The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-03-03
Poultry i'm Large Numbers,

The problem of keeping poultry in large
numbers, and yet realizing az large profits
as is done from a small stock proportionate.
", has not yet been solved, and any inform
alton in regard to methods practced by
those who venture in such underta kings is
always acceptable. An English correspond
ent oil the Country Gentleman gives an &C.
count OF the operations OF Mr.. Thomas
Chick whose farm is situated four
miles from Dorchester. England, and
which contains 500 acres 1t is devoted 10
stock grain and poultry. Mr.. Chick divides
his fowls into antilles. and preads them
over his entire farm, and walk OF three
Jour miles is airy IN order to visit all
the families. Nearly every field has its poul-
try-house, and often two, the houses being
placed rs far apart as possible No fencing
is used, the fowls being allowed full liberty.
Cattle are kept in the same fields and the
only attention the fowls receive is to be fed
and have their quarters cleaned daily. The
houses are movable, and can be lifted and
carried By two men, handles being provided
Tor that purpose. They stand upon legs,
about two feet high, giving a shelter below.
The fowls are examined daily to note il any
are missing or are diseased. Disease how
ever, rarely occurs as the birds are not only
well cared for but have all the advantages
possib bic for health aud comfort.
Only the Sdult birds are divided on diff
ferent fields. The chickens are Matched at
the residence of the owner or on another
farm, where they are under the special care
OF competent person. The chickens are
kept until old enough to De put out, and
many of them are s0ld or killed when quite
young. either for the table or as stock fowls.
The number OF eggs sold annually is about
1900, and about SEQ chicks are Matched
every season. These numbers are not very
large, but demonstrate what may be lne
on large farm aud yet not interfere with
the raising Of other stock. The cores
pendent states thst in giving an account
Of the operations OF Mr.. Chick his OBJ
isct is to exhibit what ne regards
as the true method OF pOultrg-keep-
ing on farms-that Of using plankabIe NOV
able houses out IN the field, each capable of
holding g score of chicks or a dozen adult
fowls. This can be done very easily on pas
tuIe or feeding lands to q very large extent,
for there can be no difficulty IN having one
house to every ten acres OF land, and even
on wheat or cOrn.growing lands the same
method may be adopted. a farm is men,
toned where the crops are chiefly corn or
roots, and in the corner OF every poultry
house. Within yard or two Of the houss
the ground is bare, but that is all, and
though the fowls wander in and out among
the grain and roots they do no harm, but q
very great deal of good, msnuring and clean
ing the earth, as we'll as finding nearly all
tbe food they require.
OF course such a system as the above
could not be practiced in those sections of
this country where the snow is q foot deep
IN winter, for the houses would be too far
apart and the expense of attendance would
be great vet there is a lesson TO be Z insd
by the fact that poultry in large numbers
may be made prof tsble If divided into fami-
lies aud separated. Nor do we consider it
| necessary to devote so large q spsce as ten
acres to one flock, bat simply to divide
them into hocBs net exceeding ten 10 mum.
| Der and give them plenty Of yard room.
| We have known two hooks to be kept IN one
| yard, without any fence to separate them,
i and each flock respected 81 imaginary
\ line over which they never passed,
seeming to be perfect strang-
/ era AT all times. A large poultry
farm in New jersey was successfully oper-
/ ated By the kessrs. Leland, the we'll IN
caterers. who divided the f0cks by blowing
q deep furrow around q large space, the fur.
| rows being respected by the fowls as the linn
its beyond which they must not venture
!! When fowls are kept at q distance frome sch