11 



from nonvigorous birds means nonvigorous progeny, whereas 

 the breeding from vigorous birds means vigorous progeny. 

 When mating up the breeding pen, select male birds which 

 show signs of physical strength and superiority; for example, 

 the bird with a bright prominent eye, with a well-developed 

 blocky body, with an erect carriage, glossy plumage and bright 

 comb and wattles. The vigorous birds are usually active and 

 spirited in their movements. They range extensively in search 

 of forage. They will be seen to scratch energetically in search 

 of feed. In a great many cases they are the last birds on the 

 perch at night and the first birds off the perch in the morning. 

 In the case of the male, the loudness and frequency of the crow 

 is an indication of physical superiority, while the continual 

 cackle and singing of the female has the same indication. It 

 will be evident to any practical poultryman that there is a 

 very definite and fixed relation which exists between the ex- 

 ternal appearance of fowls and their vitality; hence it should 

 be the aim to systematically select for constitutional vigor at 

 all ages and for all purposes. 



V. Induce a Uniform, Rapid Growth. 



A possible serious loss to the poultryman is death in the 

 brooder. This loss can be, in large measure, avoided by select- 

 ing a suitable brooding system which will maintain proper 

 environmental conditions, and in addition to this, by providing 

 the chicks with a suitable feed ration. For the small poultry- 

 man, brooding only 200 or 300 chicks, the small outdoor 

 brooder of 50 or 60 capacity may be satisfactory, but for the 

 commercial poultry farm, or for the farm flock where 300 

 chicks and upwards are reared, the so-called colony brooder 

 stove will be found very desirable. These are recent products, 

 having been put on the market within the last two years. A 

 great many different types are available. One which is sub- 

 stantially constructed and has a rather large metal reflector 

 which can be raised and lowered, and which is provided with 

 an accurate, simple method of regulating temperature, should 

 be satisfactory. From 300 to 500 chicks (never over 500) can 

 be placed under one of these hovers, and a brood of from 

 85 to 95 per cent, should be secured. The commercial plant 



