The eastern clarion. [volume] (Paulding, Miss.) 1837-1863, 1859-05-11
agricultural.
ton FldHtcr.
PoultrY--Raising.


Poultry-Raising.
MEsSES. EDITORS:-I noticed in the
March number of the VdLieg Farmer an ar
ticle on Poultry and Eggs | was pleas
ed to see that you take an interest in so
important branch of the business of the
agriculturist Poultry-keeping is not on
ly profitable. but an amusement in which
every family may indulge. The space
needed Is not great. and the luxury of
fresh eggs and home fattened chickens we
all love to indulge in. Before purchasing
your poultry, have your house ready
to receive them. Suit your convenience
a. to the expense of your poultry-house.
Some out house may be appropriated
to the purpose with little alteration.
would not, forprofit, build a costly house ;
but for fancy, persons can build as costly
a. their convenience will allow. The most
important matter to be considered in the
fowl-hOuse is that it should be kept warm
in winter, well ventilated in summer,
clean and dry. | think care should be
taken in selecting'the choicest kinds of
thoroughbred poultry for stocking the
farm for breeding. The number of hens
to be allowed to each cock should not eX-
ceed twelve, and should prefer to have
only seven Oreight. as the eggs will prove to
be more fertile. Care should be taken
that the cock is in good condition and in
perfect health | am well satisfied that
the large Eastern or Chinese varieties,
for all points combined, are the best. The
white Shanghais and light grays, or what
some call Brama POotras sare my particu-
lar fancy. There is not the difference
that some would like to make you think.
The large breeds of all kinds, if kept in a
healthy condition, pay good profit. One
great secret in treating diseased fowls is
TO diet. In fact, if the fowl Is not too
weak. almost starve it for a few days,
give them plenty of pure, fresh water,
and keep them in a cool, dry place, not
too warm. This treatment has been the
secret of my success. | have lost but two
fowls by any disease in the last year, and
that was owing to neglect. For fancy
fowls, the golden lace and silver lace Sea-
bright bantums, properly bred, are the
prettiest domestic birds. They are said
to have been imported by the late Sir
John Seabright from India to England,
and by Mr.. Wiser, of Germantown, to
this country. at very high price. The
black bantum is most beautiful birds
pleasing little fellow, with glossy plu-
mage and almost metallic lustre. The
cock does not exceed pound in weight.
For culinary purposes, consider the flesh
Of the Shanghai superior to any domestic
fowl, and preferable on account of size.
| have never found any food equal to
them for table usesNAll kinds of grain
are good for fowls, hrE l. consider corn
the best staple food, and oats given Occa-
sionally as a Stimulating food. | would
recommend cracked corn for chicks af-
ter they are two weeks old: | have found
it to be the best. Fowls need plenty of
food. pure water, fresh air, ranging
grounds. shelter from cold and storms,
and perfect cleanliness in their houses, to
keep them in a healthy condition. Hens
should not be fed too highly before they
begin to lay and while laying. | have
found the chicks from large breeds OF
| fowls more hardy and much easier raised
than any of the small breeds. They grow
| much faster. and if well taken care O
will commence laying at the age of sly
months. They should be hatched as ear
| " as April, and then you will have pullet
that will commence laying in the fall anC
| continue through the winter, if well tax
| en- care of.
There is no branch of the business Of
farmer more profitable than poultry-rais
! ing. The easy access to market, and tn
high price that poultry and eggs demand
! should be inducement enough to the fal
mer to select the best breeds of fowls I
stock his farm; and too much attentio
cannot be given to their care and manag,
| ment.
Many works have been written on tn
management of domestic fowls, and ar
within the reach of every one, and woul
advise all breeders of poultry TO consul
some one of these works,
Yours. etc. H. NJ BoARDTAN.