REVIEW 279 



blanks upon which to record daily the number of eggs laid and the 

 feed consumed, so that he will be able to tell at any time whether 

 or not the flock is proving profitable. These records, if carefully 

 kept, furnish a good guide to feeding, and are especially useful on 

 large plants where one man does the feeding and another collects 

 the eggs. They are also of value in revealing any disease or weak- 

 ened conditions of the birds, which is indicated immediately by 

 fluctuation in the egg yield. In addition, such records will stimulate 

 interest in the work, and quickly bring about a more careful study 

 of the problem, on the part of the laborer as well as the owner. 



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 in the nest. 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. 



