The Portland daily press., 1880-09-29
Health and Longevity of Fowls.

Of all our domestic fowls, the goose is the
longest lived. We have accounts of their
living to the age of more than century.
The turkey, perhaps comes next, while our
common hen is the shortest lived of all
although there are instances of remarkable
longevity among them. Pea fowls and
Guinea hens, believe, are long-lived, but
they are usually kept more for ornament
than general use. The longevity of our do
mestic fowls differs greatly. With grades
and mongrels, life is greatly shortened. A
thoroughbred, as general thing, has a
stronger constitution. Their longevity de-
ponds greatly upon treatment. To prolonc
life with utility, the best care must be. taken
of the chicks. 1t is better, as a generaT
thing, to keep the different breeds separate,
In their regular run at large. Where they
congregate together and unfortunately,
the stronger as well as the majority will rule
at the expense of the weaker. This prac-
tice may answer where a large run is af-
forded, with plenty of feed in constant sup
ply. There is not so much trouble where
the fowls are all of one breed, For instance
Houdans are peculiar breed in the manner
of their head and neck feathering. Their
crests are large, and the muffling about the
head and eyes renders it difficult for them
to see except in downward and straight
line. When associated with only their own
variety, this is no SERIOUS disadvantage; but
when with other and quicker sighted, vora-
cious fowls they become shy and nervous,
ever on the watch for an attack from an I'M
seen quarter.
Generally speaking and with fair oppor-
tunity, Houdans are what might be termed
the ''boss fowl with the exception of the
Dorking. Every bird must succumb to the
latter. Where fowls have an extended run.
and food and drink are kept in constant
supply, the matter is not so serious, but even
then each will take its own runaways. 1t is
worse than useless to undertake to keep
fowls without feed When allowed to shift
for themselves they degenerate greatly, and
become worthless. The more delicate period
is moulfing time, and the fowls will not re-
cover from it-take on the new feathers, and
regain strength and flesh sufficient to pass
through the Winter with any profit at all
il not well fed. This leaving to shift for
themselves does not pay. By generous feed
ing the duration of life is greatly increased,
and greater amount of profit is derived
therefrom.
Fowls that are Ike on full feed with fire.
quent changes of diet, will pass over the an
nual moult with little difficulty, and remain
in flesh and health. Nature never intended
this period to be other than a gradual
change, and it is not in natural state
Our domestic birds have changed their very
nature. They are so completely under our
control that it is necessary to care for and
supply their needs in every case Their
strength is used in egg production, and it is
no idle occupation for the system. Fine
birds can only be obtained at the expense of
healihful nutritious food, and daily over
sight. Leghorns will remain in profit from
three to four years, Spanish from four to
five, Houdans from five to six, and Dorkings
about the same, if well cared for Corr.
Country Gentleman.