PROGRESSIVE POULTRY RAISING 



hen gave an average production of 71 eggs. After grad- 

 ing by the use of pure-bred single comb White Leghorn 

 males for three years the flock average was increased to 

 192 eggs. The original mongrel flocks were a mixture 

 of red, black and buff. The third generation grades 

 were of pure white. The grade Leghorns, however, were 

 smaller than the grade Plymouth Rocks and not as 

 desirable from the market standpoint. 



While it has been proven that a poor-laying mongrel 

 flock containing several types and colors may be made 

 over into a high-producing flock of uniform color that is 

 just as desirable from the market standpoint as pure- 

 breds, within the space of three years, the fact should 

 not be overlooked that a considerable source of profit 

 may come from selling breeding stock. This can only be 

 done satisfactorily where one keeps pure-bred stock. It 

 costs no more to house and feed a pure-bred flock than it 

 does a bunch of mongrels or grades and where stock can 

 be disposed of at satisfactory prices, the pure-bred flock 

 will prove much more profitable. 



Culling Whether the poultry producer keeps pure- 

 breds or grades, he will increase his profits 

 very materially by culling his flock closely every year. 

 Though the trap nest is the most accurate means of 

 selecting the best layers in the flock, its use is only 

 practicable for those who make poultry breeding a 

 specialty. The trap nest usually has no place on the 

 general farm. On the average, the pullet laying year is 

 more profitable than any other. Yearlings and two-year 

 olds are likely to be kept at an actual loss unless they 

 are carefully culled. 



The best time of year in which to do the culling is late 

 July, August and early September. This comes from 

 the fact that the poor layers are usually early molters 

 while the better layers as a general thing do not molt 

 until November or December. As a usual thing therefore 

 the poor producers are the best lookers in the late summer, 



Pa t e Tweke 



