CHAPTER XXX. 

 JUDGING AND CULLING FOWLS FOR EGG PRODUCTION. 



DURING the past "few years more and more attention has con- 

 stantly been given to the problem of breeding to increase egg 

 production. The problem has been hastened by the demands made 

 upon the poultryman in recent years. They must operate their 

 flocks more and more efficiently in order to keep down the cost of 

 production and still maintain a profit for themselves. In order to 

 intelligently breed for egg production it is necessary to know how 

 many eggs a hen herself has laid before it is safe to use her in the 

 breeding pen. In the past the only way in which this could be done 

 has been to use the trap nest throughout the year and secure the 

 individual record of performance in this way. 



Recent research work has brought to light much valuable data 

 dealing with external characters and appearance of birds as related 

 to production. These studies have included studies in pigmenta- 

 tion due to production, changes in the form and development of 

 the pelvic arch, condition of the vent, time and rapidity of the 

 moult and the condition of the comb. These studies had developed 

 to such an extent and were of such practical value that it seemed 

 very desirable that the methods used and recommended should be 

 .standardized. With that aim in view, a national judging school 

 was held at Cornell University from July 1 to July 6, 1918, at 

 which time and place the following points to use in judging fowls 

 for egg production were formulated and later approved by The 

 American Association of Instructors and Investigators in Poultry 

 Husbandry. 



POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN JUDGING FOWLS FOR EGG PRODUCTION. 



Health and Vigor. In order to lay well a bird must have a 

 sound body. As a first consideration, the bird must be vigorous 

 and healthy, if it is to stand up under the strain of production. 

 Vigor and health are shown by a bright, clear eye; a well set body; 

 a comparatively active disposition, and an indication of good blood 

 circulation. Further, the bird must be free from physical defects, 

 such as crooked beak, excessively long toe-nails; eyelids that over- 

 hang, so that the bird cannot see weli; excessively scaly legs, or 

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