The Tomahawk. [volume] (White Earth, Becker County, Minn.) 1903-192?, 1924-07-17
GETTING POULTRY
READY TO SHOW
Chief of University Poultry Divi-
sion Gives Exhibitors a Few
Simple Rules to Follow.

Edited by the Agricultural Extension
Dept, University Of Minnesota.
Poultry has become an outstanding
factor in the success of county fairs,
the season for which in Minnesota
opened this month and will continue
with increasing volume through Aug
ust and September. Poultry keepers
planning to make exhibits are inter-
ested, therefore, in everything per-
tanning to the conditioning Of poultry
for county and district fairs.
A. c. Smith, chief of the division
Of poultry husbandry, University Of
Minnesota, says the first thing to do
is to provide attractive coops and Sc
lect the most attractive birds. This
means that more time should be TAX
en- in making the selection. II the
fowls are selected weeks before the
fair, rather than at the last minute,
there will be time to give them some
special care.
Birds for exhibition should be fed
literally and with goo1 wholesome
foods, because to look their best they
must be plump" says Mr.. Smith.
weight is in favor of the specimen.
The heavy birds, except Bantams,
other things being equal, win. At the
season of fall fairs, most birds are on
range and, if literally fed, are in most
cases in perfect health, which is the
foundation for good condition.
1.-THE birds should be cooped and
handled a little each day for a few
daps in order to accustom them to
coops and so they will stand naturally
in such enclosures.
Become acquainted with your
breed or variety. Know what are the
standard requirements, which is the
same thing as popular demand. A
knowledge of disqualifications is es-
sential. To have a bird absolutely
debarred from competition is humiliat-
ing, yet the most grievous faults are
frequently found on specimens ex-
hibited by breeders of too great ex-
perience to employ such lax methods
of selection. Exhibitors should IA
miliarize themselves with all dfsquali-
fcations by frequent examination Of
the specimens and the study OF the
latest edition of the Standard of Per-
lection.
"Plumage may be improved by
plucking the poorest feathers. When
the feathers are dead this Is not
cruel practice. The appearance Of
the birds will also be much improved
by cleaning the head and especially
the legs and feet. This may be done
in few minutes with little soap
and water applied with rather stiff
brush to the shanks and toes; an old
tooth brush will answer admirably.
After washing, massage the head,
face, shanks and toes with vaseline or
olive oil, using but very little of
either. White birds should be washed
first in warm soap suds and soft
water, second in luke warm soft
water, and third in cold rinse water.
Dry in a room at 80 to 80 degrees F.
When exhibiting white birds always
clean and dust the exhibition coop
before the bird is Gagged.
These are simple rules, none re-
quiring much time or an expenditure
Of much effort, yet the results will
be worth all the effort and pains TAX
en- in satisfaction and pride at good
looking display even IL you fail to
win. But the chances of winning
are increased at least so per cent by
dressing up the birds and quarters.
Remember you do not wear your
working clothes in church or at
dance"