298 POULTRY BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT 



is it possible to tell from any differences in shape of the 

 egg whether it will hatch a male or female chick. The 

 shape or size of the egg has nothing to do with the sex of 

 the chick. There are, however, certain points in shape and 

 structure of the egg that should be considered in select- 

 ing eggs for hatching. Normal eggs should be selected. 

 This does not mean that the eggs should all be of the same 

 size. Eggs laid by different hens vary in size even when 



BROODING COOPS 



The brooding coops on the farm of F. W. C. Almy, Rhode Island, where 5,000 

 chicks were hatched and brooded by hens in a year. 



the hens are of the same breed. One hen may lay an egg 

 weighing more than two ounces; another, less than two 

 ounces. 



The most profitable hen is not necessarily the one that 

 lays the largest egg. The hen that lays a small egg may 

 produce so many more of them in a year that she will lay 



