The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-26
EARLY SELECTION AND SPECIAL CARE
 OF EXHIBITION POULTRY DESIRABLE
Success Depends Upon Do ing This Work Carefully
 and Intelligently
By PROF. F. H. sToNEBURN

Copyright, 1914, by Matos-Menz AuV. to,
 Inc
 Superior specimens of the various breeds of poultry command high prices' and the breeders whose stock wins con- sistently in the larger poultry shows se- cure the best part of this profitable pusi- ness. Naturally there is keen competition and lanciers neglect no point in the prep aration of their show birds which Will aid them in securing the coveted prlzes. Some of the more essential matters hav- ing to do with the selection and prepara- tion of the show string are discusses by Professor Stoneburn in his current con- tribution.
 There are unmistakable indications that the poultry breeders of America are d. viding into two camps. The fanciers. who are primarily, interested in the produc- ton of specimens which meet certain def mite exhibition requirements as to form, color and markings. The utility breeders who care but little for show points, but demand that their birds shall lay heavily or dress on beautifully as table poultry. We might also include very small third class. those men of faith and vision, who believe that through careful, painstaking work they can in certain breeds combine show excellence and unusual business qualities in their focks
 The following remarks have to do with the fanciers, tne breeders of show stock, who subordinate everything else to secur- ing perfection of exhibition of characteris- tics. This class may well be divided into two groups according to their aims. The first includes those who breed and show fine fowls as a pastime, hobby, ana those who follow the work as business and are most interested in the financial returns.
 Technical Knowledge Required
 But wherever their object all fanclers are interested in winning the prizes In open competition, and under existing con ditions this cannot be accomplished with out a thorough understanding or snow room requirements, knowledge or the finer points of show specimens and the careful grooming and training of the show string.
 The truth of this statement is demon- strated at hundreds of fairs each fall where professional exhibitors bring In great strings of birds and clean up a large proportion of the prize money These men--"husksters," as the bonande breeders call them-know all the tricks of the trade and, though many of their
  inferior, to those shown by local poul- trymen, they win reguarly because they apply their technical knowledge or the game.
 It is apparent, then, that the ambitious amateur exhibitor should early select ms promising specimens and give them the very best advantages, to the end that they may do him credit when the judge passes upon them It is useless to expect much of birds which are merely picked up the day before the show and exhlplted just as they grew up.
 In about month the fall fair season opens. The poultry department of these great agricultural expositions offers the beginner the best opportunity to make start as an exhibitor, and many or our leaders in the poultry fancy have gained their first experience in this way.
 The fancier, whether a sportsman or a professional, must exhibit his pirds. Claims for superiority must be based upon performance. The buying public is getting wise, and demands records of per formance, both of fancy and utility stock. JTpon such records business is built. or course the amateur who is interested Tn the sporting side of the proposition wants to win for personal satisfaction and to se- cure possession of the various rippons ana trophies which testify to his skill.
 If is none too early to go over the flock and get a line on the best speci- mems. As basis of selection, one must have a thorough knowledge of the points of the breed or variety handled. This IS hest secured by careful study of the American Standard of Perfection, which minutely describes ideal shape and color and lists the disqualifcatfons which throw the faulty specimens out Of competition as being unworthy of any consideration This book is published by the American Poultry Association and may be secured C11tt hnl1G4 seller. It is the final word on exhibition poultry, and is the standard under which the judge works.
 Secure Expert Advice
 Where possible, the help of some vet eran in the game should be secured man of this kind can quickly point out the good chickens and give much infor- mation which may be used to advantage
 The flock should first be sorted witf reference to disqualifying- points, dis carding any individuals which posses: such faults. Of course, certain of th' minor disqualifications. as down on tht toes and foreign-colored feathers in th' plumage, may be removed. Whether ol not such practices are entirely honorable is a point which each breeder must settle with his own conscience. However, 1t Il common knowledge that the majority O [ experienced exhibitors fix up birds in this way.
 
 toes crooked backs and breasts are no possible of correction
 We'll Matured Birds Best
 When choosing young stock for fai showing. pay particular attention to thu size and development of the specimen. Th weight clause of the standard are not us uallv strictly enforced at the fairs, bu other things being equal. the bird whicl is well up to the required standard weigh receives the most consideration.
 It is possible to induce growing chick to make rapid increase in weight by spe cial feeding, and this plan may be resort ed to in order to bring small chicks whicl possess unusual promise. Finely choppe' cooked meat and bone. skim milk. mois mashScontaining large portion of groun oats-all give good results. Some fan ciers go so far as to give their choic chicks an extra meal late at night, D.