BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. 



1163 



VI. Breed to a Fixed Type. 

 In breeding fowls, always avoid violent crosses. Disparity of form in 

 mating birds can only end in disaster through the cropping out of undue 

 form, and especially by bad effects in the feathering, even after the lapse 

 of many years. The same general rule should be borne in mind that we 

 have stated in previous chapters on breeding live stock; avoid crosses as 

 much as possible, and breed pure when it is possible to do so. 



VII. Number of Hens to Each Cock. 



The number of cocks to be kept according to the hens will vary with 

 different breeds. One cock to eight or ten hens is sufficient in any l)reed. 

 This will be the right number for Games, Dorkings, and French fowls; 

 with Spanish Brahmas or Cocbins two more hens may be allowed One 

 Hamburg cock will generally serve for twelve to fourteen hens. When 

 several males are kept, it is better to keep all but one or two of them con- 

 fined, allowing them to take turns with the flock, since this prevents 

 worrying the hens and ensures better service. When the raising of 

 chickens is alone concerned, it is better to have plenty of males, to ensure 

 fertility. When only eggs are wanted for market, as many will be laid 

 whether properly fertilized or not. 



Vm. How to Mate Fowls. 



From the age of one to four years is the best time for laying. Hens 

 two years old and over make the best setting hens. Avoid vulture hocks 

 (feathers running down at the hocks as in vultures) in all fowls, and 



PAIR OF HOUDANS. 



especially in the Asiatic breeds. In breeding Asiatic fowls, let the males 

 be as full-colored as possible, since the tendency of these fowls is to 

 breed to lighter colors; but judgment must be used not to get too violent 



