80 BREEDS OF POULTRY 



better able to stand bad weather under a great variety of condi- 

 tions. Previous to this a rapid feather growth takes place, which 

 causes a heavy strain on the system of the growing chick. This 

 requires careful handling up to twelve weeks of age. Undoubtedly 

 early feather growth is the cause of many deaths of Leghorn chicks. 

 Leghorn pullets will be mature and begin laying eggs when from 

 four to five months of age, under favorable conditions; six months 

 is perhaps a better age for laying to begin. 



Poor Sitters. Egg breeds are by nature poor sitters and poor 

 mothers, due largely to their nervous temperament and disposition 

 to be always on the move. This is true of the entire Mediterranean 

 class. Breeders have tried for many years to improve the sitting 

 quality in this type of bird, with little success. The tendency has 

 been to develop the egg-laying propensities of the hens and thus 

 obliterate the mother instinct. They become more and more like 

 mere egg machines. 



There are cases of Leghorns making good sitters and mothers. 

 Such hens are the exception rather than the rule. In many in- 

 stances the desire to sit may be very pronounced at the beginning 

 of the spring brooding period, but does not last for many days. 

 The breeder using such hens will often find a nest of eggs chilled 

 and deserted, due to the fickleness of individuals of this type. 

 Exclusive egg farms either use artificial methods of incubation or 

 make use of broody hens of some other breed. 



Foraging Abilities. Birds of the egg type are noted for their 

 foraging abilities. Owing to their active disposition and their 

 desire to roam, they will go a long way from the roosting quarters 

 in search of feed. Egg breeds can be kept much more cheaply 

 than the heavier breeds, as they will obtain a great deal more 

 natural feed on their foraging expeditions. When it is impossible 

 to give them free range, it is necessary to provide exercise in some 

 other form. This can best be done by inducing the birds to scratch 

 in search of grain scattered in deep litter. When proper attention 

 is given to exercise, this type of bird thrives very well, in spite of 

 close confinement. On large egg plants, the most economical 

 method of keeping this type of hens during the summer is on free 

 range. They get a large amount of green feed and secure a great 

 many grubs and other insects which to some extent take the place 

 of meat scrap. 



Susceptible to Cold. The egg breeds have large combs and 

 wattles and are enveloped by close plumage, which tend to make 



