UTILITY CLASSIFICATION 79 



Disposition. — The true egg producers are natunilly light, active, 

 easily frightened, and of a more nervous disposition than any of 

 the other types. It is therefore hard to enclose them. They do 

 better on an extended range, during the growing period, where 

 they can take necessary exercise. This seems essential to their 

 proper development. If care is used in handling them when young, 

 the tendency to fly can be partially overcome. Owing to their 

 temperament, it is necessary when caring for egg breeds to handle 



Fig. 48. — A Campine pair, showing the characteristic narrow white and wide dark bars, 

 with light hackle. (Photo by M. R. Jacobus.) 



them carefully and quietly so as not to intensify the habit of flight. 

 It rests largely with the feeder and the one who cares for the birds 

 to keep them gentle. Their temperament need not restrict their 

 use, as it can be governed by thought and care. In practice it has 

 been found best to provide them with one of two conditions, — 

 either keep them in close confinement, housing the entire flock 

 throughout the year, or give them unlimited range. Restricted 

 range seems to develop restlessness and the habit of flight. 



Mature Early. — The egg breeds are early in maturing, and 

 both sexes usually attain the attitude and distinctive features 

 of the adults at an early age. The male Leghorn grows tail 

 feathers, heavy comb, and is fully feathered at the age of nine 

 to ten weeks. As the birds become completely feathered they are 



