The practical poultry keeper by Wright Lewis 1838-1905

Author:Wright, Lewis, 1838-1905
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Poultry
Publisher: London, New York, Cassell
Published: 1917-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

Fig. 26.—Exhibition Hamper.

system are of even more importance than any mere natural advantages.

In regard to that beautiful bright red of the comb and wattles so desirable, this cannot be given to a fowl which is not naturally in high health. But when a bird is healthy the scrubbing helps to bring it out; and if finally a very little fresh butter is rubbed in, and then wiped as thoroughly off as possible with a damp cloth, about the best is made of it. A greasy-looking comb is disgusting, and soon becomes L

dull in colour. We have seen the head sponged with strong vinegar, and this does brighten the comb for a ■while; but most birds become dark aftervs^ards, and the other is the more certain treatment.

The head and comb should be gone over the very last thing, any bent or broken small body-feather removed, and the whole body may be smoothed over with a silk handkerchief, with quite perceptible results in some cases.

As to the best form of hamper, general experience approves most of a round shape, of a size to give just ample room to the fowls which have to be shown. The usual pattern for a single bird is that shown in Fig. 26, of skeleton wickerwork, with a flat cover hinged in the middle. This is lined with coarse linen, canvas, or other cheap material. It is better to be too large than too small; and the straw should be put in deep, with a deep hollow in the centre, which will keep the bird there and avoid damage to the tail. Many shows now allow two or more pens to be sent in one hamper, which saves considerably in carriage. In such cases, the usual shape is an oblong with rounded ends, and a partition in the middle. When fowls are thus sent, the greatest care should be taken that the labels are so attached that there may be no chance of mistake about the proper pens. At almost every show there are errors of this sort, to the inevitable loss of the exhibiter, who cannot expect busy officials to remedy the results of his own carelessness.

All has now been done that can be done, and the rest must be left to the decision of the judges. As a rule, these are impartial, but there are regrettable exceptions. Some are known to have certain invincible prejudices, which prevent them from judging certain classes in accordance with the general rules as understood by the majority; there are others, far above any pecuniary corruption, who

are not above manifesting very obvious ill - will to the exhibits of those who in any way aggrieve them ; only now and then is there any virtual proof of real corruption. The vigilance of the poultry press is making these exceptions more and more rare. The breeder should know definitely and authoritatively what he is to seek after. There are certain standards of excellence which are now generally recognised by breeders, and

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