24 BIGGIE POULTRY BOOK, 



It is difficult to lay down definite rules in regard 

 to the number of hens to be allowed for each male 

 bird. Breeds and individuals of each breed differ in 

 activity and vigor; but speaking generally, it may be 

 said that for a flock at liberty, one Leghorn male may 

 be allowed for each flock of twenty to twenty-five 

 females ; one Plymouth Rock male to fifteen to 

 twenty females; and one Brahma male to ten to fifteen 

 females ; these breeds being taken to represent the 

 small, medium and large fowls. When confined in 

 yards, reduce the number of females by a third, unless 

 two males are allowed each pen, alternated weekly. 

 Never have more than one male with the flock at the 

 same time. 



To be sure that eggs for hatching are fertile, none 

 should be saved for this purpose from a flock until 

 the third day after mating. 



After mating, though the male be removed, the 

 eggs laid from the third to the tenth day will nearly 

 all be fertile. It follows from this, that in breeding 

 pure-bred fowls, contamination of the blood from the 

 introduction of a strange male need not be feared 

 after the tenth day. 



Never shake an egg designed for hatching. 



Wrap eggs kept for hatching in old flannel or 

 woolen cloth, or stand on end in bran and cover with 

 flannel. Avoid a hot, drying atmosphere. 



Beware of breeding from cocks with crooked 

 breasts, wry tails, long, slender shanks, or any other 

 bodily defect indicating a lack of vigor. Like begets 

 like. Use only the best for stock birds. 



