The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-02-09
THE FARM AND HOUSEHOLD
Fatteniug Chickens.

A writer in Moore's Rural. says: If every
body could agree upon system of breeding
and keeping fowls there would be but small
chance for "isms" on the subject. The pro-
fessionals, however, think they know all
about fowls, but l never knew one who
would admit of "dealing foul" with his GUS
toners, although some do so, nevertheless;
still it is to be presumed that poultry raisers
will rank as fair average of mankind in in
telligence and honesty. As everybody else
has his own way of doing things. there is no
good reason why should not have mine,
even if it does not quite agree with strict Or
thodox regulations.
Shut up your fowls to fatten, says one au-
thority, a thing I would meyer do if 1 desired
their flesh for my own table. Moderate ex-
ercise is as necessary to produce healthy meat
in fowls as in larger animals, and those who
want diseased meat of any kind are welcome
to their preference, but should not attempt
to force it upon others. Fowls which are per.
mitted to have good, wide range in pursuit
OF a variety OF food are as much superior for
the table as the fat Texas steer is TO the
swill-fed COW for beef. Another writer says
fowls should not be permitted to help them
selves to food, else they will not hunt for in
sects when allowed to run at large. But
this has been. and still is, my system of feed
ing, and from long experience 1 am con-
best plan by all odds. My fowls, when they
come from the roost in the morning, will
take a light breakfast of corn, oats, and
wheat, or whatever grain is given them, and
then start for the fields, hunting for worms
and insects generally. l have never as yet
discovered that permitting hens to help them
selves to grain had any effect upon their
wandering habits, or made them disinclined
to eat insects or make a raid upon ripe toma-
toes or other fruits and vegetables, Then,
again, throwing out grain at stated periods
tends to increase the somewhat natural dis
position of the strongest 10 overpower and
drive away the weaker, and portion will
gorge themselves to excess, while others OBJ
tain little or none. To keep fowls healthy,
good-natured, and fat, food in abundance
should be placed whore they can obtain it at
any time desired, never emitting supply of
fresh water near by. In winter, meat and
vegetables may be added to the usual supply
of grain, with benefit to the health of the
fowls, as well as tending to increase the
quantity of eggs. 1t is always best to supply
q variety of grain, such as wheat, millet,
corn, and buckwheat, and allow the fowls to
take their choice which they will frequently
do in manner not laid down in the poultry
books. Disease among fowls is the result of
Encouragement and nothing else, no matter
how much science may be mixed in as pre-.
ventives or cures. Cleanliness is of the first
importance; next, an abundance of good food,
always accessible and in variety; also fresh,
clear water, summer and winter. where the
fowls can get it when desired. In summer,
with wide range over grass and cultivated
ground and the above requisites, no hardy,
healthy breed should become diseased, and 1
doubt if they ever would.