The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1884-12-31
Fowls in Cold Weather.
IChiCago Times.l

Chicago iinesl
Farmers generally state that they have DO
time 70 devote to fowls during the summer.
Their crops require constant attention, and
the fowls are left 10 take care iof themselves
On most farms fowls are sadly neglected
during cold weather. Perhaps they are pro-
tected from the rain. snow. and cold by
building,of some sort but If this is the case
they are generally tormented By vermin.
Fowls will net thrive even in comfortable
quarters if they are constantly rendered I'M
comfortable by insects that are burrowiog
in their flesh. Fowls generally keep them
selves tOlerably free from these creatures
during the summer by scratching the light
soil and covering their bodies with dust.
Every building in which fowls are, kept
during cold weather should be well
supplied with material for dust
ing their bodies. Several boxes, nearly
on a level with the floor, should be filed
with it, and pains be taken to keep it clean.
Coal ashes are excellent for this purpose.
Occasionally the ashes should bs raked over
to remove the stones and pebbles that have
fallen among them. The occasional sddi-
ton to the surface OF the dust both Of some
substance that is distastefuI OF harmful to
vermin will prove of great benefit. The
flowers of sulphur are excellent for this pur-
pose. The sulphur vspOrizes when It Il
moderately heated By coming in contact
with the warm flesh of the fowls, and kills
Or drives away the lice. The ordinary pyrs-
thram powder, ordinarily known as Persian
insect powder" is also excellent for eEter-
minating vermin. Pulverized tobacco leaves
make a desirable addition TO q dust bath.
Vermin in pOultIy-hon may be kept IN
check by rubbing the roosts with petroleum
or any kind OF fat to which about I per
cent, Of csrbolie acid is added If the fOTl
are badly infected by lice, pains should b.
iaken to rub some soft fat On their necks
and under their wings. Any kind of fat IS
disissieful 10 lice, and its presence makes il
difficult for them 70 move from one part Of
the body to the other.
Fowls kept on farms generally have
enough to eat during the winter. They Go
food, but for lack Of variety. They should
have, in addition TO various kinds of grain,
fresh vegetables and some sort of meat. The
waste OF butcher shops, rabbits, that ere
very plenty in the West, and the scraps that
remain whsn lard or tallow is rendered, ARE
all valuable for fowls. Every poultry house
in winter should be supplied with cleau
gravel, brick-dust, and pulveriZed bones. By
placing few large bones in the kitchen fire
till the animal substance in them is de-
stroyed they can be readily pulVeriEed. The
supply OF water sAoa,d not be neglected.
Fowls require water much oftener than
animals do. When fed chiefly on dry grain
they should have pure water constantly
within reach. Fowls are sctive creatures
and when not kept in confinement are al.
most constantly in motion. They are likely
20 suffer during the winter for want o.
proper exercise. When the weather is "a
vorable they should be let out and allowed
TO run in the open air. During this time
the building in which they are kept shout
be cleaned and ventilated.