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489
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This book may be kept out
TWO WEEKS
only, and is subject to a fine of TWO
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day indicated D<
NOV 25 1896
NOV 27 1896
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CARD
THE
Wyandotte Fowl.-
its
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS,
Advice on Rearing, Mating and Breeding,
WITH A CHAPTER ON
Judging of Exhibition Birds.
EDITORS OF THE "POULTRY MONTHLY."
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.
ALBANY, N. Y.:
Ferris Publishing Company,
Publishers of the "Poultry Monthly'''' and Rural Books.
1SS4.
(o 3 6 , ^
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred
and eighty -four, by
FERRIS PUBLISHING COMPANY,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
BURDICK & TAYLOR,
PRINTERS,
4S1 BROADWAY, ALBANY, N. Y.
INTRODUCTION.
In presenting this volume to the public, we beg the
indulgence of the reader to any fault or shortcoming that
may appear. The belief that much experience in imparting
knowledge to those of lesser experience would enable us to
prepare a monograph on the Wyandotte fowl, was the
moving spring which at first produced this work, and
which now presents it to the poultry breeders of America in
its present form.
The rage and fashion for bookmaking now-a-days is not
confined to the editorial profession particularly, though it is
true they have absorbed the lion's share of the work — pre-
suming they have facts and facilities for acquiring a thorough
knowledge of their subjects to entitle them to some con-
sideration from poultrymen, especially those for whose
benefit the works are designed.
We offer no apology for writing up the Wyandotte fowl
We believe the time has come when the rapidly-increasing
popularity of the breed demands a special place in our
poultry literature. Time alone, however, may witness the
rise and fall of many a promising breed; but until then the
Wyandotte — America's best production — will hold its place
in the foremost rank; first in utility and first in attractive
plumage.
Introduction.
This book is designed to aid the Wyandotte breeder in
the mating, breeding, feeding, management and care of his
fowls. It is also designed as a hand-book for the amateur
fancier and exhibitor, as well as the large class of poultry-
men who are making a specialty of the breed.
We know there is room for improvement in the Wyandotte
fowl; years of skillful breeding will bring about a great
change for the better; we are looking hopefully to the near
future to attain that promising result; soon we shall have a
fowl as perfect in reproduction as any of the old breeds;
and as an aid to the good work we offer this volume.
EDITORS POULTRY MONTHLY.
WYANDOTTES
DEYOND the newspaper articles, which are short and
f~* of general import, there has sprung up a demand for
something more exhaustive regarding the mode of breeding
and of judging, with the history of the origin of the breed.
This can best be furnished in book form, which leads us in
this treatise to give to our patrons a work complete in itself;
a hand-book of the breed which shall enable the novice to
rear, mate, breed and judge the race of fowls herein named.
First we consider
ITS ORIGIN.
This breed, not new, but recently admitted to the Ameri-
can Standard, has been the result of the following breeding
and circumstances, having had many names and suggestions
of names:
It was, without doubt, the intention with the first cross
to produce an improved Cochin Bantam, the cross being a
Sebright Bantam cock with a Cochin hen. When the size
proved too large they were offered and illustrated as
Sebright Cochins. This suggested the cross of Silver Span-
gled Hamburgs with Buff Cochins. These two crosses
mingled with another cross with a half-Buder and Cochin
hen, became the blood mixture of the early birds offered to
the American Poultry Association as American Sebrights.
Their friends could not agree as to the comb being single
or double, as it was then expressed, and the name being so
The Wyandotte Fowl.
suggestive of an American Bantam, the request was refused
and the matter referred back to a committee.
About the same time, a cross of a Silver Hamburg with a
Dark Brahma hen produced a still more desirable type,
having pea combs. Mr. Kidder, of Northampton, con-
tended earnestly for this characteristic being accepted as
the regulation. But these crosses, while being bred by
themselves, presented troublesome features of both feath-
ered and smooth legs, single and rose, also pea and rose
combs. The best birds were called Eurekas. When these
two wings, or original crosses, were brought together, more
uniform specimens were produced, the Hamburg blood
being in the greater proportion, the combs, in the majority
of cases, assumed a more rose appearance, though smaller
and closer to the head, the feathers disappeared from the
legs, yet the golden color of skin and legs remained. The
males, in color, reverted strongly to Dark Brahma color,
and the females gave evidence of their Hamburg ancestry
by presenting a laced plumage.
It was our lot to publish a standard for them under the
name of Hambletonians. This brought the breed into
earnest discussion, and gave it a new interest, the name
being discussed, and other names suggested, among which
were Columbias, Ambrights, Americans, in addition to those
already mentioned.
Thus has the race been before the people for twelve years
or more, and for six years has had the attention of poultry
fanciers brought in a special manner to its merits. It was
better perfected when accepted by the American Poultry
Association than was the Plymouth Rock at the time of its
adoption, for it was six years after it was reported back to
its committee before its final adoption and admittance into
the " Standard of Excellence " as Wyandottes.
The struggle has been hard. Its breeders deserve credit
for their fidelity to the race, and the breed is truly one of
The Wyandotte Fowl.
practical merit; for as broilers it has no equal, and for
small size roasters it is excellent, while its laying qualities
are first-class.
CHARACTERISTICS.
The cock should approach the Brahma shape of body, and
have short neck, short legs, with a close, low and rose comb
— not a fully developed Hamburg comb — the bars of the
wing distinctively developed in a double or spangled bar, so
to speak, being a combination of the Dark Brahma and
Hamburg characteristics in this point of the wings, of which
we shall speak more fully in our chapter on judging.
The female should be long in body, the cushion slightly
raised to a convex sweep from hackle to saddle, moder-
ately short in neck and legs, the latter being golden yellow
in color.
The fowls grow more rapidly than the Plymouth Rocks,
are shorter bodied and more compact. Yet this is against
the breed in its merit as an egg-producer, as compared to
what it might be if a little longer in the body. We recom-
mend that it should be bred for more length of body. In
recent experiments in other breeds, it is shown that the
longer the body and closer the feathering, the larger and
more numerous the eggs.
The race, however, is hardy, and its fecundity remarkable.
With care in the selection of color of plumage, care to breed
from such females as lay large, dark-colored eggs, and from
males that are the sons of hens long in body and layers of
large cinnamon-colored eggs, the race can be carried to a
high degree of merit, that few, if any, other breeds can
excel.
This is pre-eminently the farmer's and poulterer's breed
of America, and will in a large measure supplant many of
the medium-sized breeds in and for American use. The
demand for golden-hued poultry will place the breed in
The Wyandotte Fowl.
advance of the Dorking and French varieties, while its fine
grain and tender, juicy condition and nice flavor will sup-
plant the Plymouth Rock and Dominique.
This autocrat of American origin must stand at the
head of all medium and small-sized poultry stock for prac-
tical poultry culture; while, as an exhibition specimen, it
is fast finding friends. During its first season as such, and
it first season as an American Poultry Association variety, it
has commanded fifty dollars a pair at Worcester, while fifty
dollars was paid for a pair of pullets from a disqualified
pen at the New York exhibition; prices ranging from
twenty-five dollars to seventy-five dollars a pair are being
made now on the eve of its second exhibition season, which
bids fair to carry the race to as high figures as any one of its
predecessors have reached. Certain it is, that its merits
find a rival only in the Light Brahma, and that breed being
an Asiatic, does not come in competition as show or
poultry stock; the respective points of merit being in a
different direction, yet strongly related, making these two
breeds to be associated in each and every poultry yard where
both practical and show merits are to be obtained. The
Wyandotte breed for broilers " fills the bill," so to speak; they
grow three weeks quicker than Plymouth Rocks, and fully
one month quicker to roasting excellence than the Light
Brahmas; therefore, for the wants of summer and fall
demands of the poultry market, one makes a sad mistake
when he substitutes any other breed. The consumption of
fifteen thousand broilers per day at Coney Island alone, a
proportionate quantity at Long Branch, Nantasket, Bar
Harbor, White Mountains and other summer resorts, with
a large and constant city trade, is building up each and
every day this already monstrous poultry and egg demand
of our land, until not less than six hundred millions of
dollars must now be considered the yearly product, of which
far more than its average amount will, in coming years, be
The Wyandotte Fowl.
demanded of this now considered new breed of American
fowls.
May, 1 88 1, we published a standard for Hambletonians
(the name then selected for this breed), which was the basis
of the standard adopted by the American Poultry Associa-
tion, and will give the novice a very correct idea, without our
encroaching upon the copyright of the American Poultry
Association — the publishing of which may be said to have
done more to bring the breed permanently before the poultry
breeders, and its merit into consideration, than all its friends.
This gave it nearly two years of breeding of the same
influence as now the breed feels from the standard adopted
by the American Poultry Association. Thus the breed may
be said to have been in a far more perfect state of breeding
when it was accepted than any other new breed previous to
its adoption. What we had to say of them as Hambletonians
will be found in the following, omitting the disqualifications,
as it may confuse, and for which we refer the reader to the
American Poultry Association Standard of Excellence:
HAMBLETONIANS.
THE COCK.
Symmetry. — The combination of all the parts in harmony,
as seen in specimens possessing a well-arched neck, full
flowing hackle, short, well-turned back, a prominent, roundly
moulded breast, body deep and round at the sides, fluff full,
tail well spread at its base; possessing a graceful, elastic
carriage.
Value of this section, ten points.
Weight. — To be determined by the scale, deducting at
the rate of two points to the pound for all deficit of perfect
standard weight, that being nine and a half pounds for cocks,
eight pounds for cockerels, eight pounds for hens, six and
a half for pullets — giving no credit for any excess of weight.
Value, ten points.
The Wyandotte Fowl.
Condition. — Under this head we consider disease — scaly
legs, soiled and broken plumage (the damage by soil to
surface, or breaking of plumage, incident to proper cooping
and confinement to show-pen, excepted).
Value, six points/
Head. — Short, skull broad, plumage of same silvery white,
face bright red, eyes bay color and bright, beak yellow, with
heavy stripe down the upper mandible of a dark horn color,
apparently stout at base and well curved to point.
Value, six points.
Comb. — Rose, low and flat, rather wide in rear, wider at
base, with less prominence of spike than the Hamburg, the
top surface nicely undulated with minute points.
Value, eight points.
Ear-lobes and Wattles. — Ear-lobes well developed, long
and pendulous; wattles fine in texture, quite translucent
and hanging somewhat below the ear-lobes.
Neck. — Short, well arched, with very full hackle, plumage
silver grey, heavily striped with black, terminating in a black
point, the outer edge of the lacing near the point being
frosted with black.
Value, eight points.
Back. — Broad and short, by aid of wing plumage appear-
ing flat at the shoulders — plumage in under color slate — web
of feather light straw, approaching silvery white; saddle
full, broad, preserving a concave sweep from back to tail;
under color dark slate or black, web light straw striped with
black, giving a black point to the feather.
ATalue, eight points.
Breast and Body. — Very broad, medium deep and prom-
inent; plumage of under color slate, web black with very nar-
row white stripe to center, the breast unruffled, appearing
quite black (see fig. No. i); body thick and round at side,
giving a blocky, heavy appearance; plumage in under color
slate, web black, slightly frosted with grey.
Value, ten points.
The Wyandotte Fowl.
j i
f
Fig. No.
Fig. No. 2.
Wings. — Of medium size and nicely folded to the side,
primaries black, the outer edge laced with silver grey; sec-
ondaries black on inside web, the outside web having a
black stripe next to quill and round the point, the outer
edge having a wide, very light straw colored or silver grey
lacing; wing coverts nearly white, with a black stripe through
the center that widens at point of feather, producing a
double spangled bar across the wing; wing bows nearly
black, shoulder coverts slate in under color, web of same
silvery grey.
Value, ten points.
i2 The Wyandotte Fowl.
Tail. — Well developed and well spread at base, and filled
up underneath with black curling feathers; sickles of medium
length, black in cockerels, may become laced with white
near the base in cocks; tail coverlets black, lesser coverlets
having an edging of very light straw color or white, gener-
ally following the color of saddle.
Value, seven points.
Fluff. — Full and broad behind, and covered with a downy
plumage; dark slate colored, powdered with grey.
Value, five points.
Legs and Toes. — Thighs short and strong, and well covered
with soft, almost we.bless feathers, in color black posted with
grey; shanks medium long, scale yellow and free from
feathers; toes straight and strong, of same color as shanks.
Value, seven points.
THE HEN.
Symmetry. — To be considered as in the male, giving a low
carriage to female as compared to the cock.
Value, ten points.
Weight. — Same application as in cock.
Value, ten points.
Condition. — Application as for males.
Value, six points.
Head. — Medium long, skull broad, plumage white striped
with black, face deep red, eyes bay in color, beak nearly
dark horn color, running into yellow on lower edge of man-
dible, rather short and well curved to point.
Value, six points.
Comb. — Rose, base broad and flat upon the skull, spike
not prominent as in Hamburgs, top surface thickly studded
with minute points, rich red in color.
Value, eight points.
Ear-lobes and Wattles. — Ear-lobes pendulous and hanging,
lower lines horizontal with wattles, which are longest
The Wyandotte Fowl.
i3
from beak to ear-lobe, but quite prominent, and in color
rich red.
Value, 'five points.
Neck. — Short, full in plumage, color black, laced with
narrow white lacing to side of feather, but terminating in a
black point to the same.
Value, ten points.
Back. — Short and apparently wide at shoulder, saddle or
cushion full, under color dark slate or black, web of feather
black with white centers, the white slightly penciled with
black. (See fig. No. 2.)
Value, ten points.
Breast. — Breast more broaa than deep, yet very promi-
nent, giving promise of breast meat; plumage slate in under
color, web white, laced with black, lacing heaviest at point.
(See fig. No. 3.)
^
Fig. No. 3.
Body. — Short and round at sides, and medium deep:
plumage slate in under color, tip of feather black, with very
narrow white stripe in center, running into black, frosted
with grey near the thighs. (See fig. No. i.)
Value, ten points.
Wings. — Medium in size, and nicely folded; primaries
black, with lower edge laced with white; secondaries black
14 The Wyandotte Fowl.
on inside web, and round tip of feather of outer web, having
a narrow stripe of black next to quill of feather, with wide
white stripes on outer edge, which is penciled with black
near the end thereof; wing and shoulder coverts black or
dark slate in under color, with web laced with black, having
white centers penciled with black (see fig. 4), the black lac-
ing growing wider as it approaches the wing bow, which is
nearly and may be quite black.
Value, ten points.
lb
Fig. Xo. 4.
Tail. — Fairly developed, wide spread at base, color black,
coverlets black, slightly penciled with white.
Value, six points.
Fluff. — Broad and full, balancing the heavy breast, giving
a wide appearance from behind, and suggesting an equal
amount of posterior and breast meat; plumage abundant,
soft and fluffy, color dark slate powdered with white.
Value, five points.
Legs and Tbes. — Thighs short and well covered with black,
quite fluffy feathers, shanks rather short in comparison to
the male, color medium shade of yellow; toes medium long,
straight, strong and of same color as the shanks.
Value, seven points.
The Wyandotte Fowl. 15
SCALE OF POINTS.
Symmetry 10 points.
Weight 10 "
Condition 6 "
Head 6 "
Comb 8 "
Ear-lobes and wattles 5 "
Neck 8 "
Back 8 "
Breast and body 10 "
Wings 10 "
Tail 7 «
Fluff 5 «
Legs and toes 7 "
Total 100 points.
This proposed standard, as before stated, engendered
quite a discussion, and gave the breed a new impetus in the
hands of the breeders, which has carried it to the front
rank of American poultry. The names suggested were
Ambrights and Columbias, in addition to those already
mentioned, but the discussion settled down to Wyandottes
at the meeting at Worcester, 1883.
REARING.
Health and vigor certainly now exist in the breed, and
can be maintained by care and feeding; the most important
feature is the housing of them during the winter months.
We find in our experience that hens must have the open
air each and every day to be able to lay eggs that will hatch
in winter and early spring.
Such a house as the one we represent in Figure 7, page 32,
could be converted into a shed and house, or both, at will,
so that from ten to three o'clock each day during the winter
months the flock could have the use of an open shed to take
16 The Wyandotte Fowl.
their sun and dust bath in, and in which to scratch for bits
of meat and grain, which should be worked into the sandy
loom to induce the exercise so much needed in both
fowls and beasts. Especially is this shed necessary for
healthy fowls and a large production of eggs, in the fact
that fowls need seven times more air, in proportion to their
weight, than does man or beast, for their heart beats one
hundred and fifty times each moment, and they never pers-
pire.
During the life of the chickens from eighteen to twenty-
four weeks old, they are liable to suffer from distemper,
so called, and at the same time they will be observed to be
dropping their immature tails and hackles, and the adult
plumage is growing very rapidly. If, during this period,
you use bromide of potassium in the water, at the rate of
two grains per chick, every other day for ten days, you will
find it very beneficial, and as the distemper is manifest in a
greater or less degree of thirst, the dose adjusts itself to the
case; but if the case be a severe one, and the chicks neither
eat nor drink, from the effects of a swollen head and a throat
filled with canker, then gargle the throat with kerosene oil,
and give three grains of bromide dissolved in milk — one-
half gill — turning it into the crop, or administering the bro-
mide in a bit of bread in pill form, sustaining the chick by a
milk diet three to four days; this treatment generally effects
a cure. If care at this time be taken, no real cases of roup
need be had. Fowls suffering long with roup are not good
ones to use as breeders.
The best feed for your chickens up to two weeks old, is
a meal made of fifteen pounds of oats, twenty pounds of
corn, ten pounds of barley and five pounds of wheat bran,
ground together, and made into a bread as you make your
corn cake for breakfast; bake hard and crumble into scalded
milk; give no water until two weeks old; the milk is all the
liquid required. One need not lose a chick if this be faith-
The Wyandotte Fowl. 17
fully observed. After that age, scald the meal for the
morning feed, and give cracked corn, oats, wheat and bar-
ley for balance of day. This manner of feeding hens
will be found to produce twenty per cent, more eggs than
the old way. This meal contains in its make-up, seventeen
and one-half per cent, muscle, one and seven -eighths per
cent, bone, sixty-eight per cent, fat, and, like milk, is a per-
fect food for both chicks and fowls, and by its use we obtain
chicks at twelve weeks old, fully twenty per cent, larger
than those fed in any other way.
Colonize the flocks or broods of chickens. One can raise
in one flock one hundred chickens; that is, they may be fed
and reared in one inclosure, by brooding twenty in a place
at night. -The best plan, where ample room makes it feasable,
is to colonize them about the farm in groups, by placing a
hen and twenty chicks in a coop thirty inches square, the
coops being some thirty feet apart; as the chicks become
weaned, they return at night, each flock to its respective
coop. Five such broods can be placed in one locality to
be fed together, but they must be within three weeks of the
same age; then they will grow up of nice average merit.
These groups of one hundred each may dot the farm all
over, and all do well, while to place three or four hundred
together, of different ages, will prove a failure.
As soon as the young males become salacious, divide the
sex, feed the males largely of corn and barley, to fatten
them in the shortest time possible, killing for broilers all
that are not strictly first-class.
The females should be fed wheat, meat and vegetables
in variety, the object being to produce bone and muscle
growth and egg producing condition. A hen that is a
prime producer of eggs, like a cow that produces largely
at the pail, carries very little fat. But at show times, if
you are desirous of exhibiting, to get the best possible
gloss of plumage and weight, corn should be used freely,
The Wyandotte Fowl.
the birds should be kept in a clean house that has a depth of
four inches of clean sandy loom, covered with cut straw, in
which they can scratch and dust — in which case one need
not resort to the wash tub, only to sponge the head, face,
comb and legs, when put in the show coop.
MATING.
The mating of this race of birds will not differ much from
that of other strains of fowls. To secure type and color, a
course of in-breeding must be followed, to produce a line
of sires for subsequent breeding, while size and large and
dark colored egg production must be the first starting point
in the females. If, when perfected, the dams of one family
are introduced to the perfectly bred sires, we will have a
race to breed from as true as our Plymouth Rocks, Brown
Leghorns, Dominiques or Hamburgs.
In language other than the standard, the sire, if a cockerel,
should weigh not less than seven and a half pounds, have
short neck, tail and legs; short shanks, yellow as gold; full
round breast, that should show nearly black, yet the feathers
of the same should have a small white center; flat of back
silver grey, neck and saddle silver grey striped with black,
wings as found in the standard, also the tail. To speak of
the wing, the bar should be dotted by diamond shaped white
spots, which give the appearance of a double spangled
bar. The comb should be a rose comb, but close
down, the base nearly as wide as the crown; the spike
smaller and conform more to the shape of the head as com-
pared to that of a perfect Hamburg comb. The desire to
breed a perfect Hamburg comb is wrong, for to do it will,
of necessity, run the rest of the breed into more Hamburg
shape, which is too narrow for a good Wyandotte. It will
be noticed that birds of finest plumage and finest shape
incline to Brahma combs; or, in other words, those speci-
The Wyandotte Fowl. 19
mens that come with pea combs are generally clearer in the
silver color, stripe of neck and saddle than those having
large Hamburg-shaped combs. Thus we assert the perfect
comb to be the small one indicated, by adding just enough
to the pea comb to convert it into a very low rose comb,
and such should be the comb sought for your typical sire.
In general color, let him be one that we should call dark for
the race, yet not one of the dark, smutty specimens we
often see.
To such a male mate those pullets that seem the embodi-
ment of the standard, but on examination prove too light,
the fluff shading light; also those pullets that present the
excellence described by the standard, and such will be found
the most perfect mating to secure the largest number of
points in the whole flock. While, to secure cockerels of prime
show qualities, these perfect sires with perfect wing bars,
mated to the medium light specimens in the females, will
produce a large per centage, yet you will lose quality in
the female stock.
To secure the greatest excellence in the female line,
expecting to condemn to the broiler market a very large
share of the males, we advise females dark to appearance,
yet having the white centers well defined in plumage; or,
in other words, those pullets that have wide black lacing to
plumage, and wide dark stripes in hackles, and dark slate
colored fluff, may be mated to males that are light in color,
having light narrow wing bars; but, like the Plymouth
Rock, for perfect mating, perfect standard described males
and females are necessary. Scrubs can only be used in
cases of necessity; in which cases dark males and the light
females should be the mating, and you should kill all males;
for no sire, the get of extreme color mating, as a rule, is a
good breeder of standard color, even if he possesses it
himself. We hope the experience of the Plymouth Rock-
breeders may avail here, and all the breeders of Wyandottes
20 The Wyandotte Fowl.
will kill all specimens under eighty-five points, for they will
the sooner reach perfection and stop the spread of impure
blood, which otherwise will stand in the way of sales of
good birds. There is no economy in the use or sale of
scrub stock for breeding purposes.
BREEDING TO A STRAIN.
In introducing a new strain to public patronage, a few
far-seeing fanciers have bred their stock to some particular
strain of blood that has found its typical representation in a
particular sire — a male whose characteristics have been, or
are to be, transmitted to future generations, to wit: one
retaining in all breeding stock a large sliare of his blood;
such persons assuming the position, and rightly, that fully
one-eighth of all blood is consumed in maintaining the strain
in a healthy, vigorous, feeding condition. This, we think,
can be easily proved by in-and-in breeding for four genera-
tions ; invariably in the third generation the eggs hatch
tolerably well, the fourth one nearly, and, in many cases,
entirely stale. Thus, while we figure the blood out arith-
matically, seven-eighths become pure, for the other one-
eighth is exhausted in sustaining the strain. Such fanciers,
in catering for the needs of their patrons, introduce female
blood 'only, breeding the first cross back to sire, the second
generation to another sire of pure blood of the desired strain,
and all males that are produced in type and color of the
original progeny are ready for their patrons, who can pur-
chase of them, saving themselves from all this trouble, still
breeding birds of like blood as the breeder in question, he
being only one season in advance, and the purchaser thus
saved all experiments which he has had, and can well
afford to pay a fair price for such males and the protection
it gives.
For each breeder to do this, involves work and care, to be
The Wyandotte Fowl. 21
relieved of which, when one can secure birds of a reliable
worker in this line, affords great relief.
It pays best to mate to secure the greatest number of
fine females; therefore, it pays nine out of every ten to buy
males of the tenth, who will do this work for them. Breeders
who have an eye to this trade in other breeds, generally
mate a yard to this end each season, from which they do
not sell eggs to anyone, for the reason that males from this
particular pen become fit mates for whoever sends for
male blood, while, as a rule, the females become the
breeding pens for their particular strain, mated to the male
of the line having the seven-eighths blood of this particular
strain, whose new blood is drawn from a different source than
the one offered for sale, and again secure for themselves a
new lot of pure males, from which they again produce a
new set of males.
To be successful, one has to look beyond the present —
for future generations — and back through several genera-
tions if he would breed with that accuracy, that others,
while examining birds here and there, may be able to rec-
ognize them, in form and color, to be of " his sort," as they
say of Booth, Bates and other families of cattle, and like
recognized types and progeny of noted sires in horses.
This care and work is the excitement and interest which
makes enthusiastic fanciers.
22
The Wyandotte Fowl.
HOW TO JUDGE WYANDOTTES.
[For disqualifications sec Standard of Excellence.]
WTe have endeavored to place at the head of our article,
" How to Judge Wyandottes," a typical representative cut
of the race, in all the prominent parts of general observation.
THE COCK.
Symmetry. — In considering this, we notice every defect
in it, and punish the same more severely than the same
defect in the female, because of the fact that it is expected
that he will transmit that quality in a greater degree than
does the female. Symmetry can be said to be harmony of
The Wyandotte Fowl. 23
perfect parts, and when symmetry is perfect, we certainly have
no occasion to look for defects of form in sections. Then
defect in color, or disease of plumage, comes into consider-
ation. A male with long legs and long neck, bony body, in
fact, long in the joints, could, however, be reasonably sym-
metric, yet be faulty in all these points. As a rule, defects
in symmetry are sure to be accompanied with as many points
of defect in other sections.
So we say, if the neck be long and not well arched, we
Cut a point; if the back be not flat, and is long, out of pro-
portion, cut a point; if the tail be carried perpendicular,
cut a point; if the breast be cut away, not full and round,
cut a point; if fluff be scant, the bird being pinched behind
the legs, one-half to a full point; if the tail be drooping, also
one-half to a full point. You see that all these are failures
of different sections in their shape, and not growing together
in a harmonious way; thus symmetry is defective. There
is no question but that a bird by the scale of points would
be as well and more justly judged if this clause had never
appeared in the scale of points, for all cuts in symmetry are
but a second cut for a defect to be punished in after sec-
tions, and the breeder must not fail to consider this, and
reckon on it in selecting his birds for exhibition. Even the
comb, if large and of bad shape, will affect the cut line of
symmetry from one-half to a full point.
Size. — This is affected only by the use of the scales, the
specimen losing two points to the pound for all deficit in
standard weight.
Condition.— This refers to the bird's healthand cleanliness.
Some judges, under this head, cut for broken plumage,
while others consider all broken plumage in the sections in
which it occurs, as the visitors at an exhibition understand
such awards best. Fowls suffering with distemper and
disease of head are cut from one to three points; a scurvy,
or " black comb," one point; scaly legs, from one to three
24 The Wyandotte Fowl.
points; soiled, injured plumage, from one to three points;
slight surface soiling, incident to cooping of the sexes and
transit to exhibition, should not be cut; a judge can readily
tell if the birds have had proper care, and all unavoidable
soiling is allowed to go uncut.
Head. — This should be short, and crown broad, the plu-
mage silver white; therefore, if it be narrow in the crown,
or long or snaky, to use the expression, cut one point; if
eyes be other color than bay, cut one point ; if beak be whollt
black or not well arched, cut one point for each; it should
be dark horn color, shading to yellow at the point.
Comb. — If the comb be large, standing high, cut from one
to two points; if " clubbed," having no spike, cut one to two
points, for only when low and close fitting to head, with
small spike, oval in front, can it be said to be perfect.
Many of the cuts mislead the breeder into the belief that the
comb should be fully developed, like the Hamburg, and of
Hamburg shape, when a perfect Wyandotte comb should
be nearly, if not quite, as wide at the base as crown; the
spike conforming more to the skull than does the Hamburg,
for a comb so large as to fall to either side disqualifies the
specimen altogether.
Wattles and Ear-lobes. — A perfect colored ear-lobe and
wattle should be bright red. As a rule, ear-lobes get
cut only when tainted with foreign color, an encrusted sur-
face, enamel, as it is called, like that of Spanish breeds; for
if the ear be covered wholly by this white or yellow opaque
substance, the bird is disqualified; but if partially tainted,
it is cut from one to three points; if, in the judgment
of the judge, three points will not punish the defect, he
should promptly disqualify. The wattles may be wrinkled
or torn by fighting, which seldom appears in condition to be
cut more than one-half to one point; when both wattles are
missing, we cut two points. Perfectly red, and smooth and
fine in texture being the perfect condition of this section.
The Wyandotte Fowl. 25
Neck. — Should be short and well arched. When long or
carried forward, losing that nice arch desired, cut from one-
half to one point. If the hackle be short and not abun-
dant, cut a point. If the color be white, or insufficiently
striped, being brown in the stripe instead of black, the
specimen should then be punished from one to three points.
If the neck be smutty black, the plumage losing the nice
silver lacing to the feather, cut from one to three points,
as in degree. If the plumage that should be silvery white
be straw color or yellow, cut from one to two points, for a
neck can only be called perfect that is well arched and in
plumage is a silver gray striped to a point with black.
Back — Is short and flat at shoulder, at least has that
appearance ; the feathers from the arm of the wing
making a flat surface at the juncture with hackle; in color
these are silvery white. When the wings are set on low it
shows the true shape of the back, which would look oval and
narrow, injuring the symmetry; in this case, cut one point. If
the saddle be silvery gray, having no black stripe in center
of feather, cut from one to two and a half points, as it fails.
If the silver color be tarnished to look straw color or bronze
and yellow, cut from one to three, as in degree ; these
mixed colors of yellow and bronze mar its beauty. If the
saddle be scant, allowing the tail to cut through, cut a point.
If the saddle plumage be short, not full about the tail, cut
a point.
Breast and Body. — First feel of breast bone, if crooked
cut one point. If the breast fails to be broad and round
cut one-half to one and a half. If the plumage be light,
having a very narrow black lacing, cut one point. If the
lacing be wide and brown, not black, cut one point. If
the breast have solid black feathers in it, cut from one to
three points; but if solid black or white, disqualify the speci-
men ; a proper plumage is black with white centers;
this meaning the border or lacing very wide and black.
26 The Wyandotte Fowl
The body should be thick and deep in front of thighs
to be perfect. If flat at sides, cut a point; if not deep,
being slender and shrunken in fluff, one point. If plumage
be white, cut one point; a perfect color being slate in under
color, with black web ; the fluffy surface near thighs
being slightly frosted with white.
Wings. — If they fail wholly in the bars, cut three points,
diminishing the cut as the perfect bar is developed.
The bar to be perfect should present a spangled double-bar,
as the Standard expresses it. If you examine you will find
the feathers of the wing coverts have a black line along the
shaft, widening at the point into a spear-head or spangle.
Now, the lapping of the coverts makes the bar, the
lesser reaching the outer bar by the point of the feather,
making an absolutely perfect specimen — a single bar
with diamond white spots through the center of the
bar. So essential to their beauty is this heavy bar that
judges cut lightly when the wing is so heavy as to present
a full solid or Dark Brahma bar, as it is called, yet it should
be cut one-half to a full point, and considered as next best to
what has been described as perfect. If the wing be poorly
folded, cut from one to three points, the latter when the
primaries fold outside the secondaries. Primaries three-
quarters white should be cut one point for each wing;, wholly
black, the same; secondaries, wholly white, one point each
wing; if wholly black, thus showing a black tip instead of
white, cut from one to two points; lesser coverts wholly
black, one to two points.
Tail. — If it be not well spread at base, one point. If the
sickles are straight in form of a scimiter, cut one point. If
the sickles be white, one to two points, as in degree.
If the lesser sickles or tail coverts, as they aer called, are
tarnished with white, cut one to two points, as in degree.
Lesser coverts wholly white or silver colored, one point.
If the tail be carried squirrel, one to two points; when
carried perpendicular, one point.
The Wyandotte Fowl.
27
Fluff.— -If pinched, cut one point; if other than dark slate
color, cut from one to two points, as it shall approach to white;
the white frosting on a dark slate being the perfect color.
Legs and Toes. — If the thighs are long and small, cut one
point; if plumage of same be white, cut one point; shanks
long and slim, cut one point; if pale yellow, cut one point;
cutting one point for each crooked toe. If feathers appear on
the shanks, or if legs and toes be any other color than
yellow — if straw color, they should be cut one and one-half
points; if the front be clouded with a dusky color, the rear
of the shank being yellow, cut one and one-half points;
but the legs being wholly flesh color, blue, willow or black,
disqualifies.
m
*»-*=
^js,
THE HEN.
Symmetry. — If the back have a concave sweep to tail, show-
ing no fullness to cushion, cut one-half point, [f so Hat as to
allow tail to cut through, cut a full point. If narrow in
28 The Wyandotte Fowl.
breast, cut one point. If tail drops low or so small as to
be covered by the cushion (unless in moulting), cut one
point for each of these defects. If long in legs and neck,
cut a point.
Condition. — Same conditions apply here as described in
the male.
Head. — If snaky, having a narrow skull beyond a reason-
able feminine comparison to that of the cock, cut one point.
If depressed at base, giving a long appearance to beak, cut
one point. If comb and face be black or purple, not red,
cut one point; beak wholly dark horn color or flesh color,
cut one point. If plumage be other than silver gray, cut
one-half to one point.
Comb. — Should be small and close down on the head to
be perfect. If large, cut one point. If large and irregular
in shape, from one to two and one-half points, as in degree.
If falling to either side of head, disqualify, it being subject
to the same cuts and conditions as described for the male.
Ear-lobes and Wattles. — In the hen these are by no means
so largely developed as in the male, yet the lobes are quite
prominent and the wattles fairly developed into a well-T
rounded size; the ear-lobes being less liable to the enamel
coating so objectionable; but when this coating appears, it
is to be cut from one to three points, as it approaches
having the whole surface covered, when, like the male, she
must be disqualified. We would not cut the specimen if
the wattles were ever so small, but if absolutely wanting,
as is sometimes the case, we must cut two points. If
wrinkled or afflicted with bunches, the effect of congealed
pus, the result of roup or chill, then cut from one to two
points, as seems just.
Neek. — If long and not arched, cut from one to two points,
but one-half to one point is as bad a defect of this nature as
we often find. If the stripe in the silver gray be wide at
the point, giving a blotched appearance, cut from one to
The Wyandotte Fowl. 29
three points, as it approaches a black ring at the base of
hackle, and one-half to two points as the silver gray shall
shade to a yellow or deep straw color.
Back. — By the aid of the wing plumage the back under
the base of hackle seems flat in good specimens; the plum-
age being white, heavily laced with black, and seldom
suffers unless the wings are set so low down as to give an
oval, narrow look to the back at its juncture with the hackle,
in which case cut one-half to one point. The cushion,
as the saddle in females is called, has just rise enough to
give it a slight convex sweep from hackle to tail; when flat,
cut one-half point; when so flat as to part at tail, cut one to
one and a half. If the plumage be white, laced with black,
or the white centers be minutely penciled with black, they
are not to be cut, but if by the center penciling or other
cause the light part of the plumage has a bricky or bronzed
look or color, cut from one-half to two points, as in degree.
Any deformity of the back is a disqualification.
Body. — The body should be deep, which gives a short
appearance, but as long as can be and not look long in the
structure, for we recognize the use of a long body for egg
production. If the body be wedge-shaped, not round at
the sides, cut a point. If plumage be white, cut a point.
If wholly black, cut one-half point. It should be dark slate,
with small white centers, the fluffy, fraying-finish at thighs
being frosty white.
Wings. — If primaries fold badly, cut from one-half to
three points, as they approach to folding outside of second-
aries. If primaries be white, cut one point for each wing,
(except the narrow outer edge, which should be white). If
the secondaries be black on outside of web, failing to round
the tip of the feather so as to give the scollop finish to the
secondaries when folded, cut from one-half to one point.
If secondaries are wholly white, cut two points; if set low
down, giving the appearance of long and round back, cut
30 The Wyandotte Fowl.
one point. If the white center of coverts be much penciled,
cut one point; if coverts be wholly white, cut two points.
Tail. — If pinched into a pointed Cochin shape, cut one
point; if the tail proper be tinged with white, cut one-half
to two points. If the coverts be black, or black with
centers white and penciled somewhat, they should go uncut.
If the light color in them be straw-color or bronzy, cut a
point. If the tail be carried upright, one point; if squirrel,
one and one-half to two points.
Fluff. — Here is where many hens fail in color. A prime
color being a dark slate color, nicely frosted with white;
when wholly white, cut one to one and one-half points;
one-half for a less defect; if pinched, one point.
Legs and Toes. — If the thighs are wholly white, cut one
point ; they should be black powdered with white. If
long in the thigh, cut one point. If shanks or toes be
clouded with smoky or greenish color, cut from one to
two points, as in degree; black scales, one-half to two
points. If the legs be other than shaded from yellow to
straw color, then disqualify. Toes, cut one point for each
crooked one; if a toe be amputated at the second joint, cut
one point; and one-half point for one cut off at tip; but a
broken toe-nail should not be cut.
Reader, have you birds that can stand this application of
the Standard and score 92 to 93 1-2 points? If so, you
surely have exhibition birds; and if by this test they score
85 to 93 points, you can surely say your stock is first class
and as good as any breeder's in the land, and to exhibit in
pairs and breeding pens at the next exhibitions would be a
source of profit to you in the way of an advertisement and
bring your stock- to the notice of the breeding public. No
matter how fine your specimens, nearly all of them may be
helped up to an extra point of merit if care is taken to put
them in the best possible condition in flesh, to cleanse the
comb and face by washing in alcohol and water, and the
The Wyandotte Fowl. 31
shanks in soapsuds, brushing all dirt and filth out from
under the edge of the scales. You know that pullets moult
twice before they lay. Now, if they have been raised in a
close pen, with insufficient grass and meat in their diet, they
will not moult clean the second time, and if you will pick
a pullet up and examine her you will see that while she
looked fine at a few rods' distance, she has many rusty old
feathers in her back; these should be removed six weeks
before show time, or a cut of one point she will surely suffer
at the hands of the judge. This care, with pains to furnish
a generous diet of meat, corn and a few oats for the three
weeks previous to exhibiting, will secure you success in the
show room.
General Care of Poultry,
housing.
We must, before cold weather puts in an appearance,
make suitable quarters for our fowls. It will not do to let
them " rough it " all day long about manure heaps or around
dilapidated sheds when the snow is upon the ground if 'we
want them to lay and come out in good condition for breed-
ing the coming spring.
There is no need of putting up costly and elaborate
buildings for fowls. It is very well for those who can afford
it, and who like to have everything about their premises
looking handsome and attractive; but for the novice who
carries a slender purse, a plain and comfortable hennery
will do as well.
The best site for a poultry house is an elevated one, but
where that is not at hand, the ground should be ploughed or
spaded, and the earth thrown towards the centre. When
the frame is up, the floor should be raised to the top of the
underpinning with gravelly loam and sand, and frequently
renewed during the year.
The roosts should be low for Wyandottes or other large-
sized breeds with a dropping board or trough under them.
The nest boxes should be put in a quiet, secluded place, the
dusting bin where the rays of the sun would fall upon it,
and the ventilators should be placed in the roof.
In presenting this which we believe to be the most practical
poultry house plan ever yet published, we, in explanation,
34 The Wyandotte Fowl.
would impress upon all breeders the absolute importance of
air for our poultry to secure vitality in the egg. We may
house our stock closely through a long winter, and by high
feed and warm quarters secure their laying condition all
winter, even to that extent as to be quite marvelous.
Yet the eggs will not hatch. Their artificial and forced
mode of life and want of sulphur killing all vitality in the
life germ, and like a seed having no endosperm, have no
reproductive power. Fowls confined should be furnished
crushed charcoal and sulphur fed them in their soft feed at
least every five days, and greater still, the best of ventilation
secured for them. There is no place where they will select
to bask in the sun and dust themselves, in which they seem
to abandon themselves to recreation, as in an open shed
having a southern exposure. The house can be made double,
forty-four feet long, the two roosting rooms coming in the
center of the building, or made in a single tenement, like our
plan, twenty-two feet long, with a two-foot projection along
twelve feet of it, the remaining ten feet being a convertible
room, which can be used as an open shed, or the same may
be added to enlarge our room to twenty-two by fifteen feet
dimensions, which every fair day can be occupied from ten
A. M. to two P. M. as a shed in which the open air can be
enjoyed by the flock, no matter if the snow be ten feet deep;
and the swinging of this partition or front from A to B is a
far easier task than to shovel snow an hour that our pets
may enjoy the open air.
It will be seen that the small door is hinged to the swing-
ing partition, and that it can be folded back before swinging
the partition to the front, thus it is the door by which you
enter your house in both cases. The five foot space from
edge of small door to rear of the house and across the
roosting room gives ample space for the platform over
which to erect the roosting poles for forty fowls, and
under which platform to arrange six or eight nests for
The Wyandotte Fowl. 35
the flock. Our plan is : The rear posts five feet, front
posts seven feet, the front roof eight and a half feet
wide, rear roof eleven feet wide, the inclined plane of the
projection is seven feet long, while the base of the same is
twenty-two inches high, the projection being two feet
at base. The cupola ventilator being three feet square,
the same running down to within eight inches of the floor,
with sliding traps in it near the roof to open in case of hot
weather, the ventilation drawing from the bottom, thus
taking the impure air from near the floor. The whole
can be made of dressed spruce lumber, with not a
stick in the frame larger than three by four for sills, with
two by three scantling to nail the boards to; the whole to
cost not over eighty-five dollars in single tenement, and one
hundred and sixty dollars if built in a double tenement.
This movable front, /. c, partition, will add in expense the
cost of hinges and trouble to make a substantial door of
the same, over and above the stationary mode of structure.
HEALTH IN THE POULTRY YARD.
Every year we gain more knowledge of poultry breeding.
Our own experience, coupled with that of others, gives us
many new and interesting facts that aid us in our pursuit.
Of late many scientists and intelligent fanciers have inves-
tigated the various causes which lead to sickness and mor-
tality among fowls, and found that many of the ailments
which afflict them can be traced to bad care, improper
food and drink, and neglect of sanitary measures.
Domestic fowls are not exempt from the laws of nature,
mortality and disease prey upon them as well as upon other
living things. Yet, when we consider their countless
numbers, their varied surroundings, and the causes which
predispose them to sickness, we are surprised at their
general good health, even under neglect and bad care.
$6 The Wyandotte Fowl.
We have always looked on the complex organism of the
fowl with feelings of pleasure and admiration. One can
see if they are properly cared for, they will enjoy better
health than most any other domestic animal, owing to their
active habits and varied food when at liberty.
When we see or hear of the ravages of disease sweeping off
whole flocks in a neighborhood without malarial or atmos-
pheric causes, while adjoining localities enjoy immunity
from sickness, we are sure the sanitary laws were violated
in one place and observed, in the other. We cannof, how-
ever, face the broad fact and say our fowls won't die nor
become diseased despite all the sanitary laws in existence.
But what we wish to convey and impress is this, that a
large percentage of our domestic poultry die or become
diseased through neglect, carelessness and indifference of
their keepers, that might be saved if they observed a few
rules in their breeding, feeding, care and management.
It is false to assert that pure bred fowls are more liable
to disease than birds promisciously bred. It is not in the
purity nor the long continued selection of characteristic
qualities and points, but in the way they are bred and
raised. The breeder alone is to blame for most all the
ailments and losses of the poultry yard, unknowingly and
unsuspectingly, let us say in charity to him. And, while he
may be studying and aiming to improve his fowls by his
own method, he is, by the same false mode of reasoning,
improving them off the face of the earth.
Our long experience with pure bred fowls of one or the
other variety, and what we have gained through other
reliable sources, only help to confirm us in all we have
herein expressed. We are not alone in charging to
breeders the ruinous effects of their misgovernment of the
poultry yard, for the every day tale of sickness and death
that we are permitted to hear while asking our advice,
shows conclusively there is something radically wrong or
"rotten in Denmark."
The Wyandotte Fowl. 37
We do not believe much in doctoring sick fowls — far
better the hatchet, for in most cases the sick bird is ailing
several days, perhaps weeks before it is noticed, and the dis-
ease may have had time to seat itself, and though a cure may be
effected for the time being, still it may leave the bird cons-
titutionally weak and unfit to propagate a healthy offspring.
Breeders should endeavor to make a radical change in
their way of breeding and raising thoroughbred poultry.
We own it is hard to convince our people that their methods
are wrong, but if they would for a moment think how
important it is to breed from reliable, healthy stock, and how
to secure health and thrift in the poultry yard, they would be
convinced that they do too much pampering and coddling
with young and old birds.
Veterans who have made their mark in the poultry busi-
ness, can turn this leaf over. The suggestions are intended
only for those who are remiss in their duties, and those, who
are trying to do too much. It is certain, however, we sub-
ject our fowls to too much artificial treatment, management
and care from the hour they leave the shell. We are prone
to pamper our exhibition birds and breeders with artificially
prepared food, when it is a well known fact high living is
antagonistic to fecundity.
How often do we hear of this and that breed being tender,
that a large percentage of their eggs fail to hatch, and the
few chicks which live to break the shell live long enough to
behold a stronger race enjoying the bounties and beauties
of nature, when the fact is, those breeds have been promi-
nent with our ancestors, and esteemed for their vigor and
fecundity.
Rather than to oppose those new breeds which are made
up of good material, and bred uniformly for years to stamp
them as new varieties, they should be hailed by every one
who has the improvement of our domestic fowls at heart.
There is no fear of the "old reliable" taking a back seat
The Wyandotte Fowl.
through all the periodic "booms," but will rather stimulate
the breeders to greater improvement to keep them in the
front rank to compete with the new breeds.
The struggle for mastery between the new breeds will
evoke the zeal, skill and perseverance of Wyandotte breed-
ers to maintain the popularity of their favorites. Already
this new family has branched into several strains. Being a
standard fowl, every breeder will do his level best to
improve their qualities and make them creditable to the
stock of the country.
Now, while you are going on improving and beautifying
your Wyandottes, we will lay down a few rules for the
guidance of beginners that may suggest something
better or at least help a little in your breeding. First, be
sure to purchase from reliable breeders; for, take our word
for it, the country will soon be flooded with poor trash,
many taking advantage of the growing popularity of the
breed. Do not mate brother and sisters if you can avoid it,
for incestuous breeding will sap the foundation of vigor and
fecundity.
If you are in doubt about your fowls being healthy, the
comb, gait and movements while walking, breathing when
at rest, and the character of the droppings will generally
give you a good idea of the state of their health.
A healthy fowl, in good condition of flesh, will have a
rich, red comb, the comb much fuller in the laying season
than when moulting, brooding or nursing the young. A
fowl at rest will show the color of health in comb and face
much better than when aroused or actively engaged, for
then you can see the red coming and going alternately.
The fowl that does not sway its body with every step, its
neck yielding to every motion, the head elevated and nod-
ding with every movement of foot and body, you may be
sure is ailing. A sick or ailing fowl will not sway its
body when walking, but on the contrary, its body and neck
The Wyandotte Fowl.
will be drawn in, the head and tail carried low, the comb
pale, evincing unusual thirst and a desire to be alone.
A fowl that shows a labored respiration, the body
giving with each breath, a desire to doze, and while dozing
recovers itself and shakes its head — that bird is ailing. The
droppings of a sick fowl are usually in a semi-liquid state,
and the color varies from dark brown to greenish. In
cholera it assumes the color of sulphur mixed with green,
the green being the last voided. In a healthy fowl the
excrement is round and firm, of a dark gray color, showing
light gray on top.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This
is so true of fowls that we might say it is worth a ton of
cure and a year of labor. Feed your fowls regularly with
varied food; keep fresh water always before them; clean
their roosting places and runs often, and see that they are
kept free from lice. In their drinking water put some
tincture of iron or iron rust — old nails will answer the pur-
pose— and a little of the Douglas Mixture between times.
We cannot, in a work like this, have much to say about
diseases. We will mention a few of the most prevalent and
dangerous, with the latest cures for the same.
Let us say your fowl is ailing from catarrh or roup:
Inject a solution of carbolic acid into its nostrils, and wash
out the mouth, face and eyes with the same or strong vin-
egar and alcohol. Feed warm mush with plenty of cayenne
pepper, and make their drink strong of iodide of potassium.
Dr. Monroe recommends sulphurous acid medication, by
making the fowl inhale the fumes of sulphur sprinkled on
some red-hot cinders.
Cholera has baffled the skill of the medical profession,
therefore it would be presumptuous in us to say that this or
that is a specific. However, lately several cases of genuine
cholera have come under our observation. We saw a
breeder in a fit of desperation make a strong decoction of
40 The Wyandotte Fowl.
tobacco leaves and mix it with meal, and those that could
not eat were forced to swallow the mixture, and it cured
every one. He has since then cured hogs of cholera by the
same mixture.
VENTILATION.
Illy ventilated quarters, and the absence of sun and light,
exert a powerful influence on the health of fowls. Without
fresh air, sun and light, fowls would become like plants in
a cellar — pale and sickly, unproductive and unprofitable.
If every avenue by which the pure air of heaven can reach
them is closed, they will stifle to death by fetid vapors, or
else become victims of disease.
Ventilation is a safeguard and sanitary precaution against
the ills arising from close confinement and overcrowded
places. It is a matter of little trouble to ventilate the fowls'
quarters in summer time. The removal of a window, door
or board will serve for this purpose. But when winter,
cold and cheerless, comes in, and the bleak winds blow
through the leafless trees like a funeral dirge, we are put
to our wits' end to know how to ventilate thoroughly
without causing draughts to injure the fowls.
Heat is a condition of nature favorable for egg produc-
tion and for putting on flesh. But if we make our henneries
warm by artificial means or by massing a large number
together, we are surely laying the foundation for their ruin.
Artificial heat, however, is not as dangerous an enemy as
the other, because it can be regulated at will and the tem-
perature kept more evenly. But to flatter ourselves that
the warmth of the fowls' bodies, coming in contact with one
another, and the air which they breathe will be all-sufficient
for their comfort and health, is a foolish and palpable error,
as the sad, historical recollection of the Black Hole of
Calcutta has proven.
The Wyandotte Fowl. 41
Although warmth of body and the heat of the hen house
may start the egg machinery going, only partial develop-
ment of the egg functions are brought about; the conditions
being unfavorable owing to the impurities arising from the
droppings and exhalations of the fowls, and taken up again
by the respiratory organs until the blood becomes poisoned
and the system lowered to a degree to invite disease and
death.
CONFINEMENT.
It is well known to those who are breeding Wyandottes,
that these fowls will bear confinement better than the Asiat-
ics, because they are more actively inclined. But we advise
every breeder not to confine his birds if it can be avoided
for no breed will do well in confinement.
Within the narrow limits of a fowl house there is not
room for healthful exercise in warm weather. The birds
will, in time, get out of condition and cease to lay. The
ground becomes tainted and they feed on food defiled by
their own excrement, which rapidly produces loss of health
and condition. Cleanliness and good care will avert many
of the consequent evils attending close confinement, but no
kind of food will entirely compensate for the loss of pure
air and agreeable exercise, so essential to good health.
In towns and cities one cannot always have the advant-
ages of freedom so necessary to his fowls. In such cases
the number should be reduced to conform to the size of
their quarters and extent of their range. The runs should
be frequently forked over except a small patch for grass.
The turning under of the soil will deoderize the droppings
and make the earth sweet and healthy.
Confinement without proper exercise will deteriorate the
fowls and impair their organs of reproduction. Darwin
says: " In Europe, close confinement has a marked effect
on the fertility of the fowl; in France it has been found
42 The Wyandotte Fowl.
that with fowls allowed considerable freedom twenty per
cent, only of their eggs fail to hatch, with less freedom
forty per cent, failed, and in close confinement sixty per
cent, were not hatched."
EXERCISE.
The more we study the habits of fowls, the more we are
impressed with the conviction that exercise is a necessity.
In confinement nothing is so conducive to the health and
productiveness of fowls as agreeable exercise. Food and
cleanliness will do much toward keeping them in thrift, but
if allowed to doze away upon the roosts or in the sunny
corner of the hennery day after day, without exercise of
some kind, they will soon learn vicious habits and become
useless as layers or breeders.
Idleness is the parent of mischief as well as of many ills
that afflict birds in close confinement. Under artificial ar-
rangements exercise can only be given by improvising ways
and means at our disposal. Scratching is a very agreeable
and natural way to give exercise, and to encourage the
fowls during the dreary days of winter and early spring,
scatter all the small grains among the loose earth of the
floor, leaves or chaff for them to scratch through and look
up the seeds or kernels. Burying tjie grains in sand or
coal ashes will also afford them pleasant employment.
It is not because the Wyandottes are good scratchers
that you should neglect to provide them with some loose
material when confined. We advise you to keep them busy
for much of their usefulness depends on their activity.
A lazy cock makes a poor stock getter, and a lazy lot of
hens make poor layers. Nor is it the large breeds alone
that depend on motion for thrift; 'the medium-sized and
the small breeds and all down to the diminutive Bantam re-
quire exercise to make them hardy, healthy and productive.
The Wyandotte Fowl. 43
LICE AND PARASITES.
Vermin indirectly lead to sickness. These insidious
pests, after they gain a foothold, harass the fowls day and
night, keep them uneasy during roosting time when they
should be at rest, and suck the juices and blood from their
bodies irrespective of age or size. Lice multiply with great
rapidity, the more filth the more vermin.
The cheapest and most effectual way of exterminating
lice from fowls and the house is by rubbing through the
fowls' feathers to the skin a mixture of carbolic acid and
flour of sulphur when dry, and fumagation of the hen house
with a liberal supply of whitewash put on hot. These
materials are not expensive, are readily obtained and can be
applied everywhere in the hennery. An ounce of carbolic
acid to a pailful of whitewash will make it more effectual
for killing these pests and their germs. In using the white-
wash let us remind you not to spare the brush nor white-
wash, but dash it into every crack and crevice and spread it
over every spot in the hen house. The roosts and nest
boxes should be well saturated with kerosene oil to destroy
every vestige of these "festive pests," of course, avoiding
the use of kerosene on sitting hens or in their nests.
In filthy hen houses one may look to the under parts of
the perches and find that lice and parasites breed, brood
and hive together in great numbers. This is horrible!
But how complacently the careless breeder can look this
" naked " fact in the face without wincing! He likes a nice
fresh egg for breakfast and a tender broiler once in a while
but cannot see the necessity of keeping his fowls and fowl
house clean.
THE DUST BATH.
The dust bath is to poultry Nature's cleanser and renova-
tor and is as necessary for cleansing the feathers of fowls
44 The Wyandotte Fowl.
from vermin and effete matter as a cool, pure water bath
is to the person of cleanly habits. If we watch the habits
of all wild game birds, we can see them in the open clear-
ings and on the country roads at early sunrise dusting them-
selves as rapidly as possible. And if we give our domestic
fowls a chance, we can see an instinctive desire in the
young as well as old to scratch, pulverize the earth and
adjust their feathers, and, by the rapid action of their claws,
dust themselves. The bath is made more effective by
adding to it a pound of sulphur, mixing it thoroughly.
SELECTING EGGS FOR HATCHING.
A proper selection of eggs for setting is the first point
to be attended to in raising poultry. The eggs should be
regular in shape, of good size, not the very largest, but the
most uniform, and from the best layers. It requires some
experience to select the eggs from Wyandotte hens, because
some are more deeply tinged with " bloom " than others.
SETTING THE HENS.
Perhaps one of the most vexatious and annoying things
about poultry keeping is the hatching part. It is physically,
and we presume to say morally, impossible to force or coax
a hen to sit if she don't want to. .Well, what are we to do
with our much-prized eggs? If we cannot do better, it is
by far best to buy or borrow a sitting hen from our neigh-
bor. In many cases one setting of eggs is worth more than
a dozen sitters of the common sort; and it is a plain matter
of economy to buy ordinary hens of farmers if you have no
broody hens yourself.
NESTS.
Now, supposing your "Dot" wants to sit, — what then?
Simply treat her as you would another hen. Make a nice
The Wyandotte Fowl. 45
clean nest for her, put in the bottom some earth or an
inverted sod, mould and fashion it in the same way as if she
made it herself put in a little cut straw on top, shake some
sulphur or tobacco dust over it, and place a few medicated
eggs in the nest, and move your sitter at nightfall quietly
and gently to the place prepared for her.
When your sitter draws the eggs under her, shuffles her
legs for the purpose of resting her breast upon them, ruffles
her feathers when you approach, and "cocks" one eye
sidewise to see if you mean to disturb her, there is every
reason to hope she means business and may be trusted with
valuable eggs.
It is well to remember, however, that during the time of
incubation the sitting hen should have food, water, gravel
and dust convenient. Corn is preferable, though a little
oats and barley occasionally are good. The dust bath is a
matter of necessity, for the broody fever generates lice, and
the sitter must rid herself of them or she may desert the
nest or ruin the chicks.
THE CARE OF CHICKS.
It is an easy matter, ordinarily, to get the chicks hatched
out if the sitter faithfully performs her duty, and the eggs are
fresh and fertile when put under her. But to care for them
afterward, and bring them safely through the early stage of
growth from the time they leave the shell till they can be
trusted to an open coop outside of doors is a more difficult
task, much care is necessary to prevent mortality among
them in our cold and changeable climate.
The early broods should be kept in a barn or close shed
where there is no danger from cats, rats or other poultry
enemies till they become strong. If the weather be cold
and wet, keep them in awhile longer, and then they may be
put out in a sunny spot with the hen in a coop.
46 The Wyandotte Fowl.
April, though considered a good month for hatching
chicks, is sometimes very fickle. Often we have plenty of
sunshine and showers, and again Winter lingers in the lap
of Spring. However, it is best to be prepared for the
worst, and provide for the young chicks a close coop
with a light of glass neatly fitted in one side to admit
the warmth of the sun, and a sliding bottom well cov-
ered with dry earth and sand until the weather becomes
genial and the ground dry and warm.
Chicks do not require any food the first day they break
the shell. Bread crumbs and hard boiled eggs, with milk
to drink, make the most suitable and agreeable diet to begin
with. A week of such feeding, with a little boiled meat oc-
casionally, will help them along nicely if they be kept warm
during the days and nights. " Variety is the spice of life "
for either young or old birds, and a gradual change to
heartier food will be relished by the growing chicks.
The traditional corn meal dough must be avoided in the
beginning — in fact it can be dispensed with entirely. Bro-
ken rice, cracked wheat, millet seed, oatmeal, johnnycake
and brown bread constitute a wholesome and nutritious
diet. But if the chicks cannot procure insects, bits of boiled
liver and cut onions may be given with the best results.
Feed often and a little at a time until they feather out.
The last meal at night should be wheat, barley or cracked
corn.
POULTRY INTERESTS.
We should consider this volume incomplete if we did not
say something about the progress and improvement of
domestic poultry in our own times. It is really pleasant to
recall to mind what has been done in the past three decades
toward the prosperity of the poultry interests of America.
Few persons could predict the vast progress, improvement
The Wyandotte Fowl. 47
and product of this industry in stock, in building and in
capital invested in one way or another within the short span
of one generation.
Heretofore the poultry business was looked upon as a
small thing, only adapted to cripples and superannuated
people. He is only a "chicken man," was formerly a re-
mark not infrequently heard from some ignoramus, into
whose narrow heart the love of the beautiful in nature never
penetrated. How is it now, dear reader? The value and
importance of the poultry industry as a source of wealth
to the country is far beyond the ideas of those who have
given it a mere passing thought, or given it any attention at
all.
Few of the early pioneers are now living to see the fruits
of their first labors and perseverance. Well done ! we can
say of their work. This cannot now be denied even by
those who years ago opposed the fancier's efforts at im-
provement in the different breeds of fowls, believing that it
was a grand scheme, born of poultry fanciers, simply for
the purpose of selling fowls at high prices and of no special
value to the farmer or housekeeper.
Improvement in domestic poultry is of slow growth,
though under the guardianship of the human race for thou-
sands of years. But, with the dawn of progress, character-
istic qualities were established which separated forever the
thoroughbred from the ccmmon stock, and the value of the
improved breeds rose steadily as their usefulness became
known.
Men of means, intelligence and taste care nothing about
common stock of any kind, There is nothing about it that
is valuable or interesting to study as compared to thorough-
bred fowls which have been bred to a degree of uniformity,
beauty, utility and excellence. Already some of the best
men in the country are engaged in the laudable work of
cultivating and improving our poultry stock. Every month
48 The Wyandotte Fowl.
since the original excitement of the "chicken business," the
number has increased till we can count them by thousands
scattered over the broad domain of the United States. And
still they come!
The sound and practical knowledge wielded by the
poultry press generally is a powerful lever in the fulcrum
of our industry, while those engaged in keeping poultry
generously support their favorite papers, and in return re.
ceive the greatest aid from the many hints, suggestions and
thorough information of every detail connected with the
cultivation of improved fowls. And yet what is most de-
sired now is that our poultry publications— while keeping up
with every improvement and advocating the skillful culture
properly attained in the constant improvement of poultry
by the special breeders of birds for exhibition, having the
highest points of excellence in symmetry, plumage and
weight — should not fail to publish the experiments made in
the direction of utility by all interested in this specialty.
The profits accruing from the cultivation of poultry,
where it is conducted in an economical and judicious way,
amount to a snug sum annually. The keeping of poultry
as a business or secondary pursuit has become a means of
money getting; and while it adds pleasure and recreation
as an employment, it is a branch of home industry that has
fully as much cash value at its command as any other
industrial branch in the country.
To make the keeping of poultry profitable, it is necessary
that ways and means should first be provided. No domes-
tic animal will thrive and be productive if it is kept in a
half-starved and neglected condition ; and it is folly to
expect fowls to lay and put on flesh when they have not the
material at hand to do it with. To be profitable it is also
necessary that the better kinds be kept; that suitable places
be provided for their accommodation, and that they be
properly fed and carefully and intelligently managed.
The Wyandotte Fowl. 49
There is no question of doubt but the keeping of poultry
is a profitable source of income. Little springs unite to
swell mighty rivers. The demand for prime fowls is in-
creasing annually, and the prices are much steadier than in
years past, while the greatest profits are derived from the
successful manner of keeping and managing the stock.
Poultry can be converted into money while living or dead,
and one has not to wait for years before he gets some of
the benefits from his labor, outlay and care, as they are a
product always marketable, whether in the form of eggs or
flesh.
It is certain fowls have been greatly undervalued in past
years as a means of recreation, but now-a-days the breeding
of improved stock has become one of the most important
and remunerative pursuits in this country.
To-day there are few industries in the United States that
show a healthier growth or yield so fast a return to the
American people in comparison to the amount of capital
required and employed in carrying it on. But, after all, it
appears strange to us why our enterprising countrymen,
who have a national aptitude for every pursuit there is
money in, can look at the poultry business with its vast
channels of supply and demand, its rapid growth and in-
fluence, its social and pecuniary importance, and not more
generally engage in the cultivation of poultry as a source
of profit and amusement.
It is absurd to suppose that thousands of our best business
men — bankers, lawyers, doctors, ministers and mechanics
would engage in the pursuit and follow it up for years as an
occupation if it did not pay, and afford at "the same time an
agreeable pastime. One thing which favors it a great deal
is the division of labor. The man of limited means, though
commencing on a small scale, has the same chance to breed,
sell and exhibit as the man of capilal, for there cannot be
any monoply in the poultry business.
50 The Wyandotte Fowl.
It is impossible to give a correct statement of the value
of the poultry industry of the United States. Often it has
been said that the value of the business as a source of wealth
to the country has not been fully estimated; its magnitude
is far beyond the ideas of those even who have given some
thought and attention to the subject.
From reliable statistics at hand we find the number of
eggs produced in the whole United States in 1880 to be up-
ward of 9,000,000,00c, valued at $240,000,000. The value
of poultry consumed in the United States for the same year
was estimated at $300,000,000. The total of the two items
is $540,000,000, representing the value of the poultry and
eggs consumed by the people of the United States.
But these figures do not include the amount of fancy
poultry and eggs sold for breeding stock, nor of the stock
kept for breeding purposes, which makes quite an item of
itself and is increasing yearly.
There is a wide field for American fanciers to work in.
The great West with its millions of acres yet untouched, and
the sunny South, just awakening to its own interests, will
have to be supplied, and all will join hands and carry the
industry to the golden shores of the Pacific, and establish a
permanent and paying business for every one who know-
ingly and attentively cultivates thoroughbred poultry.
WJXD'RXU COUNTY P0U1TBY YA1DS.
_ian^s
bans ■
^ Wyandottes
EXCLUSIVELY.
My yards of these birds stand sec-
ond to none in this country. I not
Hfe only make a specialty of fine birds,
|==| but I make a specialty of square, hon-
(T arable dealing with all customers, as
hundreds of letters from all parts of
the world testify. If you wish for square dealing and good stock,
address
A. A. HALLADAY, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Circulars free. Eggs in season. Fowls for sale at all times.
Dr. J. R. DRAPER, Troy, N. Y.,
HAS FOR SALE CHOICE
-*- WYAXDOTTES,; -*^ ■
JSig \\ t o&za In 1 1 a 5 a i 1 b ^V\\ i I'c £ c a Pi o r 11 a .
COLLIE PUPS AND JERSEY CATTLE.
^BUllXA^ INGIBAT©!^
1k
g
■■:■
| J. L.CAMPBELL, wa^T-EO
WEST £U2ABETMy -rur>,r«jT
IN
^>
#
Do not buy an Incubator until you see my catalogue — 6S pages. It gives
great deal of useful information. Send five cents in stamps.
J. L. CAMPBELL, West Elizabeth, Pa.
PHILANDER WILLIAMS,
T J&. TJ 2sT T O 2>T
3^C^-SS.,
BREEDER OF
>>-ASMI'G!
Has been breeding Wyandottes since 1880, and those in want can
rest assured that my aim will be to improve them
in every way while I breed them.
BIRDS AND EGGS FOR SALE IN SEASON.
SEND FOR CIRCULAR AND PRICE LIST.
I. K. FBLCH,
■BREEDER OF-
CATTLE
COLLIE
DOGS,
Lt. Brahma, Wyandotte, Plymouth
Rock, Black Java and White
and Brown Leghorn Fowls.
Being among the earliest breeders of
I have had such experience in mating and rearing them that I am
prepared to furnish good stock at reasonable prices.
EGGS AND CHICKS FOR SALE IN SEASON
GE0. H. T0WLE, Truxton, Cortland Qo., N. Y.
"King Philip" Strain Wyandottes
EXCLUSIVELY.
My birds are bred for eggs and poultry (which means large size
and fine markings). My record at the poultry shows is sufficient
guarantee for the quality of my stock.
Orders for birds and eggs (in the season) promptly attended to.
Circulars covering prices, etc., sent on application with stamp.
FRED A. HOUDLETTE, Linden St., Waltham, Mass.
V W. 0. DAKIN,
^3^= ^)OTltt STBEET,
Toledo, Ohio,
ftgrS^ MAKES A SPECIALTY OF FINE
Thoroughbred Wyandottes
AND
Imported and Mome-Drftd Llana^ans.
DESCRIPTIVE CIRCULARS FREE.
Strangers at Toledo wishing to visit my yards can take Dorr S reet and East
Toledo line of street cars.
YOU SHOULD HAVE
THE LATEST EDITION
■TANDARD OF EXCELLENCE,
IFrice $1.00, ^cstpa.id.-
The Poultry Monthly one year and a copy of the Standard for $2.00.
FERRIS PUBLISHING e0„
481 BROADWAY, ALBANY, N. Y.
Dv: i l l i nsr a- t o isr i
5f
4*
Prizes Awarded at Great S ho ays
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK CITY, 1SS3— ist on Fowls,
1st and 2d on Chicks, ist and 2d on Breeding-pen, and a sweep of all special prizes
offered on this variety.
WORCESTER, MASS., 1883 (Meeting of A. P. A.) — ist on Fowls, ist on
Breeding-pen, Special prize on best Hen, and special prize on best four pairs.
BRATTLEBORO, VT., 1SS3.— ist on Fowls, ist and 2d on Chicks, ist on breed-
ing-pen, and a sweep of all the special prizes offered on this variety.
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK CITY. 1SS4.— This exhibi-
tion was the largest and best display of pure-bred fowls ever witnessed in America.
Never before in the world was there such a display of Wvandottes as at this exhi-
bition. We exhibited chicks only, and won the following prizes: ist and 2d on
Pairs, ist on Breeding-pen, Special on Best Display, Special on Best Breeding-pen,
Tvjo Specials on Best Cockerel, and Special on Best Pair {either Fowls or Chicks').
oBize^s fez oaTe at a/T times. &$$& in season.
Send for descriptive circular and prices.
G. D. MILLINGTON, C. E. BOURNE.
Formerly of No. Bennington, Vt.
Rutland, Vermont, U. S. A.
0 iftt^ie: bred
.^
Wyandottes !
J W. MA B ]-: E,
Lock Box U. TARRY TOWN, N. Y.
Jhe l&hate fountain iMubatop
IS PRACTICAL, DURABLE AND THOROUGHLY RELIABLE
In every respect, and is warranted to be as represented.
Every machine has a perfect Automatic Regulator, and is also fitted with m}'
new Turning- Trays.
200-Egg Size, only $50.
Send for Illustrated Catalogue of Incubators, Brooders, etc. Address
E. E. BISHOP, Box 40, Lower Waterford, Vt.
F. L. MATTISON,
EGGS IN SEASON. ' „.„„„, _ STOCK FOR SALE.
NO CIRCULARS.
SOUTH SHAFTSBURY, VERMONT.
<A.XI£.X3CT'S DISCOVE
(For Internal and External Use,)
Has sustained a high reputation among our best poultrymen in the
treatment of fowls afflicted with Colds, Roup, Canker, Gapes, Diar-
rhoea, Cholera, etc. Its remarkable curative properties are largely-
attributed to tonic and alterative as well as astringent properties. Its
action is prompt, stimulating the appetite and digestion, and enters
directly into the circulation with the food. It promptly arrests running
from the nostrils, and immediately dissolves and removes canker from
the mouth or about the head of the fowl when applied as directed.
Trial for eight 2-cent stamps. Large size, 50c. and $1.
F. P. AIKEN, Chemist, Sole Proprietor, Albany, N. Y.
GEO'. F. HULL,
ITe-vT XjeToatnon., Oolia-no/toia, C01a.rn.t37-, £T. "ST.
Originator of the well-known and popular "HULL" Strain of
Have bred this variety exclusively since 1S72. The best specimens of this breed
always to be found at my yards.
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