REVIEW 279 



closely followed. Since profit depends upon the amount and dura- 

 tion of egg production, it is very essential that the poultryman 

 keep in close touch with this branch of his work. In order to do 

 this with the least amount of labor, the practice should be to post 

 in every laying pen a so-called egg record (see page 455) which 

 can be filled out daily with little labor and from which at the end 

 of each month totals can be easily obtained. 



A careful study of such records over a period of years will 

 enable the poultryman to know his flock better and to manage 

 them more economically. 



Nest Eggs. China eggs should be used in the nests, simply for 

 the reason that they induce the birds to lay continuously in the 

 same place. If it were not for their presence the birds would, 

 after all the eggs had for a few times been removed, seek a new 

 place to lay, usually the floor; this would result in cracked or broken 

 eggs, many being entirely lost. China eggs are good to use in con- 

 nection with trap nests, where it is necessary to keep the birds 

 from laying on the floor. 



Egg Eating. The habit or vice of egg eating usually results 

 from the birds getting a taste of a fresh egg when one has been 

 cracked or broken. It is a habit difficult to break when once 

 established. The following conditions will tend to prevent their 

 acquiring the habit and, possibly, to suppress the vice : Darkened 

 nests ; large roomy nests ; frequent removal of eggs ; the immediate 

 removal of any broken shells or egg contents. 



Patented nests are advertised which allow the egg to roll down 

 out of reach of the bird, but they are usually undesirable. 



REVIEW. 



1. Give the primary and secondary objects in managing a flock for egg 



production. 



2. Discuss the constant relation between selling price of eggs and tempera- 



ture or season. 



3. Upon what two factors does profit from egg production depend? 



4. Discuss four factors which enter into the profitable management of the 



laying flock. 



5. Discuss the fall management of the laying stock. 



6. What is the best time at which to place pullets in winter quarters? 



7. Point out the necessity of making rigid selection at maturity. 



8. Discuss size of flock. 



9. What are the essential features in winter management of the layers? 



10. Discuss three factors which are necessary to promote cleanliness in the 

 laying pen. 



