622 Reading-Course -FOR Farmers 



weak seldom carries more than a small amount of food in the crop, 

 no matter how much may be accessible or how attractive it may be. 

 It cannot be made to eat. It lacks appetite. This indicates a weak 

 digestive system. Figs. 2, A, B, F and 6 B show the empty crop type. 



Low sexual power appears to be associated with physical weakness 

 in both sexes of the domestic fowl. Capons and Poulards, though they 

 grow to a large size, are nevertheless physically less vigorous than sexually 

 strong males and females. (Figs, i and 4, A andB). While unsexed 

 animals may grow to larger size, they are less active and appear to use 

 their energies in growth instead of in sexual or physical activities. 



In breeding fowls for high egg production, we must develop the sexual 

 characters. Egg production is a sexual character. It is the first stage 

 of reproduction. Hence, if we would succeed in increasing production 

 we must be skilful in recognizing and in selecting for the breeding flock 

 only individuals which are physically and sexually vigorous. When 

 either physically or sexually weak fowls are discovered, they should be 

 removed from the breeding flocks. 



Any single evidence of physical weakness alone may not necessarily 

 be conclusive but, a combination of several weak characteristics is 

 absolutely reliable. 



Chickens as well as fowls may be selected for vigor 



The same characteristics that are ordinarily used in selecting the 

 strong from the weak mature fowl, as stated above, may be applied to 

 chickens of all ages. They differ only in degree. A weak baby chick 

 has a short, round, shrunken body; dull, sunken eyes; pale, thin, flat 

 beak; short, thin down; pale, thin shanks; and a peevish, squeaky voice. 

 It has a poor appetite and lacks " gumption," as indicated by its inac- 

 tivity and failure to " rustle " with the stronger chicks. It has to be 

 taught to eat. Physical and mental weakness seem to go together. 

 (Figs. 5, 6 and 7 B). In contrast to this weak chicken is its stronger brother 

 or sister, with its bright, black eyes that stand out like shoe buttons; 

 large, plump, full, parallelogram-shaped body that fills the hand; fat, 

 plump shanks, and long, heavy down; an active, sturdy fellow, hard 

 to catch and hold, with independence of action and ability to fight the 

 battle of life. (Fig. 5, A). The weak baby chick should not be allowed 

 to live. It will be a constant source of annoyance and loss. At this 

 age we should make our first selection to eliminate weakness. 



Selection should be continued whenever a chick shows weakness. 

 This is most likely to occur when about ten days to two weeks of age. 

 (Fig. 6). Irregular or incomplete feathering, when chicks of the same 



