102 SELECTION OF STOCK 



a good number of fertile eggs which hatch into vigorous chicks; 

 but the purchase of such individuals is rarely profitable. 



Size. — The stock purchased should be of good size for the breed. 

 Lack of size is usually a sign of improper management during 

 growth, of forced maturity due to late hatching, or of an inherited 

 lack of vitality. Any one of these should stamp the bird as unsuit- 

 able to be the parent of profitable layers or meat producers. The 

 standard weight should be taken as a guide, and excess rather than 

 under weight is to be preferred. When purchasing cockerels, an 

 allowance must be made for age. "With proper development they 

 may make valuable birds in the breeding pen. 



Weight. — In the choosing of birds for meat purposes, the weight 

 should be considered above size. Large, full-feathered birds may 

 give the appearance of depth and height but show, when dressed, 

 very little flesh development of a desirable character. In extremely 

 old birds (three years or more) excessive weight should be avoided 

 in the heavy breeds, as the tendency is for them to take on surplus 

 fat in the nature of fatty deposits rather than an evenly distributed 

 fat throughout the body. This makes them poor layers, with a 

 low fertility and loss of vitality to the offspring. 



Shape. — The standard shape of the breed chosen should be 

 studied and selection made accordingly, for by so doing the progeny 

 will conform more closely to the type selected and more nearly 

 fit the purpose desired. Only by having the flock uniform in shape 

 can they be considered strictly standard bred. By constantly 

 selecting toward one shape, a greater uniformity will be gained in 

 appearance and character of meat produced. This is of importance 

 when broilers or roasters are dressed and packed for fancy or high- 

 class trade. 



Color. — ^The endeavor should be made to have the color of the 

 birds selected as near the standard requirements as possible. It 

 may not be the purpose of the breeder to exhibit his birds for 

 fancy points, yet the added attractiveness and appearance of his 

 flock will warrant a constant attempt to breed the birds true to 

 color markings as well as size and shape. The idea in selecting 

 birds should be to combine the qualities which will fit them for 

 the particular purpose in view and at the same time show the 

 effect of breeding and selection for color, thus combining the 

 fancy and utility sides of poultry keeping in a harmonious and 

 coordinate way. 



Vigor. — Strong, vigorous constitutions in both males and 



