INCUBATION 



87 



the vitality of the germs or the egg be lacking, but the 

 latter obviously cannot be present without the former. 

 Chicks that are not strong and of abundant vitality 

 when hatched should never be raised for breeders, 

 but such fowls may be used for market poultry. 



There is a marked difference between the production 

 of fowls for exhibition or for beauty and the production 

 of those fitted for egg yielding and for table meat. 

 Where exhibition fowls are desired, the producing stock 

 must be yarded to avoid the mixing of breeds or 

 varieties. This is necessary only during the breeding 

 season. At other times the old and young stock may 

 have free range. Where egg producers and market 

 poultry are desired, it is best to give the breeding 

 stock all possible liberty. It is best to keep only one 

 variety, and the flock should have free range if 

 possible. 



Relative Efficiency of Incubators and Hens. The 

 efficiency of hens and incubators has been compared in 

 many localities. These comparisons show the results 

 gained from hens set in many kinds of nests under 

 average conditions on the farm, on the town lot, 

 and with the fancier who keeps a few hens. The 

 average per cent, of chicks obtained from both hens 

 and incubators is shown in the accompanying table. 



COMPARATIVE EFFICIENCY OF INCUBATORS 

 AND HENS 



