The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-10-17
Hints on Managing Fowls.

Fowls frequently become trouble
some about the gardens and yard. rem
dering them untidy and disagreeable,
and yet there is feeling that this must
be borne for the sake of the fowls. They
cannot be dispensed with, while at the
same time they are felt to be anuisance.
Now with little care and forethought,
much of this unpleasantness may be
avoided. The fowls must have a suit
able home, yard set apart for their
occupation, where they are fed and
watered daily, with certain area for
them to roam over. Here they SHOULD
be taught to remain, and be left there
in undisputed repose. Everything must
have home, and for no farm stock is
this more necessary than for fowls. The
land and water birds must not be
mixed, for one annoys the other. Fowls
are none the better for roaming in the
gardens and destroying the growing
vegetables and small fruits. They want
their liberty, to be sure, but should be
restricted to certain limits. This is
easily done if begun early and per-
severed in. E
There is difference in breeds, how
ever. The small ones are scratchers
the large, tramplers. Ducks are very
destructive to gardens, besides render
ing the yard about the doorsteps untidy.
Where the chickens are left when
weaned from the mother hen will al
ways be their haunt The runways
where she had left them when nurs-
ings will not be forgotten therefore it
is necessary that we train them in the
commencement. This seasons early
chickens are already weaned, but they
oh DO loft To %l,o,,
selves, but have home and care. They
the old fowls, lest they be pecked and
bruised, and receive Injuries which are
permanent
Rapid growth and rapid feathering
are needed 10 make fine fowls, and they
must be stimulated to the fullest ex-
tent. This cannot be done if they are
left to provide for themselves. At
weaving the brood should be kept to-
gether as much as possible, as at this
period, if not carefully watched, they
are apt to become shy and wild to
dispense with their regular feeding,
and run down. They should be left by
the mother hen at the old home where
they have always found food and water.
All fowls have strong attachments, and
are fond of their home. Turkeys and
ducks are great ranlblers, and should
be restrained. IL is necessary for the
thrift of the fowl TO humor and control
this habit as much as possible. The
duck is Just as contented with shall
low trough of water in a yard, as with
a whole pond. The turkey is more inn
patient and difficult to control, still
there arc measures Gf the confidence
once be gained) whereby they may be
governed. Their habits are generally
regular.
The greatest amount of profit with
the least trouble is found in keeping
the common hen. She is always in
profit when right. Therefore the chick
ems must be looked to, as they are the
dependence for the next years yield
The profit of the turkey ends with the
fattened bird, while the hen gives a
large yield of eggs. She supplies the
table, and pays her mill-bill, also her
keeper for bringing the food and fresh
water. With little care and trouble
fresh eggs may be the rule the whole
year Few are willing to incur this
trouble. The expense of keeping fowls
is not very great. 1t is little or much
as we make it. Purchasing the food
and throwing it out are not all that Is
necessary. There are many items that
must be attended to which are essen
tial. A lively interest is the main
thing. - Country Gentleman.