THE DOMESTIC FOWL 45 



mon of breeding from small birds, which in turn lay small 

 eggs, which hatch small chicks. In selecting birds of any 

 definite breed, choose those as near standard weight as 

 possible, or, if anything, a little heavier. The large hen lays 

 the large egg, which hatches the large, fluffy chick. Breeding 

 birds should be at least one year old before their eggs are 

 saved for hatching. It is quite the custom to purchase 

 yearling hens, and mate them to a good, vigorous cockerel 

 during the breeding season. Pullets should not be used for 

 breeding, as their continued use will result in progeny of 

 small size as well as decreased vitality. Old birds are not 

 desirable for breeding, as they are likely to be very fat, and 

 brooding hens which are fat are apt to lay infertile eggs. 

 The next points to be considered are those of body shape 

 and color of plumage. These two factors determine variety 

 and breed. The principal considerations in choosing stock 

 should be health, vitality, weight and age. Unless the birds 

 possess these first four qualities, their shape and color, no 

 matter what, might fail to appear in their progeny. De- 

 sirable coloring should be as nearly as possible like that 

 specified in the American Standard of Perfection, and the 

 body shape should conform as nearly as possible to the 

 approved type for the breed selected. 



Select the Breed Suited to Local Conditions. In choosing 

 the breed, consider local conditions, such as market re- 

 quirements and demand, and try to select a breed of a type 

 which will best meet these conditions. Three types to be 

 considered are, the egg group, the meat group, and the 

 general utility group. If market egg production is the pri- 

 mary object, select one of the egg breeds; if meat production 

 is desired, one of the meat breeds. If both egg and meat 

 production are the aim, then the general utility breeds are 

 best. The following chapters deal with these classifications, 

 and should be carefully studied, as the discussion will bring out 

 in detail the characteristics of the different types and breeds. 



