434 THE ESSENTIALS OF AGRICULTURE 



QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS 



1. Compare the total value of the eggs and poultry produced annually 

 in the United States with the value of mineral products. 



2. Why is the chicken the most popular species of poultry? 



3. Name four common classes of chickens, giving the distinguishing 

 characteristics of each. 



4. What is the difference between a breed and a variety? 



5. Give reasons why pure breeds of poultry are better for the farm 

 than mongrels. 



6. What are the essentials of a good henhouse? 



7. Describe the parasites known as lice and mites, and explain how to 

 control each. If specimens can be found, study them by use of hand 

 magnifying-glasses. 



8. How are ventilation and sunshine in the chicken house related to 

 the health of chickens? 



9. With the feeds available at home or in your local market as the 

 basis, prepare a chart, giving a proper spring ration for a flock of mixed 

 poultry ; a proper winter ration for the same flock. 



10. Why are grit and oyster shells important in feeding chickens? 



11. What important differences are there in content and in use between 

 scratching feed and dry mash. What feeding regulations should be observed? 



12. Describe when, how, and what to feed newly hatched chicks. How 

 does the proper feeding of such chicks compare with the proper feeding of 

 growing chicks after leaving the brooder ? 



13. At what temperature will eggs start to incubate? At what tempera- 

 ture should eggs being saved for hatching purposes be kept ? 



14. Prepare a chart, indicating the proper management of an incubator, 

 so that the correct temperatures, the proper amount of moisture, and the 

 necessary ventilation may be secured from the time the eggs are placed 

 until the young chicks are removed. 



15. At what temperatures should the brooder be when newly hatched 

 chicks are placed in it? How rapidly should the temperature be lowered? 



16. In what ways do eggs spoil, and how may spoiling be prevented? 



17. Why are infertile eggs best for the market in warm weather? 

 What are the characteristics of a first-class egg? How may the quality 

 be determined 3 



