1902.] POULTRY AS AN ADJUNCT OF THE FARM. 223 



The stock should be chosen to suit the market or the 

 taste of the poultryman. Observation of the farms of New 

 England show that the American breeds are in the greatest 

 abundance; yet the Asiatic and European breeds have their 

 admirers and special uses. Perusal of the entries of any 

 large poultry show will soon reveal the popular breeds in 

 order, and popularity is a test of merit. Having decided to 

 breed for meat, egg, or meat and egg, choose the type and 

 color adapted for the purpose. 



Should it be found inconvenient to purchase eggs for the 

 new stock, buy cockerels and use them with the hens already 

 owned. Kill off all the old cocks which do not conform to 

 the standard chosen, and at least separate all the small hens 

 during breeding time. The selected pullets from this mating 

 will furnish half-bred stock for the next season. By breeding 

 the yearling cocks to their pullets a flock of pullets three- 

 fourths in the strain of blood of the cockerels first bought 

 will be produced, and this will serve for the basis of future 

 breeding. Cockerels for the third year's season may be 

 procured either by purchase from the yards that the first 

 cockerels came from or by purchase of eggs from those yards 

 the preceding season. By selecting some well-established 

 strain and working the flock up to the best in that strain, 

 much more will be accomplished than by promiscuous se- 

 lections of stock about the country. In building up the flock, 

 market off all the grade cockerels and inferior pullets before 

 breeding them. • ^ 



If in addition to the cockerels a few eggs are purchased 

 the first year, it is probable that a thoroughbred flock can be 

 raised which would entirely replace the grade in the third 

 or fourth year if desired. The mating of thoroughbred stock 

 requires more thought and experience, and each should profit 

 by the direction of the older breeders. 



For the best success, all eggs should be set in an incubator 

 and the young brooded artificially during the first two years; 

 afterwards either raise by the hen or brooder as is desired. 

 Young chickens should not be put into any henhouse or yard 

 before it has been entirely disinfected of its vermin by n free 

 use, once a week for three weeks, of kerosene, either crude 

 or pure. Clean everything out first, then use the kerosene. 

 Use slaked lime on the floor. Move the house, if possible, 

 to fresh ground. 



