Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-11-02

The fall is the time in which to make selec.
lions Of the pullets that are intended as win.
ter layers. II must be considered that fowls
are adapted for particular seasons according
to the breed. The Leghorns commence lay
ing very early, but unless given warm quar-
tiers and the best Of feed rarely make good
winter layers. In fact, all fowls should be
made comfortable during the winter season,
but there are breeds endowed with heavier
and closer feathering than Others which are
thereby enabled to retain the animal heat
longer. An examination of a Leghorn hen will
demonstrate that the body under the wings is
sometimes entirely naked being covered only
by the wings, while the body Of Brahma is
not only covered by the wings but also by a
heavy plud feathering, soft and downy,
which is seryiceable during the long winter
season. There may be exceptions, but such
is usually the case. Leg feathering, howev-
err is Of no advantage, as the feathers keep
the legs continually damp where the fowls
are confined on heavy clay soil The comb
is another obstacle to the Leghorns, Black
Shanish and Plymouth Rocks such fowls
having tall single combs, which are easily
frosted when exposed TO severe cold winds or
when they become wet, az the danger Of
freezing is thereby increased. The combs
may be cut of close to the head, as also the
wsttles, if necessary, which operation is not
necessarily dangerous, but sometimes beneh-
oial when the combs are very heavy.
During the damp weather at this time Of
the year the roup sometimes makes its APP
pearance, even when the fowlu have received
the best care that can be bestowed. There
are many forms of roup, and it becomes con-
tagious in hocks when allowed to have its
way unchecked but the mild form is usually
a cold, the symptoms being a stoppage of the
nostrils which gives the well-known hoarse
breathing with the mouth opened. 1t some.
times appears also as a disease of the throat,
and other times the eyes and head are affect
ed, in all cases attended by general debility,
loss of appetite and depressed spirits. The
most essential object should be to separate
the sick fowls from the others and remove
them to a warm, dry location feeding on soft,
nutritious food. little copp eras solution in
the drinking water is about all the medicine
necessary, as doctoring often does more BARN
than good. The best remedy is warmth.
In selecting the winter layers it is best to
reserve those that were Matched early. II the
small breeds are kept the pulets Matched as
late as the beginning of June sometimes be-
gin to lay about Christmas, but those month
older will give more satisfactory results. The
large breeds-Brahmas, Cochins and Plym-
outh Rocks-require more time during which
10 grow anu mature, ana pulletS OF bucn
breeds, when intended as winter layers,
should be hatched as early as possible, March
being the month preferred, but later Matched
pulets of the large breeds often begin to lay
early and produce quite number of eggs
before spring begins. Langshau pullets be-
gin to lay nearly as early as Leghorns, which
is good quality for breed of large fowls,
and the crosses or the Langshan with mixed
or common fowls also produce good early
layers.
In crossing fowls one Of the best that can
be made is to mate Houdan cock with Brah-
ma hens, the result being very fine vigorous,
large fowls. The brown Leghorn cock when
mated with partridge Cochin hens, also pro.
duce excellent fowls, which are not only
profitable but beautiful in pumage.
Feeding requires judgment, for fowls, in
order to lay and give good results, must be
given a good variety, green food being al
lowed as regular addition to the supply of
grain. Meat in some shape is also essential,
and good quarters aud pure water are very i'm
portant As eggs bring better prices now
and during the winter than at any other time,
the breeder will be well rewarded for the care
he may bestow if the fowls are properly at.
tended to and their wants amply supplied. L.
IhiLddelphid Record