It is observable, that Fowls, for the most part, lay a greater
number of Eggs than Birds, even many more than they can sit upon at one
time. I have known about thirty Eggs lay'd by one common Poultry-Hen, but
it is seldom that any Bird lays more than five or six, except the Wren, and
the Tom-tit, and the Pigeon not more than two. Again, the Poultry, contrary
to others of the winged Race, are armed with Spurs; and it is observable,
that the Cocks of the common Poultry distinguish themselves from diurnal
Fowls, by crowing or singing in the Night, as the Nightingale distinguishes
itself from the rest of the Bird-kind. As for the length of Life in common
Poultry, _Aldrovandus_ makes it to be about ten Years, but that the Cock
becomes unfit for the Hens when he is four Years old; and we find by
experience the same, as well as that a Cock should not have more than six
or seven Hens, if we expect healthful and strong Broods of Chickens. About
the Laying-time of these Fowls, Spurry-Seed and Buckwheat is an excellent
strengthening Food for them.
There is another thing relating to Fowls of this kind well worthy
observation; and that is, of Capons being made to bring up a Brood of
Chickens like a Hen, clucking of'em, brooding them, and leading them to
their Meat, with as much Care and Tenderness as their Dams would do.
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