runningwith the
3. The smaller the number
to dominate,
cockerels are
male bird,the more
likely
prehatched.
the eggs are
when
The
second
rule
we
consider the most
reliable.
Small Broods. ^The
Sitting."
is from
usual number of eggs most convenient for a sitting
to the size of the eggs, the size
nine to fifteen,
according
of her plumage. Many writers
of the hen, and the amount
of onlyseven, or at most nine,eggs
recommend
the sitting
in winter or early
and some
advise a less number,
spring,
of the hen not being able safely
account
not so much
on
in winter,but because she is unnumber
to hatch a large
able
brood of chickens warm
after
to keep a numerous
theyattain a considerable size;and thus, althoughthey
thrive well at first,
their growth is greatlychecked after
of Eggs for
Number
"
In one
had two large
the firstfew weeks.
we
instance,
broods hatched at the beginningof March, within a few
varieties of home
daysof each other,and from the same
of Grimalkin,one of the broods
eggs. By the depredations
reduced to seven
before the end of the firstweek ; and
was
the other brood of twelve all lived. At the age of eight
the latter in growth,
weeks the former had far surpassed
in fact were
nearlydouble the size,though both broods
attention and treatment, ^the impossireceived the same
bility
of
of their beingwell brooded beingthe main cause
the difference in size. Another reason
why a small brood
alwaysthrives much better than a largeone is,that the
best of all food,which the hen obtains for her chickens by
is divided among
a smaller number.
scratching,
the necessity
While thus admitting
of smaller broods in
advise a different course
in regardto the
we
earlyspring,
arrangement for hatching.Our own planis to sit nearly
the usual number
of eggs, or as
the hen can
as
many
if
and
too many
hatched kill off the
are
safelycover,
and
less
valuable
When
the objectis to
ones.
weakly
obtain
earlypulletsfor replacingthe stock of layers
in the autumn, the cockerels may
be killed as soon
as
"
their
weeks
sex
"
valuable
thus
can
and
be
thus
cau
pullets
obtainingthem
distinguished
generallywithin two
brood of half-a-dozen large and
a
"
often
be
secured,the
being merely the
extra
cost
additional
in
eggs
60
VII.
CHAPTER
INCUBATION.
Incubation
Theoet
Process
Stages
xsd
of
of
Management
Incubation
Development
during
^Feeding
RsMAiNrNG
Nest
Necessity
the
off
Compartment
Moisture
Separate
OF
fob
each
Hen
Cold
Weather
Prevention
of Vermin
Fertility
How
Non-Fertility
Eggs
of
or
to
Broods
Securing
Hatching.
test
them
large
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
Theory and Process of Incubation. ^We now come
which
to the most
interesting
part of poul^iy-keeping,
Sturm's Reflections will apextracts from
the following
propriat
"
"
introduce
"
:
"
In every impregnated
egg which has not been sat on,
in size about as large
the yolk,
smaU speckis seen
on
a
as
a freckle,
usuallycalled the cicatrice.In the centre
tending
exsimilar to a small parti^on,
of this is a white circle,
where it appears to unite with
a littleupwards,
certain littlebladders. In the middle of this circlethere
is a sort of fluid matter in which the embryo of the chick
which someIt is composed ot two lines,
is seen to swim.
times
from each other at the extremities,
appear separated
and between which a fluid substance is seen, of a lead
of the embryo is contained in a
colour. The extremity
and
with a pretty largeligament,
small bag encompassed
in this the navel afterwards appears.
This ligamentis
of a solid yellowish
*"
composedpartly
matter, and partly
which is likewise surrounded with a circle.
a brown
fluid,
Nothingfurther can be observed in the impregnatedegg
before it is sat upon.
"After it has been tinder the hen about twelve hours,
there appears in the ligament
of the embryo,which is in
the centre of the littlespot,a moistiure,
of the form of a
littlehead, on which small vesiclesare seen, which after'
"
DEVELOPMENT
OP
THE
61
CHICK.
wards become the back bones.
In about thirty
hours the
placeof the navel appears covered with a multitude of
littlevi6sselsor bladders ; then also you may
distinguish
The
white
two
the eyes.
which in unitinghave
threads,
stillleft some
space between them, enclose five littlebags
which contain the matter
for the brain and the spinal
Then
the heart becomes
but whether
marrow.
visible,
the heart or blood be formed first none
have yet been
able to ascertain. However
that may
be, it is certain
that the embryo of the chick existed before in the egg,
and that after it has been some
time sat on, the back
and part
the wings,
bones,liie brain,the spinal-marrow,
be distinguished
of the flesh,
before the heart,the
may
At the end of thirtyblood,and the vessels can be seen.
of vessels,
six hours the navel is covered with a number
separatedfrom each other by unequal spaces. In all
and are
likelihood they existed before in the cicatrice,
rendered visible by the fluid which
swells them.
now
The essential parts of the chick being thus formed, it
till in about twenty
and larger,
contiuues to grow larger
the shell in which
or twenty-onedaysit is able to break
enclosed.
"He
who
does not see the hand of
it was
of birds will see
it in nothing,
God in the generation
for here the most profoundwisdom is manifest."
Stagesof Development. The followingdescription
and finalstages of the process are
of \he.first,
w/iddle,
Book of Poultry:
from Mr. Wright's
"
in an iaWhen
an
egg has been sat upon or placed
cubator for a few hours,the size of the germ can be seen
of
to be sensibly
enlarged;and before the expiration
round
hours small blood-vesselscan be seen
twenty-four
it,which under the microscope
presentthe most beautiful
the third
be imagined. About
which can
appearances
and the purpose of
called the aUantois,
day a membrane
which is to supplyto the blood of the chick the oxygen
which it obtains throughthe shell from the external air,
and .the egg presents
begiosto envelopthe entire organism,
this
At
the appearance of Fig.4.
somewhat
period
"
"
of
a
mass,
appears as a small gelatinous
nearlyblood-redcolour ; but the rudiments of the head
discovered by careful examination.
and Hmbs can be easily
the
chicken
62
"
are
an
OF
DEVELOPMENT
THE
CHICK.
tinguish
disthe end of the tenth day the eyes are
clearly
the feathers have begun to be formed,scales
and the skeleton has assumed
the legp,
on
perceptible
this time also moveevident bony consistence. About
ment
By
is
and
perceptible,
the
allantois,
or
brane,
memrespiratory
exhibits a very complex and beautiful series of
which
draw air rapidly
through the shell,
blood-vessels,
chicken. The
lungs to the now fast-growing
developmentof the chick at the eleventh day is shown
From
this date the Viirious organs mature
in Fig. 6.
and rapidly,
tillabout the nineteenth
steadily
day the beak of the chick ruptures
and act
as
air-bubble at the end of the
become
egg, which has now
very much
and the chick for the firsttime
enlarged,
breathes
mediate
through the lungs. The imresult of thus inhaling
the air
is a stimulation which
producesvery
6.
Fig.
livelymotion, so that the egg, if now
placedin warm
water.moves about in a mostcurious manner.
The development
is now
except that the yolk
very perfect,
is not yet drawn into the abdomen."
About
twenty-four
hours before the chick is hatched,the yolk,which up to
this time has diminished
becomes
but little,
absorbed
the
into the
abdomen, and thus furnishes food for the newly
hatched
bird ;
that for some
hours after
twenty-four
it
hatching requiresneither food nor drink,and some
authorities think
that food given earlier may
prove
so
injurious.
"The
tappingof the chick can often be felt whilst
holdingthe eg^ in the hand ; but the old notion that the
constant
tappingsound heard during the last two days
proceedsfrom these blows, has been shown to be erroneous.
Dr.
Horner
"
in
a
paper
read
to
and givenby Mr. Tegetmeierin
Association,
Book
British
the
his
"
Poultry
"--details experiments
which clearly
prove that the
sounds in questionarise entirely
from respiratory
action,
the
and that
actual fracture arises from much
violent
more
and spasmodicefforts made
five
or six minutes."
every
"C.
meal
and oats are the most suitFeeding,
Barley
able
food for the sittinghen. Maize should he avmHArl
as too
"
MANAGEMENT
heating.In
OF
63
SITTEa
very cold weather
soft food should be given,
mixed warm, and a littlewhole grainadded ; green food is
also necessary. Fresh water, gravel,
and a bed of dry sand
wood-ashes must also be accessible; her favourite wallow
or
in the dust is almost as needful to her as her daily
for without it she will be very likely
to breed vermin.
food,
hen should leave
Leavingthe Nest Daily. The sitting
and never
be temptedby food to leave it
the nest once
daily,
than once
should never
be fed upon the
a day. She
more
nest,as the habit tends to induce them to remain on too
and sometimes crippling
weakness and disease,
causing
long,
Some will sit so longand closely
that theybecome
them.
of food,and we
have known
instance
weak for want
one
the nest, though
to death on
of the hen actually
starving
within her reach. If it is found that the food
food was
hens has not been eaten for a whole day,
placedfor sitting
theyshould be induced by some temptingfood to come off,
be gentlylifted off and fed.
or theymay
To remove
hen from the nest, placeboth hands upon
a
the fingers
the wings,
reachingunder the wings,so as to
hand far enough down
then pass one
raisethem upwards,
to extend under the breast-bone ; and, in hftingthe hen,
time ; in this way her
at the same
draw her backwards
which may be partly
under the eggs, will be drawn
feet,
be disturbed
vut backwards,and thus the eggs will scarcely
w^ritersthat the usual
It is believed by some
in the nest.
if not
dailyabsence of the hen from the nest is beneficial,
because the partial
to successful hatching,
indispensable,
of external air to peneof the eggs allows a supply
cooling
trate
those
a
nd
who
of
hatch
the
the
shell,
through pores
often imitate nature
ing
by removeggs by artificial means
the eggs from the incubator for a littletime every day.
of coveringthe eggs with a woollen mat
The practice
or
hen, as
sheepskin
duringthe dailyabsence of the sitting
"
advocated by some
breeders, is undoubtedly
unnecessary
trouble. It is usually
reliable plan to copy the course
a
of nature, and it is obvious that the fowl,in its original
wild state,must have left its nest of eggs exposedduring
therefore
the intervals of foraging
for its dailyfood. We
contend that the eggs
manner
indicated.
The
"
in the
"kept wiirm
to this rule would
onlyexception
need
not
be
64
OF
NECESSITY
MOISTURE.
the ^est
in the. case
of very cold weather, and when
had been formed in a very exposedposition.
remain
off her nest more
hen mil not
a
Ordinarily,
Some
times a hen has
than twenty or thirtyminutes.
be
for upwards of two hours,
known
to be away
and
yet to hatch two-thirds of her eggs ; and instances have
off the
been recorded where the hen has remained
even
from six to twelve hours,and even
and yet
nest
longer,
been
a
considerable
an
of chickens
have been
hatched.
in very warm
sometimes
occur
weather;but,
the eggs should not be left for more
than half
rule,
a
gers
hour, as leavingthem even for an hour alwaysendanin the more
advanced
cubatio
them, especially
stagesof in-
This
as
number
may
If the hen
does not return
her nest
minutes,she should be
thirty,,
twenty,or at most
driven back, care
being tai^ennot
to
to
wijthin
gentl^
her,as
frighten
this
her to forsake her iiest.
tends to cause
"While the hen is absent the eggs should be examined
has been broken, the whole will be in
for if one
daily,
danger of becomingaddled,through the pores becoming
closed,or by the contents of the broken one becormng
with
putrid. The broken eggs must be removed together,
any of the straw which may be smeared with it;each egg
that is soiled must be washed with a cloth and tepid
water.
mistake,to
Necessityof Moisture. ^It is a common
attempt to keep the nest dry,and many a batch of eggs
has been addled thereby. Nest boxes are often fixed to
the wall above the ground,or placedupon a wooden floor,
"
with no
earth in lie box, in which case, if the weather
is impossible,
without
be dry, success
moisture being
is
moist atmosphere
A
warm
suppliedin some
way.
pensable.
and at the time of hatching
it is indiswhat is required,
It has often been observed that hatchingis
much
successfully
accomplishedon a rainyday,as
well as when wet weather prevailsduringa greaterportion
of the period of incubation.
In very dry,warm
weather, imless the nest be built upon the ground,
or a
thick turf placedin the box, as elsewhere advised,
half a
be poured into the nest
water
teacupfulof warm
may
around the hen, or it may
be sprinkledupon
the eggs
more
66
FERTILITY
TESTING
OF
EGaS.
or nondays,their fertility
ascertained by holdingthem before
fertility
may be easily
will
lantern,or magic lantern,
a strong light a bull's-eye
well. Let the eggs be taken from the
serve
exceedingly
heu at night,placedia a basket of bran, to prevent theiiroUiogagainsteach other,and brought into a darkened
to the lantern is
The
of holdingthem
manner
room.
show n in Fig.
3,bywhich
all light
is excluded,
cept
ex-
have
been
sat upon
for
a
few
"
that which
comes
throughthe egg, so that
its fertility
can
readily
be determined.
ing
By uswith
a powerful
lens,
a
good reflector at the
back, the fertility
peciall
(esif the egg be
white
one) can
a
readily
be determined
by the
end of the second day,
and,by the experienced,
assert,at the end
some
of
hours.
twenty-four
By the sixth or eighth
day the fertileeggs will
have become
so
nearly
that
the
testing
opaque
be
the
done
most
can
by
and vnth
inexperienced,
Fig.3.
hole
apparatusexcept a largecard, with an egg-shaped
little
illit a
smaller than the
ing
egg ; or, by merelyholdthe egg to an ordinarylight,
to the sun, instead of
or
no
cut
to the
When
lantern,shaded with the hand.
fertile egg
has
been
five or sis days
recommended, it can be turned
in such a
dark shadow
a
will be observed
the
in
centre, gradually
shadingoff at the edges (see
laid egg alwaysdoes
Fig-4) ; if it appear clear as a new
(seeFig.5),it may be rejected
as
but will still
unfertile,
be useful for food if it has not been sat
longerthan
upon
a few days. It is better that the
should take
testing
and
a
sat
on
is examined
as above
positionthat
place
TESTING
FKRTILITT
OF
67
EaOS.
and if left tillafter the
earlystage of incubation,
day more care must be exercised in turningthe eggs
eighth
of
before the light. We will therefore givea description
in the
Fig.4.
the appearance
each sucon
icessive day during the first
week.
To obtain the effect
described a stronglight
will be
required. Hold the egg to
Ithe light,
in the righthand,
(as shown in Fig. 3), but
instead of upIhorizontally
right;
and
with the thumb
fingerof the left hand turn
and always
[theegg quickly,
towards you.
(The embryo
chick rises to the top as the
\eggis turned, and by thus
the egg, the chick is
rotating
forward towards you,
thrown
from which
positionit will
rise to the top
be seen
to
againas described).(SeeFig.
7.) At the end of twenty-four
hours
there
will be
no
the
change,i.e.,
^g-
5.
ceptible
peren-
tire disc will be uniform and
clear. At the end of the second day a sort of cloud can be
discerned about the size of the yelkof an egg, which will
the egg is turned.
rise to the top in whatever
position
68
tARQB
SECURING
BROODS.
On the third day the cloud win
is the yolkitself).
(This
and -willrise mote
slowlyto the top
be darker and latger,
the egg is turned.
On
SeCUrlllg
largeBroods,
the fourth
day the
cloud will
to include abcrit half the egg
have become largeenoTigh
towards the
and tnll only
change its position
partially
top as the egg is turned. Oil the filih day,the dark
be called a cloud will occupy
which cannot
now
portion
shown by the dark shadingin Fig.7, and as
the position
end of the egg is raised above the level the edgeof
one
will ^ill slightly
the dark portion
changeits position
; but
will have become _^a^
the sixth day the dark portion
on
end of the egg is raised,
the dark Une will
as one
so that,
stillextend across
the centre, from a to 6. If the ^
be ttlraedso that the opaque
be towards
now
portion
you, instead of upwards,the line (ah) will of course
and the effect will be the same
shown in
as
diSappeat
as
beingthus tested,
be removed, making more
the uhfertile "nes
room
can
for the fertile ones, and therebylessening
the hkelihood
of their becomingaddled. It sometimes happens that a
of the eggs prove uafertUe,in which
largeproportion
if two hetis have begun to sit at the same
time all
case
the fertileeggs can
be given to one hen and the other
hen may be supplied
with a fresh batch.
Another
plan which facilitatesthe hatchingof lai^
broods we have often adoptedwith success.
It is this:
When
and another offersto
a "hen has sat for a few days,
and supposingthree to
sit,test the eggs of the first,
them and giveher three fresh eggs
remove
prove unfertile,
and on the same
(markingthe date upon each),
day givea
"
The
eggs
"
full batch to the second hen.
When
the latter has sat for
the unfertile eggs, and placeunder her
a few days,
remove
the three which have been added
to the first
nest; they
of course, be of the same
date as those in the second
will,
nest,and hatch the same
day. Suppose a third hen to
few days later,
a
then test the eggs of the
beginsitting
second hen, remove
the unfertile ones, and give her the
nimiber of fresh ones on the day the third hen
same
begins
the
on
t
hat
sitting
will again be made
supposition
room
for them in due time
by unfertileones beingfound
in thf
t-BOOBSS
HATOHIKG.
OF
69
thirdbatch. The process can thus be continued so long
and numerous
succession,
as hens offer to sit in frequent
largebroods hatched.
the eggs
moves
Hatching. The hen, while hatching,
but
with her head every few hours during the daytime,
renders no assistance to the hatchingchick,on the con-"
traryan empty shell is sometimes forcedover an unhatched
as to prevent the chick from
severingit ;
egg so tightly
this beingone of the few instances in which the chick must
The
die unless assistance is rendered.
shells should,
be removed two or three times a day. Most
therefore,
in front,
hens will allow themselves to be gentlyraised,
highenoughto permit of the conteots of the nest being
"
One writer states that
"
hens have a habit of
systematically
packingthe empty shells away into each
other as the chickens are hatched I
For our own
part,
seen.
some
"
hens so wise have ever come
within our experience.
The position
of the unhatched
chick is such,that as
its further efforts
in the shell,
soon
as
a hole is made
it to turn graduallybut complet3lyround; and
cause
thus the shell is at lengthcompletely
cut ijitwo, freeing
the chick. It dries with the warmth of the hen in about
two hours, and the down expands,the littlecreature
assumingthat beautifulforryappearance so indescribably
no
to young
fascinating
amateurs.
is
Hatching by this means
becomingmore and more popular. With the improved
at command, this system of incubation
now
appliances
may be adoptedon a largeor small scale with the most
Machines may
cost.
at the minimum
results,
satisfactory
be had of all sizes,
to hatch from a dozen up to several
Artificial Incubation.
"
hundred eggs at a time.
These incubators possess many
advantagesover the
natural method, which will amply compensate for the
little
with their
trouble incurred in becomingacquainted
birds may be hatched
management. With an incubator,
be desired without having to wait for
as early
as
may
it to fanciers and all
other rearers
of chickens may
of poultry
; largenumbers
also be hatched simultaneously,
and there is no crushing
and breaking
of eggs, no tramplingon chicks,and the
whicb
sitters,
alone
commends
70
tronble and
loss
HATCHING.
OF
PROCESS
hens
from sitting
arising
is avoided.
The
who
have fullytested
hundreds
experience of the many
that there is
these machines, has been
so
satisfactory
little doubt that ere
long a great portionof the poultry
in this country will be
hatched
and
reared
to
success
must
by artificid
means.
The
conditions
necessary
be
carefully
to, but they are simple,and easilymastered.
The eggs must
be fresh not more
than four or five days
old ; and eggs from adult hens are far better suited than
attended
"
those from
pullets.A
maintained
not
in the egg
fall below 102, nor
fitted with
warm,
drawers
damp atmospheremust
;
rise above
the
be
temperature should
106.
The
incubator is
boiler,
arrangedin due proximityto the eggdrawer, and heated by oil or gas ; by a most ingenious
contrivance the desired temperature is secured to the eggs
that comparativelylittle attention is
so
automatically,
required.
In rearingchickens
hatched
by artificial means, they
be keptvery warm
must
for the firstthree weeks,and for
this purpose a " Foster-mother,"
heated by hot water or
is indispensable,
by an oil-lamp,
particularlyduringthe
winter
months.
Full directions as
to hatching and
rearingare suppliedby the makers of the machines.
a
71
CHAPTER
REARING
Special Caee
"
Kinds
OF
Food
OF
"
Broods
Mothers.
"
OF
VIII.
CHICKENS.
CoopsAerangement
Aspect
and
of
Manner
Feeding
Food
Change
of
^Other Requisites Care
Winter
of
Artificial
The
Foster
Mother
"
"
"
"
The reaxing
of chickens,
in order to be in any degree
successfulor profitable,
all the care indicated in
requires
this
advise none
to attempt it unless
of care upon it No
to bestow such gn amount
oubt some
of the chickens hatched may come
to maturity
without strict attention to our
if
directions,
especially
than
hatched late,
often prove profitless
but it will more
ana
chapter;
we
Srepared
otherwise.
is suspected,
If thepresence of vermin in the hatching-nest
the hen and brood should be taken from the nest
after the last chick is hatched,otherwise the vermin
soon
to the soft down of the chicks in greatnumbers.
may swarm
Our own planisinvariably
of flower
to sifta tablespoonful
of sulphur
in the nest,justbefore the hatching
is expected,
and alsoto thoroughly
dust the hen with it at the same
time,the result beingentire fi:eedom from vermin.
If such precautions
have been taken,and if the nest has
not become foul,
it will be well,
if the weather is unfavourhours
abV, to keep the hen on the nest for twenty-four
after hatching,
takingher offfor a few minutes nightand
and removingthe shells and any dirt that may
morning,
be in the nest
If the hen has been accustomed to being
taken from the nest,and to beinghandled,this interference
aeed not result in injury
Cochins can
to the chickens.
be liftedfrom the nest in the manner
previously
generally
72
HATCHnTG
"
COOPa
but care
danger,even while hatching,
hatched
is necessary in keeping
the chickens or any partially
or some
eggs out of their way while the hen is returning,
the
weather
be
warm
If,however,
may be trampled
upon.
and the sun shining,
the hen and her brood may be removed
the nest should
a few hours after the last chick is hatched,
and the nest-box lime-whitened.
be destroyed,
have plentyof food and
The hen while hatchingmust
water, which may be placedin cups or small jarsin opposite
and a small board should be placed
of the nest-box,
corners
mentioned
without
in front of the hen, on which the strongerchickens can
hours old
out to be fed,in case
come
any are twenty-four
before the whole are hatched.
Arrangement of Coops.-^Thehen with her brood
and sunny house or coop
be placedin a warm
should now
front if possible
(see
open to the south,and with a glass
is
moisture
to
for
successful
indispensable
though,
page 23),
is
when
this
incubation,
completedwe have to avoid
process
and warmth are then
all dampness;and a drysoil,
sunshine,
the thriving
of the young
to ensure
equally
indispensable
cold winds and rain,and exbrood. Gold,damp ground,
clusion
almost certain death to
from the sun
are
young
chickens.
of a few chalk eggs in the new
The placing
nest provided
for the young
brood wiU sometimes
induce the hen to
remain on the nest duringthe first day. Without this
precautionthe chickens are liable to injuryby being
steppedon by the hen before theyare well upon their legs.
In order to shield early
GHass Fronts.
broods from cold
winds,and also to givethem the benefit of as much sun as
front to their house or coop is of the greatest
a glass
possible,
service ; even
old window fixed in front of the coop will
an
be found very useful,
and will also serve
the
for confining
chickens within the coop in rainyweather.
A goodform,of Coop is shown in Fig.8. It admits the
into the front portionduringthe whole day,while the
sun
back portion
is shaded,and the side doors can be shut at
lightand in windy weather. Any movable glazedframe
then be placedin front of each
can
as
coop when required,
above mentioned.
and
two
half feet square, and
a
Coops
the same
in
wiU be found a suitable size. If
height front,
"
74
day's
FmsT
feeding.
there is danger from cats,or where the chickens
to be confined from
cause, the movable
any
coop,
Where
are
Kg.
9.
enclosed wired run
in front,
with an
see
Fig.9, will be
found very useftd. It should be moved to a fresh clean
placeevery day.
young chickens
and tbe practice
food nor
drink
no
require
is
them with peppercorns, cloves,
of feeding
or such things,
absurd,if not cruel. The one essential thingfor promoting
hours is warmth,
for the first twenty-four
their strength
which theybest derive from the mother.
By a wonderful
with sustenance
of nature, the chicken is supplied
provision
for the firsttwenty-four
hours by the yolkof the egg from
which it is hatched; this yolk being absorbed into the
abdomen
a
day or two before the chicken emerges frona
the
the shell. The food for the first day's
feeding(after
of
the twenty-four
hours fasting)
may consist of the yolks
hard-boUed
of stale
equalquantity
eggs, mixed with an
If
bread crumbs slightly
moistened with water
or milk.
milk be used,the food must
be mixed
afresh every few
hours,or it will turn sour, and any sour food is injurious
to the chickens.
After the first day the white of boiled
well broken,may be mixed with the
eggs, also the shells,
food,and a littleoatmeal given.
A custard made
as follows is the best food for
young
the crumbsas above-named
chickens,
thoughfor the fiurstday
suited to their firstattemptsto pick
seem
more
food :"
Food
and Maimer
of
Feeding. The
the first day ;
"
,
up
Beat
up
a
each egg;
few eggs, and
put the basin
add two
of milk for
tablespoonfuls
this mixture into boilcontaining
FEEDING
76
CHICKENa
few minutes tillthe custard sets. The unfertile
eggs, if theyhave heen removed from the hen the
firstweek, are as suitable as any for this purpose.
this delicate and
To preventthe hen from devouring
food,as she will often do,much to the chagrin
expensive
of the young amateur, feed her firstwith barley-meal
as
lien
if
her
much as she will eat,
maize,whicl)^ she is
give
accustomed to, she will eat her fillof,still
not too much
be fed with their
so that the chicks can
now
more
greedily,
food in safety.If the chicks choose to eat of the
special
it will do no harm.
The maize being too
barley-meal
quent
for them to swallow,they cannot eat it. By a frelarge
her maize,buckwheat,
changeof food for the hen ^giving
"c.,ia succession she
oats, barley,
barley-meal,
can
alwaysbe kept from robbingher chicks. Her food
may be placed
upon a shelf or box justout of the reach of
the chicks.
the best staplefood for
Oatmeal is unquestionably
chickens after the firstweek ; it may
with
be mashed
or
water, a littlebarley-meal
middlingsbeing added to
lessen the expense, or the oatmeal may
into
be made
thick porridge
and givencold,
when the chickens will eat
of it greedily.
They are also very partialto groats,
another form in which oats are prepared,
of the
consisting
whole kernel divested of the husk, which merelyrequire
to be boiled for two minutes and to have all tiie water
pouredoff. The water should be used for mixing meal.
Oatmeal is regarded
by some as too dryingto the skin for
but as frequent
rapidfledging;
changeis necessary it may
be made the staple
food.
safely
have stated,
as we
Oatmeal,
may be mixed with middlings
the different
to lessen the expense, but with tiuaexception
kinds of softfood should not be mixed,otherwise the opportunity
will be lost for frequent
change of food,which is
even
for young chickens than foradult fowls.
more
important
Chickens will be found to eat more
and to thrive much
ifthe same
food be given them oidytwo or three
better,
times in succession. The advice alreadygiven as to
that it will
so
making all soft food as dry as possible,
cnimble when thrown on the ground,
must be particularly
attended to in feeding
too
young chickens. By putting
mg
water for
YOtTNG
a
"
"
76
FOOD
FOB
CHICKENa
much
in their food,and thus compelhngthem to
water
take too much drink,diarrhcea is caused.
Other Fooda.^^Besidea the kinds of food abeadynamed,
the following
ar-e all excellent : Barlejand maize,broken
in a mill; potatoes,boUed
dry or baked, and
coarsely
mixed with middlings
boiled,and mixed with skim
; rice,
milk.
Rice puddingsare often made for fancyfowls,
and
not
are
more
expensivethan other thingsfrequently
to young chickens.
and
Buckwheat,canary-seed,
supplied
othersmall seeds,may be givenwith advantage
as the last
feed at night,
from the time the chickens are ten daysold.
Wheat boUed for five or ten minutes,is also to be recommended,
and contains valuable bone-forming
properties.
Chickens are very fond of it.
Bread soaked in water is the most unsuitable diet that
be given. It compelsthe chickens to take so much
can
water that it becomes injurious
to them.
MUk
drink is very good after the firstweek,special
as
care
being taken that it be not allowed to become sour.
Skim-milk
will answer
where milk cannot be afforded.
twice a
Water, fresh and clean,should be supplied
It should be
day,and be alwayskept out of the sun.
wiU answer
saucer
placedin shallow pans a flower-pot
in deepvessels,
very well for the firstfew days and never
and be
to get into the water
as the chickens will be sure
drowned.
In cold weather
but little water sheuld be
placedin the pan, in order that the chickens may not get
Suitable fountains are sold at most china shops,
wet
at
to size.
prices
rangingfrom 9d. to 2s. each,according
FrequentFeed/lng.Chickens when very young eat but
littleat a time,and therefore require
to be fed often
eveiy
hours duringthe firsttwo weeks
two
them have
letting
each time as much as theyAvilleat.
Our warningagainst
adult fowls does not
over-feeding
be fed too much.
apply to chickens ; they cannot easily
and time must be
however,must be avoided,
Pampering,
of
for
the
allowed
returo
between the feedings.
appetite
As
chickens cannot conveniently
be fed at daybreak,
tood should be placedfor them at night where it will be
accessible to them the firstthingin the morning. They
will alwaysbe up before the adult fowls,or even
the
"
"
"
"
"
SEPARATING
BROODS
"
GREEN
FOOD.
77
breakfast.
sparrows, so tb^ycannot be robbed of this early
which are usually
Without this precaution,
chickens,
up at
three o'clockin the longdays.WillsufifetSeiiously
from
huHgefbefore the usual hour for feeding.
^li
hatched before April,chickens
Night Feeding.
should be fed by candlelight
every nightat ten or eleven
from
of food duringthe long
want
otherwise,
o'clock,
their growth will be checked.
winter nights,
This late
of whole grrnn, such as
feed should consist principally
The chickens vnll soon
become
groatsor buckwheat
this
accustomed to
and will quickly
out
run
nightfeeding,
for it from under the hen the moment
the light
appears.
for
The colder the weather the more
is
there
necessity
this late feed,as nothingpromotes warmth
than
more
and
however
comfortable their house,
ample feeding,
the beneficial vTarmth produced by frequent,
wiAout
and nutritious feeding
systematic,
earlybroods can never
thrive.
SeparatingBroods when Feeding. After chickens
have been weaned, and where there are broods of various
the larger
to domineer over the smaller;
ones
are likely
sizes,
and ifall are fed together,
the smaller ones
are
generally
robbed of their share of food. A separaterun
for each
brood is therefore of great service,
but when
this is not
number
and where a large
to be fed,
are
a very
practicable,
simple
arrangementcan be made for keepingthem separate
while eating,
the expense of which is onlythe cost of a
bundle or two of three feet laths. In a convenient comer
let a roT^ of laths be driven in the
of the yardfor feeding
groundacross a comer, and at such distances apart,that
onlythe smallest chickens can pass between ; another row is
then to be driven about two feet further back,and an inch
that the medium- sized chicks can
or so further apart,
so
The food fot the youngest
ones.
pass but not the largest
of laths,
broods may then be thrown behind the closer row
that for the medium
the two rows, and
broods between
This plannot
that for the largest
broods outside of alL
but enables the attendant to
onlyprevents qufctrelling,
favour the youngest broods with more
expensivefood
Where
without their being robbed by the older ones.
adult fowls have the run of the same
yardaa the chickens^
"
78
ANIMAL
FOOD
"
^DRY
TOOTCS.
ASHES"
arrangementwill allow of the chickens beingwell
fed,without the danger of over feedingthe old fowls.
Fresh green food must alwaysbe accessible. Fresh turfs
swch
an
of grass are best, and as the grass is eaten off the turfs
when
for a few days and well watered,
may be removed
turf cannot
be obtained,
the grass wiU grow again. When
will serve
substitute.
as
a
fresh cuttingsfrom a lawn
"c.,are also suitable;
Cabbage leaves,turniptops,lettuce,
the
they should be tied in bimdles and suspendedagainst
wall within reach of the chickens.
Food, twice a week, when chickens have not
is very
and insects,
of procuring
the opportunity
worms
as it tends to promote growthand
earlyfledging.
essential,
of boiled hver or horseflesh the size of a walnut
A piece
Animal
sufficientfor half a dozen chickens. It should he
minced very fine,and mixed with meal, or it wiU cause
hours after eating
it
them to dislike other food for some
of the
chickens may be allowed the nm
Unlike adult fowls,
troying
garden,where they wUl be found of great service in desselves
time they wiU supplytheminsects;at the same
with animal food in the form best suited to their
of
but some
Meat no doubt promotes rapidgrowth,
nature.
the best authorities think that chickens reared without it
will be
producemore
healthyand hardyfowls.
A box of dry sand and ashes for wallowingin should
alwaysbe at hand, or accessible to the hen and her brood
hen wiU resort to it eagerly
at least once
as
a day. The
will
soon
a
as
few
she is free from
dayslearn
Mr.
the
use
the nest, and her chickens will in
of it.
\V. B.
in his Poultry
Book,"
Tegetmeier,
"
of
the
most
Some
by Routledge Sons, says :
published
successful rearers
of chickens and pheasantsare in the
habit of administering
to the young
birds a chalybeate
tonic in the water
given them to drink,and theyspeak
very highlyof its good effectsin those cases where broods
are
grow
weakly,or where the young fowls are inclined to outtheir strength.
For this purpose an ounce
of sulphate
of iron (greenvitriol)
may be dissolved in a quart bottle of
and
two or three spoonfuls
of this solution added
water,
in the drinkingto the water
fountain,sufficient being
suppliedto giveit a slight
inky taste. The effect of this
Tonics.
"
"
"
"
LIBERTY
AT
DAYLIGHT
79
WEANlNft
"
on the
chalybeate,
health and vigourof the birds is very
marked ; their combs brightenin colour,their appetite
stamina is much improved."
and their general
increases,
chickens in a brood than the hen
K there are more
when partlygrown, greatercare
will be
well cover
can
them with a warm
house and nest,
necessary ia providing
them by candlelight
the last thing at
and in feeding
or mattingshould be thrown
carpeting
nightSome warm
the coop in cold weather.
Warmth, however, is
over
promotedby proper food ; for,however comfortable
greatly
their house,without the beneficial warmth
producedby
and
nutritious
feeding,
regular,
earlybroods will
frequent,
thrive.
never
Libertyat Daylight. Two recent writers of high
differ entirely
chickens shoiild
to whether
as
authority
have their liberty
at daybreak. Our
own
or should not
plan is to keep them from the morning dew in cold
for the firsttwo or three weeks ; but in
weather,
especially
warm
weather,after they are one week old,theywill be
benefited by havingtheir liberty
at light.
greatly
to
Careful observation will soon enable the poultry
keeperdeterininewhether the dew ishurtful to his fowls. If they
return from their early
morningrun wet and cold,the harm
"
which
theysustain will more
benefitresulting
from the worms
than
counterbalance
and insects
all the
theypickup.
the hen
For the first week or two after hatching,
should not be allowed to roam
about with her brood
otherwise she
beyondthe limits of a small yard or garden,
will generally
For breeds like
travel too far for them.
which are not inclined bo ramble far,this preCochins,
caution
need not be so much
then
for
can
observed, they
obtain the best of animal food
and insects.
worms
"
Weaning. For
"
brood
a
week
or
two
before
weaning
perchwith
her
her
take them to the
hen will usually
at night,
be allowed to do, unless the
which she may
which while
weather be very cold. Her comb and wattles,
a
have
sitting
pale hue, will now gradually
assume
as
a
layinghen's; she will be
heard makingthat peculiar
notice which indicates laying
;
will greedily
her chicks,and will by
eat the food from
and discard them, and beginlaying
degrees
again.
neglecb
become of
the same
colour
a
80
SPECIAL
CARE
OF
EARLY
WEANED
BROODS.
Hens frequeJitly
recommence
layingbefore theyentirely
discard their chickens ; and some, especially
will
Cochins,
tilltheyhave laid a full baieh
forsake them
not
actually
of eggs, and have begun sitting
again.
Chickens hatched in winter, as we have stated,
require
care
as regards
warmth, frequent
and
feeding,
very special
the best of food; and as fledgingadvances, this care,
if the weather is stiU cold,
is even
essential
more
especially
than while they are in the down, the growth of feathers
beinga great drain upon them. Having also increased
in size by fledging
much
time,the great dangernow is
that the hen wiU not be able to brood them all warmly,
the outer ones
becoming chilled duringthe long,cold
nights; or perhapsat this very criticaltinie,the mother
of some
breeds so often do)beginslaying,
and
(aspullets
them entirely.
Pullets beingthe best winter layers,
weans
and sometimes wean
are
likelyto be the earhest sitters,
their chicks in cold weather when onlyfive or six weeks old.
When
chickens are in dangerof
The Foster Mother.
being weaned too young, or where a brood of valuable
brooded by one hen,the
chicks is too largeto be properly
following
plan,which we have repeatedlytried with
success, wiU be found well worthythe attention of those
"
breed
birds for Exhibition.
Let another
hen beginsitting
an
empty nest, and after she has
upon
the chickens which she is to have
sat for a week
or more,
the care of may be taken from their real mother each night
under the sitter;provision
at dusk and placed
beingmade
for them to escape to their real mother at daylight.
After
this has been repeatedfor half-a-dozen successive nights,
who
valuable
taking care
night;remove
"
that the
same
ones
are
given her each
at dusk,put her
the sitterfrom the nest
in a coop and placethe chicks under her as usual,aildif
her dislike to them
has by this time pretty much disappeared
will
as
probablybe the case, it will be safe to
the
arrange
coop so that the chicks cannot
escape. Place
plenty of food before the hen after dark,and the probability
is that in the morning she wiU be found
taking
the same
of the chicks as if she had
care
hatched
actually
It will be better if the real mother can be out ol
them.
the hearing
of these chicksfor the first
two
which
by
days,
8S
CHAPTER
DISEASES
OF
IX.
POULTRY.
The axiom of prevention
beingbetter than cure applies
with greatforce to the diseases incident to tenants of the
Let fowls be managed in accordance with
poultry-yard.
disease in any
laid down, and
have
the rules we
be known.
form
will seldom
Breeding-in,
being the
is the
of degeneracyand enfeebled constitutions,
cause
of much disease. As a rule it is onlywhere neglect
origin
that disease makes
its appearance,
and ignorance
prevail
of
in nearlyall instances it results from the want
as
and of protecof ventilation,
tion
proper food, of cleanliness,
cold
and
Prevention
is
damp.
;
against
very simple
In
is
and
in
a cure
impossible.
very difficidt^
many cases
if
our
opinion,a fowl shows symptoms of any serious disease,
is the wisest and most economical coarse,
to kill it at once
unless the bird be a great favourite,
is very valuable.
or
In most
of sickness it will take as much
cases
timej
trouble,and care to effect a cure as to rear a thoroughly
found that fowls that have
healthyfowl ; and it is rarely
been cured of some
disease produceeither good eggs or
chickens. But if a cure is to be attempted,
it should be
begun upon the very firstsymptoms making their appearance
if
and
the
disease
be
infectious
should
the
sick
fowl
;
be removed from the others at once.
For the following
with
of poultry
descriptions
diseases,
directions for their cure, we are largely
indebted to " The
PoultryBook for the Many" (which credits them chiefly
to Mr. W.
B. Tegetmeier's
"PoultryBook"), to Mr. L
Wright's"Illustrated Book of Poultry,"
and to Mr. James
Long's"Poultryfor Prizes and Profit." Their value to the
keeper, however, consisfatlarsrelvin their showing
poultry
So
DISEASES.
since theyresult
such diseasesmay be prevented,
how easily
to exist:
from causes which oughtnever
Abortion.
Suddenlydroppingeither,a soft or perfect
very ill Cause :
egg, and then moping and appearing
in the flock,
driven about by a bidly
or by
Beingviolently
eating
grass in which ergotis present. Remedy : If from
the bully
from the flock,
the first-named cause, remove
placethe aflected hen by herself in a dark pen, with a
nest in the comer
feeding
; keep her there for a few days,
little
with soft food only,
and placea
her sparingly
bonate
carIf the disease
of soda in the water she drinks.
resultfrom ergotin the grass,which is a very rare thing,
have the whole run very closely
mowed, and the cuttings
"
"
"
"
sweptaway.
The bird generally
fallsdown suddenly
and
which produces
becomesmotionless. Cause:
Over-feeding
a pressure of blood upon the brain.
Remedy : Openinga
vein under the wing,and pouringcold water on the
large
head. If this restores life,
put the fowl on low diet,and
keep it very quietfor a few days. This disease may be
sometimes averted the symptoms of its approach
beinga
walk
giddystaggering
^bygivinga strong aperient,
say
fifteengrains
of jalap
and one of calomel.
Baldness.
Losingthe feathers from the head and
neck. Cause : Deficiency
of wholesome and green food.
and plenty
of green food ; at the
Remedy: Good feeding
time rubbing
the bald placewith mercurial ointment,
same
and giving
Plummer's
a five-grain
pillevery second day
fora week.
Bkonchitis. Indicated by frequent
coughing.Cause:
to damp and cold. Rermedy:
^Exposure
^Keepthe fowl
in a perfectly
warm
dryand moderately
place,
supplying
Apoplexy.
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
water
acidulated with sulphuric
and
or nitric acid,
slightly
sugar to make it a littlesweet as weU as acid. A small
of gingeror cayenne may be placedin the food,
portion
which should be wholly
oats,oatmeal,or bread
soft-ground
and milk. Raw egg is also
very good.
Bumble
Feet.
^A thickeniag
of the muscles and
tendons of the feet. It occurs
in the
most
frequently
feetof old Dorkingcocks and probably
arises from the
birdsroosting
far above the ground,or walkon perches
"
6
2
84
DISBASKS.
ing over
much
to
stones.
padded,are
Low-placed.perches,
iJiarp
We
know of no remedy for this
be preferred.
affection.
Oatae"h.
from the eyes
xiold,
causinga discharge
and nostrils ifnot at/tended to,may end in roup. Cause :^Place the fowl in a warm
Same as bronchitis. Remsdy :
house,and givethree drops of tincture of aconite to half
soft food sparingly,
mked
Give warm
a pint of water.
with a littlelig-uorice,
cayenne, ginger,pimento,aniseed,
of iron. To prevent roup setting
in wash
and sulphate
A
"
,
"
the bird/sface and nostrils with carbolic acid diluted in
the proportion
of one to sixtyor with chlorinated soda.
Feet contracted,
and bird totally
Ceamp.
unable to
itslegs;mostlyaffectsearly
chickens. Cause:
posure
Exmove
to'dampand cold. Remedy: Drynessand warmth,
with a generous, soft diet of oatmeal mashed
with ale.
Quarter graindoses of opium, twice dailyfor chickens
three months old,will assist in the cure of this disease.
Crop-bound.
and food not passing
Crop distended,
Cause:
Too much
into the stomach.
food,especially
hard grainand gT"Bs. Remed]/: Pour warm
water down
the throat,
and gentlyrub the distended crop, until the
food becomes loosened and soft. Then give a dessertspoonful
of castor oil,
or "about a quarter of a teaspoonful
of jalap,
mixed
with butter in the form of a pill.Another
of gin or some
remedy is to givea dessertspoonful
other spirit.If neither of these remedies should succeed,
the following operationis the only resource
left:
the
in a rather high position,
Cut into
and
crop
with
the fingercarefully
and
delicately
em,p"y its
then pour warm
water into the wound and cleanse
contents,
it thoroughly,
minister
takingcare to leave nothingbehind. Ada small dose of castor-oil,
and then sew up, taking
the
to
care
sew
before sewing up the
up
crop separately
skin. Keep tiiebird (juiet,
and feed on bread soppednot
too wet with strongale tillwell.
DiAKEHCEA.
Excessive
dischargefrom the bowels.
Violent transitions of temperature,
Cause:
and exposure
cold and wet.
to much
Too littlegreen food or too much
unwholesome food will also cause
it. Remedy: First tiy
few
feeds
of
well-boiled
a
mixed with a little
rice,
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
powdered
D{"BASJES.
86
If this dfoe" not
chalk.
succeed,give five grainsof
powdered chalk,oae grain oi opram, and one graikof
made
into a pill",
twice a day
powdered ipecacuanha,
until the looseness is checked ; a warm,
soft diet,
such as
oatmeal mashed witb a littlewarm
ale,must accompany
the treatment.
Egg-Boitnd.
from
to lay,
Inability
the unusual size trf
tho egg; A dose or two of eastor-oil,
and some
groundsel
wiM gemeraByafford relief in a short time. Give soft unfood.
stimulating
called " white comb," and
Mrupikms. A whitish scurf;
toss of feathers on the nec^. Gomse : Krty yardsand insufficie
that fighting
green food. It is also well known
will frequently
induce an eruption,
and the bird that is
wounded
most
about the face and comb will sometimes
either break out into scurf or eruptions,
or have
a form of
and a ^entiful
roup. Memed'^: Cleanliness,
supplyof
fresh green food. Dress the parts affected with tar and
of cocoa-nut
or a compound of one
ounce
sulphurointment,
of turmeric powder,or
oil,and a quarter of an ounce
with dilute carbolic acid. Give doses of castor-oil and a
little
sulphurin the food for a week or so.
A disease common
Gapes.
to chickens and young fowls,
Jndieated by frequent
yawningor gaping. Cause : The
pipe,
of worms
insects in the trachea or windor
presence
"
"
"
"
"
"
producedgenerally
by drinkingstagnantor dirty
of nutritious and green food,
water, also by an insufficiency
and by exposure to damp. Reimedry
Mr. B^ly,
whom
:
**
bave elsewhere quoted,says !
The best remedy I
we
know of is to take a hen's tailfeather,
stripit within an
"
inch of the end, put it down the chicken's throat,
twist it
round several times,and draw it quickly
out,when
sharply
tikeworms
will be found adhering
These worms
to ii"
have
found
been
examination, to
by microscopical
be identical with those from stagnant rain water, from
which it is inferred that drinking
rain water or impure
Mr. Bailyalso recomof them.
mends
water is the chief cause
the size of a garden pea as
two
camphor pills
have cured the complaint
another excellent rOTaedy.We
by givinga small pieeeof dough,in which has been rolled
Another
remedy
up a littlesoft soap, the size of a pea.
86
DISEASES,
recommended
is,to put the fowl into a box, and to place
in the box,at the same
time,a sponge dipped in spirits
filledwith boiling
of turpentine
on
a hot-water plate
water;
for
three
this remedy to be repeated
daily two or
days.
not so strong as to kill the
The fumes of carbolic acid,
possible
bird,is a stillmore certain remedy. It beingalmost imof a
to operatewith a feather upon the windpipe
young chick which is far too delicate in its structure to admit
of the roughtreatment, the other remedies are the most
suitable for such cases.
fowl staggers,or fallsbackwards,
When
Giddiness.
a
Cause and treatment
round and round.
or turns
same
as
"
Apoplexy.
Egg-okgans.
Inflamed
Symptorns: ^Gomg on to
the nest without laying
shell-less eggs; dropping
; laying
CoAise:
Over-feeding.
eggs from perch or elsewhere.
^Low
of
boiled
diet
mashed
:
Remedy
potatoesand boiled
of
rice,for a week or more;
givinga dessertspoonful
icastor oil,and a pill
one
containing
grainof calomel and
one-twelfth of a grainof tartar emetic, every second day
lor a week.
Leg
Weakness.
to stand or to move
for
Inability
Cause : Too rapidgrowth.RemeCly:
of time.
any length
of
diet,plentyof green food,and four grains
Nourishing
citrate of iron daily
untU the bird's strength
is improved.
"Parrish's Chemdcal
American
Food," an
preparation
sold by most
to a pint of
'chemists,a tablespoonful
recommended, for the earlystages
water, is also strongly
of this disease,
breeders. Some
by several eminent poultry
also advise frequentbathingof the legsin cold water.
Lice.
^We have pointedout in previous
chaptershow
vermin in poultrymay generally
be preventedby strict
attention to cleanliness,
and by givingthe fowls sand and
ashes to wallow in. Should vermin, however,be discovered,
be
they may
stated
effectually
as
destroyed,
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
elsewhere,
bythoroughly
dashingflower of sulphurdown to
the roots of the birds' feathers a few times
say every
alternate day. Hen-lice may also be
rid
of
got
by rubbing
the head and under each
a littleoil or lard on
wing,and
then letting
the bird resort to the dust bath.
The lossof the use of the limbs. Cause
Paralysis.
;"
"
"
8?
DISEASKS.
of blood upon the brain,
oozing
from over-feeding.
arising
the
bird
Remedy: Keep
in a cool place
quitequiet,
and on low diet. This disease is,
however,rarely
curable.
Pip." A dry scale on the tongue. This is not a disease,
An
"
but
When
the presence of some
other disease.
the bird is cured of the disease,
whether roup,
from which the pip results ^the
or diarrhoea,
or
gapes
Give a dose of aperient
pip will disappear.
and
medicine,
chlorinated
soda
the
to
the
apply
part; this will cause
scaleto come
off. Never cut off the pointof the tongue.
ROTTP. Offensive discharge
from the nostrils,
froth ili
of the eyes, and the eyelids
the corners
swollen. Cause :
Exposureto excessive wet and cold.
This disease is so highly
and so difficultt(
contagious
advice
in
of very valuable fowls,
cases
is,except
cure, our
to kiU them as soon
its appearance.
as the disease makes
They are then good for food,which they would not be
after an advanced stage of the disease. With
birds of
has facilities
for isolate
value,and where the owner
special
ingthem at once and in a dry sunny house, it is worth
while to try the following
Remedy : First disinfect the water vessel,which the
diseased fowls have been drinking
from,with McDougall's
fluidcarbolate,
and placein the fresh water one
spoonful
of the carbolate to each gallon. Wash
the head of the
Give
diseased fowl once or twice a daywith tepidwater.
mixed in oatmeal mash ed
of sulphate
of copper daily,
one grain
with hot ale,
half a grainof cayenne pepper with a grain
or
of powderedallspice
in a bolus of meal,also plentyof green
food. Chlorinated soda is also found very successful in
of roup, when the throat becomes filledwith
severe
oases
the fowl. The secretion
a secretion which
nearlystrangles
with any available
should firstbe removed,as far as possible,
instrument,and then the pure fluid appliedto the
a
syratom of
"
"
"
"
"
throat with a camel-hair pencil
time
at the same
Roup is the most virulent of diseases,
the most erratic. Sometimes valuable fowls are stricken
If the disease
and recover
after many weeks treatment.
there is every hope,and should
be keptfrom advancing
can
the bird feed well it will recover, but for a bad feeder
there is littlehope. Carbolic acid (1 to 60) applied
daily
DISEASES.
88
tlie eyeitrjtiriiig
ball,
assist
in
materially
preveirtingtheforTmdion of pus -whidi -subsequently causes
in the
cavity between
all tbe
misdiief, it generally forms
not
the
being readily soluble,is
tbe
nostril, and
eye and
to
l!he eyes, "(tafciBgcare
prevent its
and
injected iirto tTie nostril -will
to
difficult to
if it does
time
in
Soft
otber
not
increase, and
to
"eem
strong bird, leitit remaiii
-a
by
"
'first-na.med
afterwards
from
if
;
miss
cause,
the
latter
up), "c.
a
good
prove
egg-shells (broken
will
lime-water
Curvature.
SpnsTAii
a
meal, and
shell.
feed
sparitrgly
old
supply
H
mortar,
a;vailaMe,
not
are
in
tbe
form
cause,
it will
substitute.
This
tail to
the
causes
be
carried
over-growth when
caused
usually by too high feeding and too much
young,
confinement.
Nouri^ing (but not animal) food, a good
and
of green
abundance
food, aae the best preveftti'ves.
run,
have
heard
of its being remedied
We
by cutting a cord "n
constantly
eide
the
on
without
loss
for
Ogmb.
See
house).
Calomel,
purposes
Chlorinated
Powdered
that
where
food,
that
some
and
towards.
Eruptiosb.
keeps
who
articles
bird.
valuable
a
the
shows,
"
from
arises
tail is turned
Poultry fancier
the following
of
without
the
which
White
The
one
It
to
food
over-feeding*
if these
;
"
side.
good
witb
completely disappear.
-'Oaused frequency
Eggs.
of material
by absence
cases
the
from
tie^rqy.In
or
remove
,
fowls
many
whidi
often
may
Castor-oil,
Carbolic
should
save
not
him
acid
be
the
(both
sprinkling in the
soda, Cayenne
Douglas mixture,
pepper,
chalk
and sulphur.
It is only to be expected
of
medicine
birds
are
subject
will
often
and
many
to cold
return
for
hours
and
ill.
wet
away
on
at
the
tbe
open
rail
air
90
to their
COCHINS.
fall batch of eggs, and
will hatch three broods in a
chicks tilltheyhave laid
a
began sitting
again. They
valuable as earlysitters,
since
year. Oochius are especially
mencing
theyare
broody"-when many other breeds are onlycomthan about fifteen
to lay. They seldom laymore
to eighteen
theyoffer to sit,and are more persistent
eggs when
sittersthan any other breed.
Young hens,unless
chickens
their
too early,
on
cooped up are apt to leave
of their tendencyto begin layingagain. Some
account
hints will be found in another chapteras to management
with chickens weaned too early. Cochins are exceedingly
hardy,the chickens easy to rear, even in bleak places,
with onlyordinary
care.
and gentle,
and will allow
tame
They are exceedingly
themselvesto be handled and fondled by children. As to the
fault often found with Cochins,that theyare not goodfor
table fowls,
because theyproduceleast meat on the breast
it may be
and most
the legs,
the inferior parts,viz.,
on
"
stated that the legflesh of Cochins is far more
tender than
that of most other fowls. Besides,
of
a greaterquantity
in a giventime,than from almost any
fleshmay be obtained,
other breed of fowl ; and if crossed with Dorkings,
plump,
with fullflesh on the favourite partsfor
well-shapedbirds,
be reared. Miss
the table,
well as good layers,
as
may
Watts points
that has been taken
out that the objection
to Cochins as table fowls has resulted from the preference
fowls of a certain colour of feather,
and of a
givento breeding
wedge-likeform,instead of cultivating
square, compact,
and
broad-chested
which
make
cellent
exbirds,
short-legged,
table fowls.
for
when
They are better
eating,
very young, but theymay be allowed to grow tillfive or
six months old,and yet be not inferior table birds.
Cochins are in their prime when from nine to eighteen
months, and after which they begin to lose their beauty.
do not select those with clean legsand fine
In purchasing
toes,which denote that theyare a cross with Dorkings,
nor
double
which
with
indicate Malay crossing,
combs,
and see
that each bird is,andever
has been,free from sickle feathers.
Cocks weigh from 10 lbs. to 13 lbs.,
and hens from 8 lbs.
to 10 lbs.
The varieties of Cochins now
bred are : Buff. White
CO
z
I
o
o
o
D
CO
COCHlNa
"
91
BKAllMAS.
and
Black, the three first named
Cinnamon Cochins are now
beingmostlypreferred.
Partridge
varieties
seldom
bred.
Buffsare
the
unquestionably
favourite Cochins;the
cock should have neck,back,and saddle hackles,
and wing
coverts,of a deep rich goldenbuff;but the breast and
lower partsof the body oughtto correspond
with those of
the hens
a rich even
viz.,
goldenbuff mottlingor unin colour beingobjectionable.
Buff birds usually
eveness
get
in
colour
it is material
at each moult. In breeding
lighter
that the cock be a good sound colour,
the
on
especially
"
"
wings.
Whites
without doubt the most beautifizlvariety
of
than they are,
Cochins,and should be cultivated more
in keepingthe colour pure they
thoughfrom the difficulty
somewhat rarer than the buffs. They are a splendid
are
harm in a garden
ornament
to a green lawn,will do no
with flower beds,and are very tame
and docile. White
cocks are rarely
but
equalto buffs in styleand carriage,
the hens are quiteequalto all other varieties of Cochins
in the leading
pointsof excellence.
Cochins.
^The cock's neck and saddle hackle
Partridge
feathers should be bright
goldwith black stripes
running
outline
down the centre of the feather,
and
bold
in
sharp
and havinga perfect
edgingof colour ; the back and wing
feathers much deeper,
the breast and the under part of the
bodyshould be black. The hen's hackles feathers should
be a goldcolour,
with black stripes
; the rest of the body
rich light
brown, with dark brown pencilling.
threatened to become
extinct
an
Blacks,which were
and are numerously
are
now
variety,
becomingvery popular,
^most
as the other varieties
kept; theyare not so perfect
of the leading
in the leg the cocks,as
specimenstailing
a rule,
being too longand bare in the shank, althoughit
be admitted that the hens are far better in that
must
In colour theyare as perfect
as the white*
particular.
^These fowls are
a
Brahmas.
very superiorbreed,
of
constitution.
They lay a
possessing
great strength
number of eggs than Cochins,and mostlymanifest
larger
twice or three times
but once
a disposition
to sit,
a year
are
"
"
"
"
"
being rare.
They may
be reliedupon
for
laying,
except
92
WtlHTlfAft
lihevrhole year Tcmmi, and even
or
sittii^,
moiilljing
-wiittter
theywill fornish an average of five egg" a week.
wlten
in
peatedly
A great breeder of Brahmas, declares that he has "reknown pullets
beginto layin autumn, and "i""6p
^til'l
the next
ggop ^letit be hail,rain,snow, or storm
spring."Generallyth^ lay fitaaathirtyto fbrtyeggg
before manifesting
any desire to sit. If bred for the taWe,
that part
on
plentyof flesh,especially
theywill develtop
will be foond
the breast,
and their meat
mosUy prized,
delicate and juicythan Caehin".
more
Brahmas
As chickens,
are
very easy to rear, and aare
hardy. Mr. Bailysays, that he has " hatched
exceedingly
them in snow, and reared them all out of doors without any
other shelter than apieceof mat or carpetthrown ovOTthe
hatched,theywill be found to
coop at night."Whrai jSirst
be of several shades of colour,
brown, dark grey, or yelow,
the head; but when
with streak* on the back and spotson
the feathers become
we
developed
reeogn"ethat mixture
of white,black,and grey, which constitutes iihetrue colour
of the dark Brahma fowl. They attain their ftiHsizeearly
and are regarded
as in the prime at eight
or nine months.
should alwaysbe largeand heavy,
with a fine
Brahmas
and be "ee "rom either the peeoliar
bearing,,
majestic
(rfthe Malay
waddle of the Coehin,or the upstartcarriage
They should be fullin the breast,and widg and de" in
the body generally
yellowand well feathered ; Bead
; legs
with fulness over
delicate in shape,
full clear eye, thus
a
of
givingbreadth to the top of the head. The possession
is considered essential to constitute a true
a
pea comb
Brahma
in form,i.e.,
like three small
; it should be triple
in one at the bottom,the centre partbeing
combs joined
the highest
the
ahnost as soon
as
; it may be recognised
chicken is hatched.
The dark Brahma.
The cock, althoughso frequently
black fowl,
shownasayetlowand
isblaickandwhite,thehad
and saddle beinga silvery
with deep
white,well striped
the
feather
black,
beingvery ample,the tail
wing
white with an even black bar,formed by the coverts running
it. The breast,
and W
across
alsa a
thighs,
are
feather,
deep black. The sickle feathers are short,broad and well
rounded as in the black cock,and delicately
edged with
"
"
"
bla^,
94
BOBKINGS.
the best prevenand will often eat each others feathers,
tives
which are plentyof fresh green food and a
against
of jalap.
purge of six grains
Dorkings. Among pure Englishbreeds these may be
for summer
whether
laying,
pronouncedthe very finest,
differ
from
other
table,or breedingpurposes. Dorkings
breeds by havingan extra,or fifthtoe.
They are classed
the white and the coloured. The
under two chiefvarieties,
the original
white breed,with a rose comb, was doubtless
and the coloured has been the result of crossing
variety,
In consimilar coloured fowl
with the Sussex,or some
firmation
of this,it has been stated that a few years ago
the appearance of the fifth toe was
but
very uncertain,
that distinguishi
now, as the result of longand careful breeding,
feature of the Dorkinghas become permanent
and fixed. As a table fowl the Dorking is matchless,
its
the breast,yielding
choicest parts,especially
a
large
flavoured flesL Full-grown
birds
of exquisitely
amount
and chickens six months
will weigh from 8 lbs. to 14 lbs.,
old 7 lbs.or 8 lbs. As layers,
theycommence
very young,
but very poorly
in
and will lay prolifically
in summer,
and
winter. Their eggs are of a pure white,very round,
equally
largeat both ends ; in weighttheyaverage
nearly
The hens are capital
sittersand most attentive
2J ounces.
that the chickens
mothers, as they need be, considering
requireall the care that can be bestowed them. March
"
is the earliesttime theyshould be hatched and theymust
be kept on dry or gravelly
ground,and not on wood,stone,
brick. Indeed,a dry soil is indispensable
or
to their
as is also a good range, enclosed by a fence at least
thriving
feet high. With strictattention to these conditions,
seven
as
Dorkings may be reared with as much success
any
other breed and will gradually
become very hardy.Should
theyhave to be kept in a very limited space, theymust
have plentyof fresh turf dailyand other
green food'i'as
but
then
it
will be difficultto make
even
well;
them
should never
hf,
prosper in confinement. Inter-breeding
allowed with this breed as it causes
the fowls to decrearf;
in size and soon to become inferiorin quality.
The white Dorkingis much inferior in size to the silver
The
grey, which in its turn is smaller than the coloured.
'
DOKKINGS
latteris the
"
95
GAME.
and
principal
sub-variety
is much exhibited.
It is one of the few breeds not bred for feather for so
longas the feet are good and the bird largeand correct
its markingis of littleimportance.
in shapeand condition,
The cock has a white hackle and saddle striped
with black,
the breast and under partsbeingblack or black and white,
the contrary the silvery
on
grey is a "bird of feather"
and must have a purelyblack breast with a silvery
white
hackle and saddle. The blue or cuckoo Dorkingis of a
cuckoo marking,
and is smaller than the coloured.
common
These birds hold,
Game.
as theydeserve to do,a very
their beautiful
high place amongst Englishpoultry,
handsome figure,
and dauntless
majestic
bearing,
plumage,
them to all the admiration theyreceive.
courage entitling
in a limited space
Game fowlscannot be keptadvantageously
The hens will then be
but must have plentyof liberty.
their
found to layas well as almost any breed ; and although
in size theyare delicious in flavour.
eggs are moderate
As sittersand mothers few breeds surpass them; the
chickens can be reared with littletrouble,
theyeat but a
of food,
and are very strong and hearty.
small quantity
Althoughsmall,the flesh of game fowls is remarkably
white and of most delicate flavour. These fowls will not
however,bear fattening
up, beingvery restlessin conflneflesh if allowed an extensive
ment ; but theywiU develop
more
should
be
and even
wild ruu.
For the table they
killed when young, say about four or five months old,and
of daysbefore beingcooked.
hungfor a couple
Game fowls willlayand breed for several years without
other
to many
and in this respectare
superior
flagging"
the chief of which
breeds. They are of various colours,
Brown-breastedai'e the following:
Black-breasted-red,
and Piles. These are the standard colours,
red,
Duckwings,
the other varieties being black, brassjrwinged,
white,
"
red,and duns. There are also Henuies,"so called
ginger
colour
and of the same
from the cocks beinghen-feathered,
also "Tassels,"
from the small tasselor crest on
as the hen
"
"
"
"
the head.
All game fowls are hard and plump, and should handle
is bold and
much heavier than they look. The carriage
the ground,should
on
saucy, and the feet weU planted
96
OAMS*
the hind toe pot touch in walkingjt is ternjed duck foot,
and is muxsk condemned.
of this fowl. The
Blaclc-breastedare the leading
variety
the hackle and saddle,
cocks are
rich orange red on
a
colour at the tips.There should
shadingdown to a li,^iter
which
be no stripeor black marking in these feathers,
The baclj:
and
shooild be as crispand scant as possible.
the wingis a black
shoulder a,re a much darker colour;
on
the outer webs of flight
bar formed of the covert feathers,
and
feathers being a rich bay. The breast,underparts
tail are
black,the latterappendageshould be small and
The legs are
narrow.
long,round, and the colour of
willow. The face red,as is the eye
an
importantpoint
in all the standard game
fowls,except the Brown-red,
in which the face is purpleand the eye a deepbrown.
Black -red cocks should
Black-red.
The hens to match
be Partridge
marked, the hackle beinga palegoldcolour
black,and the breast a paleashysalmon colour.
striped
and striking
Brown-reds
are
; the cock's
very handsome
breast is black,the feathersbeingalllaced or edged with
"
"
with
gold;the Jiackleand saddle is a brightgold,striped
red. The
the back and shoulder a deep maj-oon
black;.
legsare olive coloured. The hens to match should be an
oli-veblack throiighout,
except the hackle which is gold
and tiieJaced breast as in th.ecock.
black,,
striped
DuckvAn^ Codes,like Piles,have Black- red blood in
The hackle and saddle are a palestraw
their composition.
the shoulder and back a beautiful
free from striping
colour,
maroon
red,the wing .bar black,and the outer shafts of
the "ightfeathers white ; .breast,
tail,
"c.,as in the Blackred. The hen has an
ashy salmon breast,and a white
with black. In colour the body resembles
hackle striped
the black red heu substituting
a
silvery
ground for the
brown.
"White-breasted-reds" are simply what the
In the cock substitute the white for
latter title in^plies.
Piles,or
the black of the Black-reds and you have the Pile marble :
laced and streakybreasts are, however, allowable. The
with the same
hen is also very similar,
alteration,
although
colour on her wing is admired ,bysome
judges,
especially
character
such
if it assumes.
he termed the rose.
a
as mav
98
HAMBUEGHS.
when
frequentlydubbed"
"
and for this reason
for stock purposes.
are
kept
of the Spanish
sub-variety
such by their
as
readilydistinguished
carriageand shape. They are of a bluish slate colour,
shaded or laced with black,and,like Minorcas,have showy
Afidalusians
breed, and are
are
a
handsome
and combs, with clear white ear-lobes.
earlierand are more
The young chickens fledge
hardythan
Spanishor Minorcas,
Anconas
are
probablyMinorcas under another colour.
The heavycomb, red face,and general
sive
appearance (excluof colour)all pointto this conclusion.
They probably
and
Black
White
cas.
Minoro
f
originated
by a crossing
Although as a rule this matingwould produceeither
black or white birds,yet occasionally
"sports"of black
and white would result.
Out of a largenumber
of eggs incubated from a pen
well-marked Anconas, onlyabout 10 per cent, of
of fairly
the chicks were
anythinglike the old birds in markings,
the remainder beingnearlyall black or white.
Like their supposedprogenitors,
theyare prolific
layers,
but
in
cold
table
are
weather,
birds,and
except
poor
ence.
rather delicate for the first three months of their existscarlet wattles
This breed is regarded
by many as the
useful
and
beautiful
most
we
possess. The birds are of
medium
and plump in form, have a
size,symmetrical
double or rose
a
comb,
proud bearing,
prettily-shaped
form at the back
ending in a spike-like
part; blue
fine full tail,
and regular
legs,
tapering
markings. Taking
into consideration the fact that theyare small eaters and
workers,and that they require
no
food,they
stimulating
the most
fowls
to
are
stock
the poultry
profitable
yard
do
from
as
200
with,yielding they
to 240 eggs a year. To
attain this number
it is necessary that puUetsshould not
be induced to layuntil theyare
months
seven
or
Hamburghs.
"
eight
old,as
be^nningto lay earlier will
tend to impoverish
essential
It
is
them.
that they should have a free and
wide range, and a moderate grass run ; if these cannot be
afforded it will be better not to attemptto keep
Hamburghs,
thrive so well when confined. It is asserted
as theynever
by some
keerasra
poultrv
tfes-tthcv
h:-rr^
-,.-^-.
.
/illykept
(0
I
C3
cc
3
CQ
"
X
o
111
_l
o
z
"
Q.
99
HAMBUBQHS.
shed,but if any of our readers should try
advice is that the number
of birds
the experiment,
our
should be very few in proportion
to the space, and that
the shed should be kept very dry and clean.
Another advantageof this breed of fowls is that they
manifest any disposition
to sit,
so that with judicious
rarely
treatment,theywill prove to be what theyhave deservedly
been called " everlasting
tinued
layers."The breed may be conby placingthe eggs under Cochin hens to hatch.
May is the earliesttime the chickens should be hatched,
such as the south of England,
districts,
exceptin warm
the beginningof
where theymay be hatched as early
as
such fowls in
a
To encourage Hamburghs to sitand hatch their
it is essential that they should have a very
own
broods,
manifest a desire
wide range, when theywill occasionally
and will prove good,careful mothers.
to sit,
Thoy must,
in
their
be
leftundisturbed
nests.
hov/ever,
As table fowls theywill be found very good and delicate
small.
although
Hamburghsare divided into three varieties Spangled,
Pencilled, and Black; the two former being again
under the sub-varieties of Oolden Spangled,
classified
until reand Silver Spcmgled. The Golden Spangled,
cently
known as pheasant
fowls,are great favouriteswith
amateur
keepers,on account of their splendid
poultry
of marking,and prolific
evenness
laying.The
colour,
is a deep rich bay,the breast being
colour throughout
at the tipsof the
marked with half-moon-like spangles
with
the hackle and saddle are striped
sharply
feathers,
black,the wing having a coupleof bold bars formed
of the coverts; the flights
being also
by the spangles
formingwhat is termed the stepping.The tail
spangled,
are
isblack. The
as in all Hambiirghs,
largeround
March.
"
ears,
beautiful smooth white. The hens are a lighter
and are spangled
throughout.
colour,
rather stronger than the preceding
Silver Spcmgledare
of being even
and have the reputation
sub-variety
larger.The
the eggs, too, beingsomewhat
better layers,
and
a
white,the breast and wingsof the
groundcolour is a silvery
saddle and hackle
as in the Golden,the
cock beingspangled
the feathers with
beingsimplyticked at the ends of
100
HAMBUBQHS.
The tail and sickles are broad and
diamond-like spangles.
at the ends.
white beingboldly
spangled
delicate
much more
are
Golden
and Silver Pencilled
in frame and constitutionthan the two sub-varieties
viously
preof
in
them
similarity
named, and only resemble
comb, shape,and ears ; the comb however ismuch smaller.
their
like the Spangled,
although
layers,
prolific
smaller.
eggs are somewhat
the cock is a beautiful goldenbay
In the Golden variety
the tail
the colour beingas even
as
possible,
throughout,
black,and edgedall round with bay. The hens are also a
which isformed
the pencilling
beautiful bay in the ground,
the
metallic black bars across
narrow
even
by numerous
feather,
beingcontinued from the base of the hackle,which
alone should be free from any marking,
rightto the end of
They are,
the tail.
similar to the Golden,the whole
body being white and the tail black laced with white.
Tnere should,however,be a littleblack marking on the
feathers.
tipsof the flight
Blacks,said to have resulted from a cross with Spanish,
from the other varieties by their colour,
are
distinguishable
the cock's combs beinglarger,
and the hen's legsshorter.
Of all the varieties of Hamburghs these laythe greatest
number
of eggs and also the largest
in size.
"
Black Hamburghs,"says Mr. James Long,one
of the
"
successful Hamburgh fanciers we have, are the best
most
of the finest eggs of all my Hamburghs. They are
layers
indomitable workers for food,handsome
ia the extreme,
and undoubtedly
of the most profitable
birds known.
one
The cock is by no means
but should be medium
in
large,
fine in quality,
and most symmetrical
in shape; the
size,
latter pointbeing more
importantthan in the coloured
varieties. The comb on a prizewinner must be well nigh
the ear large,
roimd and purelywhite and smooSi,
perfect,
the face a bright
free from the Spanishlegacy
red,entirely
the
tail
full
and flowing,
'white,'
not carried over
the back.
The colour is brilliantin the extreme
; in the heas it is
Silver Pencil cocks
are
the glorious
advantage,
green sheen on a
the most magnificent
highclass bird beingperhaps
triumph
in Hamburgh breeding."
seen
to
more
102
BANTAMS
"
HOTJDANS.
Booted
White andBlack rose-combed,
Silver-lacedSebrights,
the greatest
are
and Nankin.
or feather-legged,
Sebrights
small size;the cocks
favourites from their exceedingly
than twenty-one and the hens only
weighingnot more
laced feathers,
and their
^theirbeautifully
ounces
eighteen
proud saucy bearing.Diminutiveness of size beingthe
leadingfeature in Bantams, to sec are this theyare generally
earlier than July.
bred very late in the season, rarely
and when theysit and hatch
The hens are excellent layers,
their eggs, although
are
very attentive affectionate mothers,
small,are very delicious in flavour. There is no prettier
sightin the poultryyard than a SebrightBantam with
"
her brood of littlechickens.
The Sebrightcock has a gold or silver ground,
every
feather being delicately
and perfectly
laced with a
black edgingeven
to the tail. The cock is hennarrow
deficient of sickles ; his wingsare
feathered,
beingentirely
is rose, eyes darl^
carried low, his comb
and ears
as
white as can be obtained ; the perfection
of markingis the
primarypoint. This breed was originated
by Sir John
Sebright.
Black Banfams
of the rose
white ear.
White Bantams.
of colour,
neatness
neatness
prizedfor smallness of size,
coinb,and the size and qualityof the
are
"
The special
pointsof these are
of comb, and style.They have
purity
white
legs.
Booted. Bantams
are
ugly white birds,rendered so by
the vulture-hocked feathers on the legs.
Pekin
Bantams; very rare
are
simply Cochin
now,
Bantams, and very wonderful birds theyare.
Japaneseare white dumpy birds with very short legs,
immense
singlecombs, and longflowingblack tails laced
with white; there are
also dark Japanese without
any
defined marking.
Owme
Bantams, far the most largely
kept are simply
dimiuutive Game fowls.
French Varieties." Houdans.
"
Although they
are
the last French fowls introduced into the
Englishpoultry
have
a
nd
attained, deservedly
yard,
keeper's
so, a popularity
far surpassing
that of other French breeds. In size and
CRBVECtEURS
"
LA
FLECHB.
103
form of
and number
of toes,they
body,shortness of legs,
much resemble Dorkings.They are black and white in
the marking beinguneven
colour,
or
broken,but black
should predominate.
have
They
largeheads,with top-knots
beards
of
and
feathers of white,black,and someirregular
times
straw colour,
backwards
like a lark's crest.
falling
in laying,
their eggs are of good size,
They are very prolific
and when used for sitting
purposes, nearlyalwaysprove
fertile. Houdans
are
very hardy and may be keptin a
smaller placethan is required
for many other breeds. For
table purposes theyare excellent as theyfatten quickly
and their flesh is very choice. This quality
combined with
their prolific
renders them more
than any
laying
profitable
other French variety.The comb is an open leaf or antlerlike
in shape,and the legs mottled black and white.
Houdans do not sit.
Crevecceurs.
The
oldest French
varietyknown in
England,are fine largefowls,black in colour,with a
noble crest or comb, and are most gentlein the poultry
yard, hike Houdans, theywill thrive in a limited space,
but beinginclined to roup and similar diseases,
theymust
be kepton a dry and light
ground; above all theyrequire
of large
as much
sun
as possible.
They are prolific
layers
white eggs, but are non-sitters,
hence the eggs for hatching
should be placedunder a hen of some
other breed. When
the chickens are hatched,theygrow very rapidly
and fatten
At the end of ten or twelve weeks theymay
quickly.
be set apart for fattening
and will be readyfor killing
in
fifteendaysat the latest,
when theywiU be found excellent
table birds both in size and quality.A peculiarity
in this
breed is that the hens approximate
to the cocks in weight
and sometimes exceed them; the average weightof the
cocks isnine and a half pounds,
and a
and of the hens eight
half;but the puUetsoften weigh more than the cockerels.
The fowls are
La Fleche is another French variety.
and plump ; black in colour,with a brilHant lustre,
large
and are the tallestof all the French varieties. The breed
with
is thoughtby some
to be
cross
a
Spanish and
Crevecceurs; by others to be derived from BrMas, which it
A La Fleche hen laysfine large
resembles.
very much
than the hens of othe?
white eggs, but is less prolific
"
104
VABIETTBS.
AMESIOAN
French breeds,she will not lay in -winter except under
and comfort,
of warmth
and
very favourable circumstances
Flfeches are more
is generally
a very careless sitter. La
in their bearingthan the other French varieties,
stylish
stand the Englishclimate without becoming
and cannot
and the chickens
roupy. They are very good for the table,
the onlydrawback
are
easy to rear and fatten for that purpose,
to the market being their longdark legs.
of American
Orpingtoust The repeated successes
poultryfanciers in making new breeds had been imitated
littlesuccess, until the
in this country with comparatively
known
by the above
universally
very valuable birds now
were
name
producedin 1890 by Mr. Cook.
intention of
made with the professed
This breed was
hitherto spread
combiningin one, most of the advantages
stalled
several ; and althoughthe Plymouth Rock had foreover
in this desirable
extent
the Orpingtonto some
"
has shown that the Orpington
now
object,
yet experience
in
has surpassedthe Plymouth Rock
some
important
respects.
largesize (thecocks and hens
and are of a
weighing11 lbs. and 8 lbs. respectively),
sheen,
glossyblack plumage,with a brightbeetle-green
is
brilliant. Their
which in the male bird
exceptionally
free from feather),
clean
and, like their
(i.e.,
legsare
claims to
beaks,should be quiteblack. The originator
have built up the strain from largeMinorcas,Langshans,
the
and Black Plymouth Rocks, and has thus combined
of the former with the fine
layingqualities
extraordinary
size and robust constitution of the two
latter. They are
sitters
layersof fine brown eggs, and make capital
prolific
The
black
"
of
"
The
chickens feather and mature
young
layingat five to six months if hatched early
very quickly,
There
in the year.
two varieties of Blacks" Single
are
and Rosecomb, but the former are most appreciatedi
the Buff variety,
There is also now
which has proved
an
excellent all-round bird.
They are fine clean-legged
and
mothers.
are
variety
symmetricalbirds,of size nearlyequal to the Cochin,but
with white legsand skin. They laylargetinted
eggs, and
are
goodwinter layers.
ing
Theywere "made" by a careful crossof Bufif Cochins,Golden Hamburghs,and Dorkingft
LANGSHANS
105
^LEGHORM.
"
LangShans. This fine breed of fowls is the latest
and cfercainiy,
the best
takingall pointsinto consideration,
of our Asiatic importations.
"
They firstappearedhere
then mistaken
in the early'70'8,
and were
fanciers for Black Cochins,but
Ibymost
several distinctiveahd
well-established features clearly
entirelydifferent birds from Cochins.
stamp them as
first received here frotn China,
Like Cochins,theywere
from the district they were
and they take their name
is sometimes supposed,
account
as
on
importedfrom (not,
of the bird's long "shanks"
or
legs). They are tall,
close-feathered
birds of glossyblack,
though compact,
the cocks rangingabout 9 to 11 lbs.,and the hens a
of poundsless,with black legsand feet,stylishly
couple
shanks
with feathers down
the outside of the
fringed
"
"
end of the outer toe, but not the thick
Cochins and Brahmas
feather which makes
so
to the
looking.
Langshansare
also superiorin
mass
of
clumsy
layingqualities
Asiatics. The eggs are
rich in colour as the Cochins
to either of the above-mentioned
but
tinted,
are
not
so
largeor
Brahmas.
In addition to good layingqualities,
theyare excellent
fine breast thicklycovered with
table birds. With
a
white meat, theynearlyapproachthe Turkey in edible
qualities.
Langshansmay be relied upon to thrive under
summed
and may be fairly
up
auy reasonable conditions,
or
table
of the best breeds combiningegg production,
with the single
and robustness of constitution,
qualities,
in the young
of a proneness to leg weakness
Dbjebtion
as
one
chicks.
As Mr. L.Wrightremarks,"the
therefore
breeds are legion."We
of American
names
known in England. First
mention onlythe leadingones
"
stand the Leghorns,
the longest
known in England."Of
whites and brown.
this breed there are two sub-varieties,
White Leghorns
are
goodlayersof largeeggs, and do not
but authoritieson poultry
sit,
say they are poor table fowls,
American
Varieties-
"
theyresemble a small Spanishfowl.
red face,
white with flowingtails,
large
Theyare a spotless
first
importedby
Vhite ears, and yellowlegs. They were
Mr. Tegetmeier.
tn shape and
comb
106
LEGHORNS
WTANDOTTES.
"
layers,the pullets
Leghornsare most prolific
beginningwhen between five and six months old,and
sets in.
They have
to do so until winter fally
continuing
beautiful plumage, are
livelyin bearingand
gay and
Mr. Wright says of
will thrive well in a limited space.
the hest we have ever met
that they are, as layers,
them
and that
with for moderate confinement,"
a more
pleasing
Another
writer
could
b
e."
bird
not possibly
says
styleof
five
of
and
an
that he has had from five pullets
average
Mr. Long, who was
a
quarter eggs per bird per week.
the first to exhibit them in England,
they are very
says
hardy and wonderful layers."In colour the hens very
Brown
"
"
"
"much resemble the Black-red Game
hens, and the cocks,
though similar in colour to Black-red Game cocks,are
not so rich.
Buff,Bmhmng, and Pile Leghornsall have the same
referred
generalcharacteristics as the two varieties already
to, the difference being in plumage only,althoughthe
latter
three, being to
a
greater extent
show
birds,are
than either the White
often less valuable for egg-production
or
Brown.
There is little doubt that this
Plymouth Rocks.
breed is an improvedvariety
of the old American
Domiin existence upwards of
niques,and having been now
twenty-five
supersededits old proyears, has entirely
genitors.
"
addition
"
''
the " Cuckoo
Barred "
or
has gainedsome
varietyof recent years, the Buff Rock
notice with fanciers,
while White Rocks are also frequently
While
the original
of the latter were
seen.
probably
"
the
been prosports (orfreaks), former has undoubtedly
duced
by crossingwith the Buff Cochin, and being now
well established,
be relied upon to breed fairly
can
true to
type,and are very attractive as well as all-round useful
birds.
Wyandottes. Of the many varieties of poultryfor
which we
indebted to America, undoubtedly
are
the
this,
It
i
s
the
best.
is now
latest,
fifteen years since the
some
breed first attracted attention in this
country,and each
these beautiful fowls
succeeding
year has made
greater
favourites with all who have kept and studied them.
For
a
nd
laying,
prolific
sitting
rearing,
beautyof colour,sym-
In
to
"
"
"
"
CROSS-BRED
and
mefcry of carriage,
claim
There
are
now
as
have
which
any
four distinct
and
to
come
American
justly
variety.
well-established
varieties,
other
"
White,"
order
named,
Golden,"
"
in the
us
these
use,
than
Silver,"
"
known
for table
good poiats
more
107
FOWLS,
birds
can
and
the
"
two
Buff,"
latter
while
fifth, called the
a
being of English manufacture,
in
Partridge,"has during the past few years been seen
of our
two
or
largestpoultry shows ; but this variety
one
when
included
be
state
must
not
in its present embryo
speaking of the merits in general of this breed.
All the varieties are
neat, well-shaped birds of medium
breasts, bright yellow legs,
size, with full well-rounded
of the
and neat rose
comb, following the graceful curve
head and termiuating in a spike. They are
prolificlayers
excellent
make
of a nicely tinted
hardy, and
egg, very
mothers, although the chicks do not mature
quite so rapidly
"
some
other
The
Silver
as
black
breeds.
variety
while
white,
on
attractive, being
White
The
the
a
blaze
varietycan
whitest
beautifully laced, each feather
the Golden
if anything, more
are,
of golden colour
black.
laced with
lutely
claim
of being absothe distinction
are
of all white
elegant birds of the same
buff throughout.
pure
them
and
is that
the
The
tail will
Fowls.
main
often
come
are
should
very
be
difiicultyin breeding
black
(or partly so),
mottled.
or
fowls, variously described
of
mongrel fowls, ai'e a mixture
These
"
barndoor, domestic,
Buffs
characteristics, and
wing-flightswhite
Cross-bred
as
the
The
fowls.
or
special description in this
be kept to
circumstances
work.
certain
Under
they may
adhere
the
to
advantage ; but, as a general rule, we
faction
satisthat
for profitand
advice given in previous pages
breeds.
it is best to keep only pure
various
breeds, and
require
no
"
108
STJMMAKT.
CONCISE
APPENDIX.
book
of the entire contehts
follbwitig
summary
The
is from
"Bacon's
of this
Pictorial Chart of
It
Poultry."
completeSystem of Poultry
comprises,we believe,a
management within a smaller compass
and will therefore be
attempted,
convenient for readyreference.
than
was
found
fore
be-
ever
extremely
Early Hatching ^not later than March or April ^is
element of success.
The advantages
are
an
indispensable
flssT,earlychickens bring the highestpricein the
will begin to produb^a
market. Second, the pullets
"
"
"
old instead of nine months.
the onlyreliablewinter
are
Third, earlyhatched pullets
layers.Fourth, theyare readyto sit earlythe following
return
when
six
months
when sittersare most wanted.
Fifth, theyattain
spring,
which makes
their eggs suitable
an
age by the next Spring,
for hatching,Sixth, the earlychickens mature
in
time for the summer
and autunm
shows ; none
but the
hardiest breeds should however be hatched before March,
unless warm
housingis provided.
Selection of Stock. None but young fowls should be
related to the
purchased.The cock should not be closely
will be
hens,if chickens are to be reared,
or
degeneracy
the result. CoGHiNS
reliablefor earlysitting
are the most
and bear close confinement better than any other variety.
Brahmas
are
exceedingly
hardy,are famous winter layers,
and seldom hatch but once
for summer
a year.
Dorkings,
and
for table or market
laying
fowls,are unsurpassed,
and are excellent mothers but are less hardy,and require
a dry soiL
breeds,such as Houdans, Spanish
Non-sitting
and Hamburghs are most desirable when chickens are not
Houdans
to be reared,
account
havingthe preference
on
of their great hardihood,and
being excellent wiuter
"
layers.
Winter
secured
Laying depends largelyupon the
by heavy plumage and plump build,as
Warmth
well
a;s
bv
CONCISE
lOt)
SUMMABT.
housingand generous feeding
; and it is to these
in Cochins and Brahmas
that their superior
qualities
winter
as
attributed.
layers
qualities
may be largely
Benewal of Stock. With a few exceptions,
hens become
as
at the age of two and a half
layers
unprofitable
warm
"
One third of
years,and should be killed in the autumn.
should be killed each year at this
the stock (theold birds)
and early
hatched pullets
should take their places.
season
Construction of
PoultryHouses.
"
Warm,
light,
to success.
Fowls
clean and dryhouses are indispensable
willthrive better in small detached houses than where a
collected together.The house should
number
are
large
have a southern aspect to admit as much
sunshine as
thrive well,nor
without which fowls never
can
ealthychickens be reared. The houses too, should be
comfort and winter laying.A
warmly built to secure
In the winter a glass
^oof is indispensable.
front is
tight
of greatservice in admitting
the sun and light,
while protecting
Fowls
the
cold
will
suffer
winds.
against
exposure
and
bad
cold
weather rather than resort to
to extreme
a dark house in the daylight
floor if firmly
The Floor. ^A gravel
packedisthe best,
but it should be raised above the level of the groundto
secure
dryness.Brick or wooden floors are very objectionable.
Whatever the flooring
it should be kept strewn
two inches in depthwith dry mould, the deodorising
perties
proof which are of the greatestvalue. No poultry
fanciercan afford to disregard
this essential sanitary
ment.
eleWithout a tightroof too, the mould becomes wet
and loses its propertyof absorbingodours. The mould
should be raked over daUy.
Ventilation is a very importantpart of the construction
of poultry
houses,but care should be taken that
itis not obtained at the expense of draughts
or exposure
Fowls will alwayscareto bad weather and cold winds.
fully
have
when
but
ftvoida draught
an
they
opportunity,
if their perchesare placedbetween two openings
in the
house theyare compelledto resort to them, and colds and
in the winter
diseaseare sure to be the result,
especially
Eossible,
"
months.
Perches
are
too
generally
small and
too
high.
The
no
SUJIMA.RT.
CONCISE
latter fault is often
the
cause
jury
of serious and incurable in-
in
especially
the feet of the fowls in descending,
the heavier breeds. Four or six inches in diameter is
and with the bark left on.
They need not be
preferable,
placedmore than six inches from the ground and must be
to
out
of any
draught.
of greatvalue
ten feet square at least to each fowl,or the grass will
As a protection
to grow.
cease
againstthe hot sun in
small trees are valuable in the yard.
summer,
A Dust Bath, composedof sand and ashes,must at all
times be accessible for fowls to wallow in,this beingvery
againstvermin. A
necessary for health and a preventive
of flower of sulphurshould be placedin the
table spoonful
The house
dust bath occasionally
to destroyvermin.
of iron
twice a year. Stilphate
should be lime washed
mixed with lime wash
lb. to every three gallons^is
one
of vermin.
a preventive
whole grainsare most suitable
Food, The following
The two
wheat, oats, buckwheat, and maize.
barley,
and
latter,
thoughmost valuable foods,are too stimulating
than two daysin a week.
to be used more
fattening
In the order of
The soft foods are quiteas economical.
their usefulness they are : barleymeal, maize meal,middlings,
or
mangold vrarzels and potatoes. Potatoe parings
small potatoesboiled and mixed with middlings,
form a
very economical and good breakfast. Bread soaked too
fullof water should not be given.
Green Food must be frequently
where
given,especially
fowls are in a confined space, and no amount
of other food
be substituted for it. Cabbage leaves,turnip-tops,
can
or
lettuce,
grass cut from the lawn are
equallyvaluable.
Fowls cannot
thrive or remain in good health without a
dailysupplyof green food.
Grass Runs
in front of the houses
"
are
"
"
"
"
Animal
Food
be given when
fowls are
keptin
in
confinement^especially winter. A pound of boiled
bullock's liver per week for half-a-dozen fowls is sufficient,
and the increase of the number
of eggs laid wiU well repay
the cost.
fresh and clean,
Water
should be at all times accessible
sheltered from both sun
and rain, renewed
twice
"
must
CONCISE
and
daily,
the vessel
Ill
SUMMARY.
washed
dirtywater and
rain water causingdisease. Fowls must
be comnever
pelled
in consequence
to eat snow
of the water
being
as it is highly
frozen,
injurious.
kept well
"
is essential for the formation of egg-shells,
and
must be within reach at all times.
or
rubbish,
Bricklayers'
suitable.
broken
are
egg-shells, up finely,
Lime
FrequentChange
not thrive well upon
of Food
is necessary.
Fowls
kind of food,
however well
one
do
"
lected.
se-
is a more
common
Feeding. Over feeding
faultthan under feeding.Hens when fat are more
ject
subto disease and will producefewer eggs.
They should
be fed onlytwice a day when
or
theyhave their liberty,
with a variety
of green food. Soft
are
supplied
constantly
food should be mixed
dry and crumbly. Feeding on
in feeding
is
Regularity
muddy groundis very injurious.
important.
Moulting, At this time,there is a serious strain upon
the system,and stimulating
food is useful,
such as meat or
should be taken against
bad
hemp seed,and precautions
weather and cold winds,especially
with old fowls,which
of
Manner
"
"
moult later.
Feeding should not exceed 2d. of 3d. per
week for each fowl.
When
layingthey requiremore
liberalfeeding,
continuance
also duringa
of bad weather.
To Promote Laying. The system of management
here recommended
embraces nearlyall that is practicable
food to force laying
this point.Too much
on
stimulating
is highly
the productive
injurious,
exhausting
powers, and
Eed
the fowls subjectto disease.
rendering
pepper,
The
Cost of
"
'
Glauber'ssalts,
and chandler's greaves are often used,but
while they increase the laying,the fowls are
tionately
propor-
injured.
Sitting.Hens will sit sooner
if eggs are allowed to accumulate
ened
The inclination may also be hastin the nest.
hen beingconfined in a darkened nest
the laying
lating
and fed with stimuimitation eggs, kept warm,
"
by
with
some
food such
Uttleraw
as
maize,and
buckwheat, hemp-seed,
even
chopped liver. Sitting,
for six weeks
at
a
a
112
CONCISE
time,is no
she will
SUMMABY.
the hen,
tax upon
as
it is often
fatten duringthe
actually
time
but
supposed,
if well
fed
once
a
day.
Hens which have laid fertile eggs sit more
persistently
therefore
hen
is found
when
a
than those which have not,
sitter the eggs which she has previously
to be a persistent
laid will be most likely
to hatch,
BreaMag oflFthe Sitting.This is best effected by
the hen away from her nest for two or three days,
shutting
low non-heating
her sparingly
and feeding
on
a
diet,such
and green food. The inclina^
as potatoes or boiled rice,
tion to sit arises from a normal feverishness which is reduced
by low diet
PreservingEggs. Oilingeggs closes the pores, and
them to keep fresh for sitting
or
causes
eatingsome weeks
longerthan if left in the usual manner.
They should be
put in a cool placewith the largeend down or turned over
daily.The oilingdoes not interfere with their hatching
it is often supposed.
as
tial
Preparationsfor Sitting.Constant moisture is essenin the sitting
which
is
best secured by building
nest,
the nest upon the ground (Nature's
plan). When boxes
used a thick tiir""
or several inches of mould
must be
are
placedin the bot|i3m,covered with a Httle well beaten
tie box to stand on
the grovmd. If the
straw cut short,
house is dry and sunny and the weather dry,two or three
table spoonfuls
of warm
should be sprinkled
water
the
on
eggs twice a week, justbefore the hen returns to the nest
Hay for nests should be avoided,as it encourages vermin.
Sittingnests should be enclosed from intrusion of other
hens.
In winter they should be placedin a warm
house.
"
"
"
Selection of Eggs for
Eggs from adult fowls
Sitting."
or third year
producemuch finer
chickens than eggs from either young pullets
or very old
Select lajrge
birds.
evenlyshaped eggs from healthy
fowls. Prolificlayerstransmit that quality.
The more
laid
the
the
newly
quickertheywill hatch,and the
eggs
"
^thosein their second
"
stronger will be the chicks. Each week
in age of eggs
adds about six hours to the time required
for hatching,
and
the older eggs should therefore he givento the hen some
hours sooner, so that all may hatch at one
time.
Nine
'
'Jf
CONCISE
SUMMARY.
Hatching. The hatching process is most interesting
On the twentieth or twenty-first
and extraordinary.
day,
the chick,by repeated
taps with the very hard sharpscale
"
his now
soft beak,fractures
the shell. (This scale dropsoff the day after hatching.)
His position
in the shell his head turned back under the
side and the daws the
wing the beak touching one
side ^issuch, that as soon
he has made a
as
opposite
fracture in the shell his ftirther efforts cause
him, by
to rotate completely
round, every part of the
degrees,
shell being in turn presented
to the beak,and thus the
shell is completely
severed in halves and he escapes. By
the heat of the hen the chick is dry in a coupleof hours,
when
the down
and the littlecreature
assumes
expands,
that beautiful furry appearance so fascinating
to young
renders no assistance duringtie
The
hen
amateurs.
hatchingas is often supposed. She should have food and
water
givenher on the nest the day of hatching.
Eearing Chickens,in order to be iu any degreeprofitable
or satisfactory,
the
observance
of
requires
numerous
A
rules.
of flowers of
essential,
yet simple
table-spoonful
should
be
in the nest the day before
sulphur
sprinkled
small
vermin are almost sure
or
into
to swarm
hatching,
the down of the chick,
and are difficultto remove.
When
the last chick is hatched and dry,
the hen and brood should
be removed
to a waum,
house or coop, with two
suiwt
inches of dry mould strewn
upon the bottom,which will
absorb all odour and keep the placesweet : thoughmoisture
is necessary to successful hatching,
all dampness
after hatching
must
be carefuUy
avoided,and a drysoil,
with which
nature
has armed
"
"
sunshine,and
warmth
equallyindispensabledamp ground,cold winds,and rain and exclusion from
the sun
beingfatal to yoimg chickens. The coop should
be open to the south,and if the weather be cold and
windy,a glassfront is invaluable,
admittingthe sun and
the
cold
winds.
excluding
Food and Drink." The chicks requireno food for the
first day after hatching,
nor
which is
any sort of dosing,
sometimes
practiced.The yolk of the egg is absorbed
into the abdomen
a day or so before
and supplies
hatching,
the necessary sustenance.
The one
essential thingat
cold
are
now
CONCISE
115
StrMMAET.
which theyderive from the mother,or
firstis WARMTH,
The first
by baskingin the sun if the weather be warm.
feedingshould consist of hard boiled eggs mixed with
Custards and rice puddingsare frequently
drybread crumbs.
given to valuable chicks,and are very useful,
for the firstweek.
Fine oatmeal,mixed dry
especially
is the best staple
food. Barleymeal also
and crumbly,
mixed dry,groatsboiled two minutes and the water poured
excellent after the first week or two.
are
Barley,
off,
in a mill,rice boiled in
wheat or maize broken coarsely
and canary seed,
also wheat boiled
buckwheat
skim-milk,
and will afford a frequent
for five minutes,are
suitable,
changewhich is very essential. Bread soaked full of
diarrhoea. Milk or skim-milk
water is very bad,causing
is good after the
care
beingtaken that it be not sour
be carefully
All sour
food must
avoided.
firstweek.
They must be fed every two hours for the first week or
ing
two,and every three hours for the firsttwo months. Growchickens cannot,like old fowls,be overfed,
yet they
should onlybe givenas much
will
and
time
as
they
eat,
allowed for return of appetite
between the feedings.
hatched before April they
When
Night Feeding;.
should be fed by candlelight,
late every night,
or the long
The
colder the
night's
fastingwill prove injurious.
the more
for the late feeding,
to proweather,
necessity
mote
without
and
however
warmth,
comfortably
housed,
the warmth
and nutritious
producedby frequent,
systematic,
thrive. They
early broods can never
feeding,
learn to run
light
the candleout and eat the moment
soon
appears. Food should also be placedaccessibleto
them at daybreak. The latter is especially
necessary in
the longdaysof summer,
when theyare up at dawn, and
would sufferfrom hungerwithout thisprecaution.
Where
chickens are of different
Sepai'ating Broods.
will domineer
the larger
enclosures,
ages and without separate
and rob the smaller ones ; to preventwhich, let a
of the
of laths or stakes be driven across
row
a
corner
yard,at such distances apart that only the smallest
"
"
"
"
chickenscan
two
some
pass between ; then another row
feetfartherback,and stillfarther apart,to admit a second
but not the largest,
which are to remain outside of
size,
fcotfOlSft stJMMAKif.
116
thetibe
placediti
vvheife the Chiekeiiswill quickly
eadh divisibti,
artangb
the
fstVouf
attendaiit
can
the
atid
youiigest
thetnselves,
their'
without
-foods
with more
beingt-obbdd.
expensive
will also allow chickens to be fully
Such an afraHgettient
the old fowls.
fed,without the dangefof overfeeding
^A CdnstdUt supply
for old
as ifl6nfcioned
C}t-e"n f Oddi
for chickens.
fowls,is also indispensable
all.
ekss may
Suitable fdOdS fof feslcli
"
t'oitA.^A
irety littletwice a Week wheffe
chickens have not a wide range iS useful in pfbaioMtig
It should be cooked dad
gfowth and eatlyfledgiflg.
minced fine and mixed with meal,or it spoils
theif relish
for othei*fodd.
Wawi', ffeSh and clean,should be feneWed twice a
dt- the yoiing
day,and keptiU a fbUfataittor shallowVessel,
in it.
chicks are vety likely
to be drdWned
Motheip." Chickens which are weafied
iTlie fdstgf
tdd earlyin cold weather maj' be ttaflsfen'ed
to another
hen
hen.
Let another
begm sitting
upon an empty nest,
and after she has sat a few days,placethe Chiekeflg
under her every nightat dark. After this has bCetl repeated
for a week ot- so, her dislike to thehl will g^aduand theywill go tO hef every night
of
allybe lessened,
AMlmal
their own
accord,ahd afiteta feW
more
days,the slttifl
the Chickens,
taking
be I'CinoVedaridcoopedwith
df thetti as if she had hatched thetii.
the same
cafe
Also,in cases Whei=e a hen haS hatched but few chicks,
and there is aU older brodd likely
to be Weaned ido
be tfansferred to her in the satoe
soon, the latter can
mannei*, care beingtaken that they have a ttieaHS of
mdther becoaies
escape in the morning until the neW
accustomed to tliem,
lest she mightkillthem.
We haV6
tl-iedthis plan
With unvarying
repeatedly
sctCceSS.
hen
can
sW Diiylight.
Libiet-tt
"
^Vel-y
yoUng chickensshouldbe
keptfrom
the morning dew-^and even
older ones Ih bad
weather.
But in fine weathet- all chickens,
after the flfSt.
will
be
b
enefited
fortnight,
gteatly
by havingtheir liberty
and
for
old fowls it is one
A* DAYLIGHT,
df the gdldeb
fules of Success.
of PoUltf)'.
Diseases
How to prevent
diseasesShotild
be the Studyof the Poultry
and the above
keeper,
"
system
CONCISE
of
of
disease
and
plan,
best
first
the
often
unless
of
symptoms
of
Over
remedy.
shelled
eggs,
of
"want
egg-bound,
droppipg
"c.
Deficiency
paralysis,
elsewhere,
food
green
and
COLD
"c.
diarrhoea,
the
nostrils.
as
may
is
disease
the
good
it
the
is
fowl
should
be
spread
through
confined
to
suitable
for
food.
laying
soft-
perch,
pip,
cramp,
difficult
in
whole
the
to
and
is
lameness
caused
"
on
to
a
hard
Hour,
"md
is
incurable.
descent
of
the
from
disease
and,
the
so
long
appetite
Bumble-foot
by
cure,
corners
this
;
tions,
erupness
damp-
bronchitis,
head
or
an(J
draughts,
whenever
the
the
the
discharge
killed
venting
pre-
extent,
gapes,
froth
offensive
food.
wholesome
causes
are
upon
in
"
with
perches
of
contagious,
symptoms
assist
from
eggs
it
for
some
colds,
highly
swollen,
fowl
The
or
appears
The
eyelids
eyes,
to
to
roup,
is
Roup
fatal.
often
and
causes
suitable
will
Exposure
The
kill
to
crop-bound,
water
pure
"c.
white-comb,
AND
produces
feeding
is
causes
indicate,
also,
cured,
chickens.
or
still
is
cure
;
when
even
valuable,
following
and
and
while
prevent
simple
very
eggss
very
disease
the
disease;
is
good
is
fowl
entirely
to
impossible,
either
the
knowledge
him
Prevention
produce
rarely
hens
enable
sort.
any
difficult
very
A
should
management
117
SUMMARY.
from
an
largement
en-
high
118
/" which is included
of
Summary
a
to tuecess
the essential requisites
poultrykeeping. See
L
Chapter
Will
"
INDEX,
RULES
GOLDEN
THE
3.
paqb
Pat?
Fowls
in
Causes
Fajlubb.
op
PAUll
Good
and
management
of essential
observance
though simple requisites
to profitable
indispensable
poultrykeeping
Examples
"Bad
of failures from
luck"
Limited
Rules must
pay
better than
be observed
well
as
1, 2
...
too niany
as
interest in the work,
amateurs'
Examples of
French
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
read in books
Mr.
success
"
Eaelt
winter
and
success
Hatchdto.
only should
rearingchickens,the
Cochins
If eggs
Winter
are
firstelement
layers,
failure
...
...
...
...
...
best for
be
of
feeding
Blair
5,6
...
7, 8
...
Stock.
success
9
...
...
9, 10
10
...
purchased
cock should
not
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
be related to hens
securingearlysitters
...
...
of
10
10, 11, 13
11
...
...
breeds are preferable
onlybe the object,non-sitting
layingdependson warmth, facilitatedby heavy plumage
to be chosen
3
3, 4, 6
...
op
3
dependingon earlyhatching
Ordinarystock improvedby choosingcock
Cock
...
Selbotioh
advantagesof earlyhatchingenumerated
fowls
...
love for the work
II.
Early hatchingfor
Young
essential
glanceat
Wright, Mr. Piper,Miss Martineau,Mrs,
Chaptee
For
of
2
R
choice of breeds, earlyhatching,
proper
Testimony of
Six
element
..
success"
Examples of
an
2
...
Test your system of management by an occasional
rules before declaring
that fowls won't pay
An
1
...
causes
bad management
means
number
various
...
breed
superior
11
...
...
to object
according
"c.
sought,table birds,
layers,
16
12
12
Pure breeds
to mongrels,
whether keptfor pleasure
preferable
12
or profit
13
Eggs may be obtained from experienced
sent by rail
breeders,
Hens become unprofitable
at end of second summer
as layers
13,U
...
Best breeds for stock purposes,
The
Orpingtrais,
Wyandottes,
Plymouth
Rocks, Dorkings
14
layers are Minorcas,Leghorns,Hamburghs,Houdans,
Orpingtons,
Wyandottes,"c
16
best
The best table birds
"c.
are
Dorkings,
Indian-Game,Orpingtons,
Houdans,
^^
15
119
INDEX.
The
birds are Cochins,Brahmas, Dorkings,
"o.
largest
hardybreeds
The most
Brahmas, Cochins,Orpingtons,
Plymouth
are
Rocks, "o
15
^
The best sitters are
Best combination
Dorkings,Brahmas, Cochins,Wyandottes
of useful
are
qualities
Houdans, Rocks,"c
most
!
15, 16
."
to
preferable
are
all others
for market poultry
profitable
III.
Poultry
"
16
."
of high fences
Heavy breeds preventthe necessity
Chaitbb
16, 91
...
16
."
Hodbeb.
to success
Warm, dry, clean,and lighthouses indispensable
The want
A Bouthem
Indoor coops
are
aspectto
placednear
Ventilationwithout
to
and
project
Floors to be of
so
as
a
be
by
unsuitable
shelf,
sanded,near
placedsix
the
dry mould,
loose mould
very
shelf
injuryto heavy
Kests should be
ground, and
underneath
Also
to hay for nests, to
preferable
kept warm
Cleanlinessnecessary to
Damp
secure
Vermin destroyedby
sand
health
21
22
dryness
sand
or
valuable
ashes
'
or
perch
shelf
and
...
22, 25
22,
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
25
24
24
24
24
25
cut short
turf wall
23
22,
bark,preferable
...
...
25,
...
26
26
27
success
to admit
22
...
sun
...
...
...
...
...
...
28
always accessible
the aahes,or by rubbingwith
to be
21
inside
straw
houses to have doors left open
Dust-bath of ashes and
be beaten
with
by s"irrounding
and stuffing
with
by lathing
...
descending
fowls when
hens
sitting
be
...
; firpole,with
desirable for
may
...
(Illustration)
Separate
compartment
House
...
22
ground underneath
inches above
the
...
for floors
Perches should be five inches diameter
on
20
...
...
with
20
...
health of fowls
secure
19
20
...
brick earth to
burnt
18
.
...
walls
daytime
in
inches of
deodorising
property of dry
High perchescause
useful in winter
are
proof againstleakage
with two
Boards and bricks most
Perch to be
17
18,
throughtop (Illustration)
to be shaded
dsirk house
chalk,or
gravel,
Floors to be strewn
sun
to the
draught indispensable
Fowls will not resort
Roofs must
admit
south window
a
Houses should not be built
Straw
17
of disease
cause
principal
to one
preferable
largeone
chickens
for rearing
aspectis necessary, and especially
Houses with northern
Movable
17
...
of such houses is the
Small detached houses
The
15
...
Orpingtons,Wyaudottes,
_
For range of a farm, Minorcas
Dorkingsare
15, 89, 91
...
...
sulphurin
Vermin also destroyedby sulphate
of iron with lime wash,
carbolic acid
crevices with paraffina
or
...
or
28
...
oil
28
...
ing
paint28, 29
120
INDEX.
fowl,are
Qrass runs, ten feet eqnare to each
should not be out if hens
Wings
No
rail should
be at
Shrubbery for
shade from
Chapteb
IV.
netting
of wire
top
should
sun
Fopn
"
sit
requiredto
are
be
great servioa
of
...
...
...
...
...
provided
JifiXftJi
s How
AHP
TO
the most economical (except
are
Oiain,best qualities
wheat)
is
flesh
but
not
Barley econondcal,
forming,
fattening
...
Wheat
but
excellent,
Oats
good
for
Best
qualityof oats
Buckwheat
Maize
summer
is
food
staple
Qreen
wurzels
are
givebad
food,a
food
Water
and
...
be added
nuddlingsmay
with meal
...
with
economical
middlingsare
middlings...
food
,..
liver useful
33,
...
...
Si,
...
always
are
be
essential for
Lime
water, or
with great caution
use
...
snow
vessels must
very
^vessels frequently
"
...
...
...
injuriousto fijwla
protectedfroinrain ?md
,,.
...
sun
...
"
be promoted
with
by chalk
must
digestion
Frequent changes of
food
grainsshould
not
...
...
as
or
nw^
egg
"
always be
remedy
...
...
for soft shells
...
shellsin food
daily
accessible
to success
indispensable
be
mixed, but givenalternately
fatness ; when
Over-feedingcauses
much
accessible
...
egg shells mixed
to disease
be
34,
formingshells alwaysto be accessible
Gravel to promote
onlyso
Si,
...
for general
use
fattening
boiled
laying,
must
Lime
Feed
economical
serviceable in cold weather
especially
clean water
Bcovired
Different
with
"
Laying may
excellent and
useful to mix
promotes laying
pepper
water
layinghena
for
to success
supply,indispensable
constant
Animal
Rain
"
...
flavour to the meat...
food promotes
Fresh
freely
too
economical,boiled and mixed
Animal
Red
...
cheapqualities
; one-fourth
is excellent,
but too
boiled
pearings
Greaves
any
for frequentuse
fattening
are
Middlingsand pollard
Potato
as
in winter
layersif not used
but pot
fattening,
is best
meal
Mangold
waste
(withthe husks)are
oats
Barleymeal
Maize
in
good
economioal than whole grain
more
Groimd
with maize
only,much
is valuable,
but too
"
tail wheat
; mix
use
is excellent for
Rice is good for
Meal
dear,
too
"
too
...
the fowls will
fat^hens
...
...
run
greedily
to
cease
...
lay liable
"
_^_
after
,,,
.__
122
INDEX.
related
Eggs for sittingshould be from healthy adult birds,not
Breeding-inshould be avoided as tending to degeneracy
Prolific layerstransmit this
Eggs
for
sittingare
they are
best
best
Eggs
for
should
sitting
of
fewer
batch
a
hens
Large broods
be oiled the
with
mated
thrive
do not
of
llieory
male
birds
in winter,
and
oats
Sitter should
be
removed
within
return
In very cold weather
Moisture
Warm
in the nest
should
water
moisture
Ducks' eggs
is
on
chicks
Larger broods
to
Shells had
for
one
present
...
...
secured
...
...
...
...
67
cockerels
hatched
of warmth
others
...
...
...
...
...
be covered
while
washed
successful
in
few
...
to a
"
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
and
strong light,
^useful for
of chick
feeding
llydro-Incubation
possesses
Chapter
Profitable
The
hen
Broods
hard
many
VIII.
...
unfertile eggs, givingtwo sittings
other,also by other methods
hatchingis going on
and sharp scale for fracturingshell
advantages
...
"
^Rearino
of
weather, provided vermin
should
be
cooped in
a
dry sunny
64
66
66
...
...
...
66
68
69
69
70
Chickens.
rearingof chickens requiresall the care here
be kept on
the nest twenty-tour hours
may
in cold
64
young
...
to the
while
provided with
64
remove
...
Ueak
63
days where
sulphurto destroyvermin
disc
63
63
water
...
62
to
is off
warm
hatching
every
seen
weather
the hen
...
fresh eggs
68
60, 61, 62
...
in the nest
clear
58
...
hens
sitting
...
with
67
58, 79
...
...
better be removed
pullets
most
ones
more
the others
by removing
hen,and
6"!
...
otherwise
a
...
66
to sitters
eighthday by holding them
which
...
daily to feed, and be
thirtyminutes according to
do not requiremoisture
those
55
...
sprinkledover the eggs
provided
be
...
...
...
indispensableto
is not
66
...
nest
removed, and
Feathers of sitter to be dusted
fast eggs
...
nest should
onlj;
be
must
eggs
from
M
^Ihcubation.
"
be accessible
fifteen to
...
...
for the
room
the best foods
are
the
5i
healthy
so
daily
...
...
through lack
Vll.
explained
must
food, ashes,iScc,
Broken
...
be killed to make
incubation
Barleymeal
are
cockerels, later
most
Chapter
not
63
older
If much
day they are laid...
reliable
produce
Smallest chicks may
Oreen
the chicks
predominatein earlybroods...
First eggs
The
fortnight old.
a
hatching, and
Old theories not
"
over
...
...
preserved on their ends, reversingthem
are
Cockerels
not
longer in
Eggs
Sex of eggs
their progeny
qualityto
...
...
has been
place open
indicated
after
...
71
hatching
guarded against
...
to south
...
...
71
72
123
INDEX.
Glass fronts for ooopa
Floors should
of
are
have two
groatservice in
inches of
cold
dry mould
windy
or
which
72
weather
absorbs odours
...
73
Care must
be taken that chickens arenot brooded on cold damp ground,
and the bed,whatever it be, must
be renewed
when soiled
...
Movable
Chicks
Yelk
coop, with
wire run,
a
from
protection
...
When
made
hen firstwith
74
grainto preventher devouringthe expensivefood
75
food
be mixed
74
fresh each time
Frequentchangesof
76
chicks
for
specially
requisite
chicks
young
...
be mixed
dry and crumbly,causingillness when too wet
maize meal,barleyme"il,
boiled wheat, buckwheat
rice,boiled grits,
must
Boiled
suitable for young
are
Bread
soaked
in water
Milk is excellent
Fresh
Food
excellent food
mixing food,it must
Qatmeal is next best food for young
Meals
clean water
should be
is very
chickens
renewed
twice
it mustnever
chicks should
be
Young
should
from
separately
broods
food must
Fresh
green
TuT"
of grass,
Animal
be fed
a
needful
week
in
rolling
Chalybeatetonic
recommended
When
largeto
grown
too
older
be
hung
from
every
when
...
not
at
Mr.
for chicks
necessary
for chickens
DireotionB for
...
78
when
must
...
housing required
weather
he weaned
weaned
begin
with
IX.
"
79
79
too
early
too young
80
81
...
Diseases.
first symptoms, and
infected
fowls
be
82
kill diseased fowls at
oaxiisecl
by neglect;
in"Jnly
Treatment
79
81
generalplanis to
Disease
78
78
isolated
Best
78
liberty 78
sama
Chaptek
Treatment
to
likely
77
77
Tegetmeier
warmly brooded,warm
76
...
...
alwaysbe accessible
must
recommended
Artificialmothers
night
firstday
exceptin cold or wet
Libertyat daylighthighlybeneficial,
Allow hen to take her chick to the perch before weaning
foster mother
...
(planfor)
within reach
for chickens
by
daybreak
ones
76
givensour
indispensable 76
late
light,
accessible
constantly
be
ashes for
candle
by
green leaves tied and
or
food twice
sand and
fed
be
sun
to be accessible at
Earlyhatched
76
76
and keptfrom
daily
placedafter dark
76
76
objectionable
drink after firstweek:
as
74
74
of the unfertile eggs form
nulk is used for
Feed
A
...
of eggs is the best food for firstday
Custards
Dry
(Illustration) 74
cats
hours
food for first twenty-four
newly hatched requireno
73
of diseasas
cures
once
very
...
...
...
difficultand uncertain
and Long
accordingto Wright, Tegetmeier,
82
82
83 to 88
124
tSVBX.
(JHAPtBR X.
"
^DaSCBIPTIOS
BreSDI.
OF
breeds,where hardihood, limited apace, and winter
desiratile. Very
to ait are
laying and frequentinclination
children
89
tame, can be handled by
but mt leas frequently...
Same qualities
91
BbasuaS
aa the preceding,
Cochins
Best
"
...
...
...
...
"
Malays
BoBsnios
Finest
"
93
hardy,goodsitters
summer
layers,
prolific
Englishbreed,largesize,
table Inrds,
very rich eggs ;
Good
"
...
winteTjexdellentsitters and motheta ; fine table Inrdfi,
94
dry soil and warmth...
very hardy ; require
but not
not
Game
...
Requiremuch
"
Anconas
Andalusians,
Hambukghs
"
PoLANBS
layersjseldom
Splendidsummer
Bantams
sub-varieties of
are
98
"
prolificlayers,requirea
and black
golden,silver,
wide
...
of all breeds,
numerous
good sitters,
^The popular French breed, very
birds,non-sitters
"
French,not
"
Orpingtons
"
hardy, prolific
layers,
...
102,103
...
...
nor
layers,
...
103
good sitters,
require
round
104
...
Fine table birds and
"
excellent all
varieties,
Black, white,buff,and
few American
White
winter
101
103
qualities
Langshans
;
varieties 101,102
non-sitters
French,requiredry soil,
prolific
layers,
Fleohe
warmth
98
...
"
"Smallest
Ckevecceurs"
The
Spanish
eaters, most
excellent table
La
sit,poor
excellent springand summer
non-sitters
Delicate,
layers,
e
tc
golden,
silver,
black,sultans,
"
So
97
; these
Small
varieties
HouDANS
"
; three varieties
range
and table birds
sitters,
splendidlayers,
space,
and Spanish
MiNOROAS
table birds
...
Varieties
good layers,
hardy
introduced
Leghorns,importedby
Mf.
in
105
England are
"
Tegetmeier"Good layers,
large
eggs, non-sitters
Brovm
106
Leghorns Excellent layers,
very hardy
Suff, Dvdewmg, amd, Pile Leghorns Mainly show
"
"
...
...
...
birds
106
106
Plymouth Socks, introduced by Mr. Long Very hardy,good
table birds,good layers
and sitters ImprovedUominiques 106
"
"
Wtandottes"
Cross-bred
Best American
Fowls"
as
Mongrels, neither
pure breeds
PRIKTED
breed of
BY
poultry
"
so
several varieties
profitablenor
,"
NElLL
AND
...
tory
satisfac^^
CO., LTC,
EDINBURGH.
106
107