Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1916-06-22

Few turkeys develop to marketable size
In less than six months. Provide them
with ideal environment and IT may be
done Certain phases of the weather, such
as long droughts or repeated drawnout
east storms, directly hinder the young
birds growth. The earlier the eggs can
he Matched after May 18th, the longer the
period of growth before the first holiday
demand. A marked difference in size eX~
lists between turkeys whose ages vary
but by two weeks. nor does the discrep-
ancy ever seem to be overcome Eggs
should not he kept too long. Their vital
ity deprecates rapidly. The little turk, is
suing from the egg set as soon as laid.
is noticeahy sturdy. If, in addition the
eggs are the product of hens two years
old, or more, the young have "A double
heritage of strength. In recognition of
this fact most growers set surplus turkey
eggs under ordinary hens AS soon as the
turkey hen shows a decided intention of
keeping her nest, she should he given her
eggs. Incubators can he used but one
runs less risk of tamperinc with the vi
tally of the unmatched bird by entrusting
it to a hen or turkey. Whence is uncov-
cred one secret of the successful raiser
a sturdy Matching.
LEARNING FROM NATURE.
Why are turkeys generally considered
difficult to raise? Chiefly because those
who embark in the venture are hampered
by their knowledge of the Ia bits of chick
ems. The similarity of young fowls to
turkeys is merely superficial. on vital
points they differ radically. Turkeys are
voracious without chickens ability to
assmilate great quantities. They require
a certain amount of exercise rs an aid to
digestion, yet too much running weares
them to the point of exhaustion. littl'
ones confined lack sufficient roughage
(supplied by green food such as clover,
alfalfa, rape, etc.. with sad consequences.
unless generous provision is made in each
meal. Their rapid feathering drains their
vitality heavily. Witness the dragging
wings of weak, eight-day turkeys AL
ready they are tagging in the race.
Ventilation is a vital necessity. but
drauEhts on turkeys court trouble Sour
ed food. which a chicken might eat with
impunity, works havoc with their diges-
ton. In short, to rear them with a meas
ure of success, one must studiouslv avoid
servation we may easily 6ecome acquainr-
ed Failure with turkeys. aside from mis-
haps. springs from the attempt to force
them to conform to an unnatural regimen.
There are diets a-plenty The chief diff
fculty is in selecting a diet easily anil
rheaply prepared. and best suited to their
needs The list is diverse and lengthy:
Meal and bran mash,
Meal and middlngs mash,
Chckfeed,
Curd,
Boiled wheat.
Boiled rice,
Baked cornbread.
Rolled oats,
Bread soaked in milk
Whatever is used in tho WaN Of cereal
chopped green food, such as onions, gariic
wild onions), lettuce or fennel should
predominant. This lessons danger Of di-
Pestive disturbance. Hard boiled eye is
the factor common to all diets. Washes
are excellent, bnt require the exercise Of
good judgment in the quantity given. If
the last particle is not eaten at night. it
Is apt to sour by morning, ana trouble en-
sues The best all-rOund feed for young
ones after the first week is @ood chick
feed with chopped onion-tops, boiled
egg and curd, if available. Chckfecd can
not ferment unless it becomes wet. Black
pepper is a good stimulant given occa-
sionally to counteract any tendency to
diarrhoea.
SITE FOR COOPS AND RIMS
Every farm presents its own problem
as to the proper place for the turkey
coop. A wel-drained spot i'm a wheat
field or pasture is ideal The growing
wheat affords a rich pasturagc for the
young turkeys. They may even hide there
from the willy hawk. When it is cat. the
shattered grain reinforces their de- At
all times it shelters a plentiful supply Of
insect food. Best of all, the ground is
newly turned and less apt TO harbor dis
ease germs.
If the farm woman must count her foot
steps she may set her coons near at hand
on ground lately plowed, yet separate
from chickens A small patch Of rape
may be planted where the little ones may
run. They are particularly fond If this,
which will supply portion of their green
food.
Nothing affects turkey health more
subtly or fatally than parasites. When
the little ones droop or sicken without
visible cause, search for vermn. Be salts
fed only with closest scrutiny. After
some years of experience with turkeys, /
find that these are responsible for my
greatest losses Where they como from
is the enigma. From bad associations,
from neghborinF fowls, from birds or
from sparrows who steal their food
some way, despite care, they often he
come infested, Eternal vigilance is the
watchword. For those that infest the
head, amounting with one-half cupfu salt
grease mixed with one teaspoonfu kcro-
sene is excellent For others a plentiful
use of insect powder is sufficient. If tur-
keys are allowed long to he infested, they
rapidly deteriorate. Some die linEeringly,
as IL it were Of some wasting disease, and
are dosed, poor things, accordingly, when
their dire need is insect powder.
EXEMPTION FROM DOSING
Health disdains medicine So with tur-
keys, avoid dosing till disease appears.
Always isolate the sickly, Seldom is it
excusable even to disnfect their drinking
, water. unless disease is present Contin-