80 BREEDS OF POULTRY 
better able to stand bad weather under a great variety of condi- 
tions. Previous to this a rapid feather growth takes place, which 
causes a heavy strain on the system of the growing chick. This 
requires careful handling up to twelve weeks of age. Undoubtedly 
early feather growth is the cause of many deaths of Leghorn chicks. 
Leghorn pullets will be mature and begin laying eggs when from 
four to five months of age, under favorable conditions; six months 
is perhaps a better age for laying to begin. 
Poor Sitters—Egg breeds are by nature poor sitters and poor 
mothers, due largely to their nervous temperament and disposition 
to be always on the move. This is true of the entire Mediterranean 
class. Breeders have tried for many years to improve the sitting 
quality in this type of bird, with little success. The tendency has 
been to develop the egg-laying propensities of the hens and thus 
obliterate the mother instinct. They become more and more like 
mere egg machines. 
There are cases of Leghorns making good sitters and mothers. 
Such hens are the exception rather than the rule. In many in- 
stances the desire to sit may be very pronounced at the beginning 
of the spring brooding period, but does not last for many days. 
The breeder using such hens will often find a nest of eggs chilled 
and deserted, due to the fickleness of individuals of this type. 
Exclusive egg farms either use artificial methods of incubation or 
make use of broody hens of some other breed. 
Foraging Abilities—Birds of the egg type are noted for their 
foraging abilities. Owing to their active disposition and their 
desire to roam, they will go a long way from the roosting quarters 
in search of feed. Egg breeds can be kept much more cheaply 
than the heavier breeds, as they will obtain a great deal more 
natural feed on their foraging expeditions. When it is impossible 
to give them free range, it is necessary to provide exercise in some 
other form. This can best be done by inducing the birds to scratch 
in search of grain scattered in deep litter. When proper attention 
is given to exercise, this type of bird thrives very well, in spite of 
close confinement. On large egg plants, the most economical 
method of keeping this type of hens during the summer is on free 
range. They get a large amount of green feed and secure a great 
many grubs and other insects which to some extent take the place 
of meat scrap. 
Susceptible to Cold.—The egg breeds have large combs and 
wattles and are enveloped by close plumage, which tend to make 
