24 BIGGIE POUI/TRY 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 Mediterranean male 

 may be allowed for each flock of fifteen to twenty-five 

 females; one American male to ten to fourteen females; 

 and one Asiatic male to six to eight females; these 

 classes represent the small, medium and large fowls. 

 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 

 ten days 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. 



Bggs for hatching should be kept in a cellar where 

 the temperature will not fall below 40 degrees and not 

 above 60 degrees. 



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. 



