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Classic
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page 275
it is very wrong to pursue them, as many ignorant people do, in the idea of
bringing them home; for it only causes the hen to carry the young ones through
dangerous places, and by hurrying she treads upon them. The cock kills all the
young chickens he can get at, by one blow on the centre of the head with his
bill; and he does the same by his own brood before the feathers of the crown
come out. Nature therefore impels the hen to keep them out of his way till the
feathers rise.
Guinea Hens
Lay a great number of eggs; and if you can discover the nest, it is best to put
them under common hens, which are better nurses. They require great warmth;
quiet; and careful feeding with rice swelled with milk, or bread soaked in it.
Put two pepper-corns down their throat when first hatched.
Pigeons
Bring two young ones at a time; and breed every month, if well looked after, and
plentifully fed. They should be kept very clean, and the bottom of the dove-cote
be strewed with sand once a month at least. Tares and white peas are their
proper food. They should have plenty of fresh water in their house. Starlings
and other birds are apt to come among them, and suck the eggs. Vermin likewise
are their great enemies, and destroy them. If the breed should be too small, put
a few tame pigeons of the common kind, and of their own colour, among them.
Observe not to have too large a proportion of cock-birds; for they are
quarrelsome, and will soon thin the dove-cote.
Pigeons are fond of salt, and it keeps them in health. Lay a large heap of clay
near the house; and let the salt-brine that may be done with in the family be
poured upon it.
Bay-salt and cummin-seeds mixed is an universal remedy for the diseases of
pigeons. The backs and breasts are sometimes scabby: in which case, take a
quarter of a pound of bay-salt, and as much common salt; a pound
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