7o secure Fertile E%g$. 161 



be found stripped nearly bare on the back, and when this 

 is seen, then more should be supplied to the cock. This 

 must be done even if hens of a different breed can only be 

 used, as too few hens is as great a cause of unfertile eggs, as 

 too many, and the strain upon them is also very liable to 

 cause them irreparable injury. As the bare backs can be 

 seen by the most casual observer in a poultry yard, there can 

 be no excuse for the neglect of it. 



As a rule, eggs may be depended upon as fertile within a 

 week of the birds being mated together ; but, we make it a 

 rule, never to use the first two or three eggs produced by each 

 hen after she is so mated, especially, if she has been running 

 about in the open yard, or been mated with other cocks. 

 Those who breed birds for exhibition, are most careful not to 

 allow any cock to have access to the hens, except the one 

 mated with them, during the breeding season. The reason 

 adduced for this is, that the effects of such a cross may be 

 noticed in the chickens, even though a considerable time has 

 elapsed, between the alliance and the laying of the eggs. 

 Whether this is so or not, it is quite unnecessary for us to 

 inquire here, as it does not sufficiently concern those who 

 breed only for commercial purposes, but, of course, it is wise to 

 prevent mixing up in this way unnecessarily. In any case, 

 we should not advise the using of the first two or three eggs, 

 as they are almost certain to be either infertile, or to show 

 signs of previous mating, neither of which is desirable. 



The feeding of breeding stock, is a point on which a mis- 

 take is made by too many poultry keepers. Fowls will not 

 lay if they are fed too well, and on tbis account, great care 

 must be exercised in what is given to them, both as to quan- 

 tity and quality. All fattening foods must be avoided, as 

 these cause internal fat, which acts upon the egg organs, and 

 prevents, instead of helping, the object in view. We believe 

 in good food, that is, food ol a sound nature, and this will 



M 



