Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 January 1918 — FOR THE POULTRY GROWER [ARTICLE]

FOR THE POULTRY GROWER

An egg-laying strain cannot be produced by inbreeding. In order for a hep to be a good producer, Tom Barron'writes, she must be in good health and full of vigor. Use a male that was bred from a hen that laid 200 eggs or more in a year. Breed for high averages instead of exceptionally high individuals. A good layer usually stands high in front and her back is not on a level, or the rear higher than the front. The best producers usually have 'large combs, a high tail, and a prominent, large, bright eye. Prefer the wedge shape, rather narrow in front but ■ wide behind, and wide between the legs. A hen inclined to be squirrel-tailed is the best layer. Not always the largest hen is the best layet; generally the smallest one. The heavy laying hens are those with white legs. A tight-feathered bird is a better layer than a loose-feathered one. A hen that does not lay well in winter should not be used. As a rule, the first pullets of a brood to begin laying make the best layers, and the first cockerels to crow usually make the best breeders for egg production.

The laying hen is usually nervous and active, according to H. A. McKeene; she has a strong appetite, evidenced by a full crop at night; she is the last to retire at night and the first to be about in the morning; she is also late to molt in the fall; phe is distinguished by width and depth of abdomen; the comb is usually large and the eye bright. Professor Kent says that an examination of the earlobe is considered to be almost infallible. A chalky white earlobe indicates-that a bi,rd is laying heavily, whereas a cream-colored one shows that the bird is laying moderately, has just started or has just stopped. A milk-colored earlobe shows that the hen has laid slightly or has stopped laying. A very yellow or dark earlobe indicates that the hen has not laid at all. An extremely white, earlobe also may mean very low vitality. The more velvety the texture of the hen’s comb the better her health, and it is almost a certain sign that she is laying heavily.