HOW TO MAKE A BEGINNING 2 
Rocks, a little later if smaller. It is well to have 
them in their new quarters by the first of October, 
in which month they may be expected to begin 
laying. If moved after the first eggs come, they are 
likely to cease laying for several weeks. 
Pullets should be chosen in preference to older 
hens, because experience has shown that they lay 
better. No male bird will be needed; in fact, it is 
well not to have one in Winter. Eggs which have 
not been fertilized are preferred by discriminating 
buyers. 
In February, a first-class, well-matured rooster 
of the same breed as the hens may be put with the 
flock. If the amateur lives in a closely settled 
neighborhood, he may find it advisable not to have 
a cock bird at any time, but to buy the eggs from 
which to hatch his chicks from a reliable breeder 
who has good stock. 
After the first of the year, it may be well to buy 
a few two-year-old hens and a yearling rooster in 
order to secure eggs for hatching. Hens two years 
old are considered rather better to breed from than 
pullets, when mated with a younger male bird, and 
will cost no more—perhaps less. The beginner 
who starts at this time and in this way, though, 
