CHAPTER XXIX 



PREPOTENCY AND PROLIFICACY 



This is a subject that poultrymen have neglected, or at least not 

 given it the consideration due it. Prepotency is that quality that 

 enables the parent stock to stamp their progeny with the same quali- 

 ties they possess themselves in a large or small measure. In the male 

 it has been paid little attention to, and yet it is through the male 

 line that the females are most affected. The male bird of the type 

 that has a big bump of prepotency is the best agency to breed up 

 a good flock of prolific hens. If he is the product of a prolific hen 

 and a prepotent sire, he will build up a poor flock into a good one in 

 two or three generations, provided other things are taken care of. 



There are always several factors in anything and the breeding of 

 fowls is no exception to the rule. The factors that affect prolificacy 

 are: First, parentage; some may call it heredity; second, selection, 

 for not all the offspring from properly mated, prepotent males will 

 always produce their kind. Therefore, selection must be paid atten- 

 tion to; and third, proper rearing. The latter includes several other 

 questions that bear on the rearing of a fowl. 



Selection must be practiced every year; there must be developed 

 great digestive capacity, hardiness and activity. Proper rearing is 

 that which develops all bodily structure and organs normally. This 

 includes the bony structure, feathering and internal organs such as 

 gizzard, egg organs and digestive tract. The birds must not be 

 rushed, but must grow gradually until mature. 



Having reared such birds, the next step as factors in their pro- 

 lificacy is to maintain the characteristics as adults. They must have 

 ample opportunity for exercise, winter or summer, in order to keep 

 their digestive organs active. Their housing must be such as pro- 

 vides them with a dry house free from draughts while at roost, plenty 

 of fresh air at all times and scratching room for bad weather. Never 

 coddle them; too warm a house will make them tender and unfit to 

 go out doors to rustle. 



The feed must be good in quality and a variety wide enough to 

 furnish material for egg making and bodily needs, there must be 

 plenty of it but none to waste. An overfat hen will not lay well; 

 neither will a lean hen. Try to maintain the happy medium. 



Another important condition to promote prolificacy is absence of 

 all vermin. These pests irritate and annoy hens past all endurance, 



