The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1908-08-06
PREPAREYOUR BIRDS
For the Coming Poultry
Show Now to Win.
HOW BEST TO Do SO.
Told by Expert Judge in
Such Detail You Will
Have no Trouble.
HOW BEST TO Do 50.
BY n M, Campbell, Expert Judge, in Nashville
Banner.

BY r. M, Campbell, Expert Judge, in Nashville
Banner.
We are ofttimes asked how to prepare
poultry for exhibition and when is the
best time to begin. Our answer is in
variably right now.
When a really excellent bird has
reached maturity and shows points in
all sections sufficiently msritorious to
eHtitle it to place among exhibition
specimens, the further preparation
consists mainly in preventive meas
ureS. Therefore, in connection with
the casualties which are likely to unfit
our birds for showing at their very
best are the subjects which interest us
most.
To prevent birds from becoming un-
prepared for exhibition is in my opinion
the very best way to prepare them to
show we'll. Lice are among the worst
enemies of fowls, and they should not
be tolerated at any time.
During the moulting season great
care should be taken to let the process
60 on without interruption from the be-
ginning till the birds are fully fedged.
The more steadily the new feathers
grow from the time they first start till
they are fully grown the more beautiful
the new plumage will be and the moult-
ing fowl can no more produce fine
feathers from depleted system than
can the growing chick.
Any neglect or accident at this crit
ical stage may cause injury which can
not be repaired before show time.
I am convinced that much of the bar
ring or smutty edging that so often an
noys fanciers of solid colored birds is
caused by sudden changes in surround
ing conditions or care, which alternate
ly check and start the groth of feath-
ers. Some writer's claim that sudden
changes of feed have a tendency to
produce the same effect, and it has
been conceded that exposure to sudden
changes in the weather is likely to pro-
duce the same effect at the moulting
period. I remember one breeder OF
wide experience who claimed that sui
phur in the food helps to brighten the
plumage, but 1 have always had some
doubt as to its use. Therefore l would
not recommend it, because unless very
cautiously given it impairs the appetite
and causes emaciation and susceptible
ty to cold and may thus result in much
harm. Sunfower seed, faxseed and
oil meal fed in small quantities help tc
give gloss to the plumage and are
harmless.
Anything which Injuries pinfeathel
is likely to make that feather white Of
partly white when grown. Therefore
every precautioh should be taken tt
avoid fighting or any other disturbance
among the moulting tiocks during thu
moulting period. have read of cases
though very rare, of black feathers be
coming white after they are fully
grown. But as yet no writer has eve
claimed to know the exact cause. 1t i
general belief that it is caused from
an internal injury Of some kind.
Too much exposure to the hot sun O
wind and rain after being housed thro
the winter sometimes ruins the earlobe
by causing them to blister or chap anC
finally peel, which changes the colo
more or less from what it should be
This makes the chance of winnin,
much less and may ruin the bird 70
show purposes, although it does not in
jure it at all for breeding.
Plenty OF exercise is very essentia
for birds at all times; if possible shor
straw or chaf about foot deep shoul
be kept in your feed room so that you
birds will have to scratch and TAX
some needed exercise. This should no
be neglected, especially for two week
prior to showing them. Another yer
essential thing is the legs and feet c
your birds, which require months to 6
for showing, In order to get the leg
and feet in nice condition in the short
est possible length Of time you shout
first take vessel of water just about q
hot as you can bear to hold your hand
in. Place the bird in the water up |
its knees. Use some soap and sma
brush "a tooth brush is very good) an
brush the legs cross ways until thol
oughly cleaned. But do not try picl
ing off any of the scales, as this wi
make the legs sore. Just be patient, {
nature will do the rest " 18th the propt
remedies. Carbolated vsseline, or thre
parts lard and one part sulphur, shoul
be applied thoroughly every other ds
for two weeks, at the end OF which the
will be getting in pretty good cond
tion. Besides, they shoul be separa
cd irom the other birds AAd be give