92 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



6-7 EDWARD VII., A. 1907 



market type could be had in the different varieties of Plymouth Rocks, "Wyandottes, 

 Dorkings and comparatively later comers in the Buff Orpington family. 



Experience has also shown that laying qualities are more a matter of strain than 

 breed ; that the best known breeds, embrace in their many varieties good and bad egg- 

 laying strains; that the selection of the best layers of the best market types of the 

 breeds hitherto regarded as being good for flesh only and breeding from them, is the 

 way to secure the desirable egg laj-er and market type combined. As a certain meana 

 to this end came the trap nest which with mechanical certainty makes known, the 

 history of each fowl in a breeding pen as a good layer or otherwise. So, to-day, we 

 have strains of Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, &c., &e., which are as good layers as any 

 of the famous egg-laying Spanish family, besides giving us chickens of the most desir- 

 able market sorts. 



QUESTIONS AVHICH ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED. 



The following questions on subjects affecting the proper management of poultry 

 are asked almost daily. They are given with replies to them on the present occasion, 

 with the hope that their publication will anticinate inquiry on the part of many 

 others : — 



Q. What has experimental work shown to be fowls best adapted to the wants of 

 the farmers ? 



A. Barred Plymouth Rocks, White Wyandottes or Buff Orpingtons. For the 

 reason that they are excellent egg layers and their offspring are good table birds. 



Q. What profit should hens pay per head per year? 



A. Properly managed fowls should pay from one to two dollars per year each, 

 over cost of keeping them. See statements made by farmers and others in C'.. E. F. 

 Report for 1905. 



Q. What is meant by the term 'dual purpose' as applied to a fowl? 



A. By ' dual purpose ' is meant a fowl which is a good egg-layer and of correct 

 market type. She is a good layer of eggs in winter and her offspring like herself are 

 of coiTect market types. The term ' utility ' is also used to describe this kind of fowl. 



Q. Wliat is meant by strain? 



Ansivei: — Strain is the development by careful selection and breeding of the best 

 points of merit of each variety. 



Question. — How is the moulting of the hens in summer brought on and how long 

 does it last? 



Answer. — The summer moult usually lasts from eight to twelve weeks. Mr. James 

 Shackleton, a well known authority contends that by feeding specially prepared rations 

 this period may be shortened. The following treatment has been successfiil in our 

 department for several years. During the early part of July — after the breeding season 

 is over — the fowls were placed on half the usual quantity of rations for 15 or 20 days. 

 The effect of this treatrnent was the stoppage of egg production and the loosening of 

 the old feathers. At end of 15 or 20 days the full rations were resumed. A little lin- 

 seed meal may be added to the mash with benefit on the resumption of full rations. 

 Before the beginning of operations to bring on the moult the cock birds were removed 

 from the breeding pens and placed in compartments by themselves. The hens were 

 then allowed to run in small fields where they could find insect life, clover, grass, &c. 

 i*or description of ' full rations ' see formula of winter egg producing ration on a fol- 

 lowing page. In the feeding of the fowls during moult care should be observed that 

 they do not become too fat. The fowls are more apt to becon-iC over-fat, from too 

 generous feeding during the moult than after they have got over it and recommenced 

 laying. 



