female over fat is not in the condition for breeding. This 

 same fact has been reiterated time and again — ^hundreds of 

 times, and yet we find many breeders ignoring it. We see 

 their hens loaded with fat until they almost drag on the 

 ground. The consequent result is complaints of weak chicks 

 or eggs failing to hatch. There are various other causes to 

 account for this, but even with physical and organic perfec- 

 tions as a natural inheritance of the fowl, the accumulation 

 of fat in the male and female is beyond doubt antagonistic 

 to good breeding. In the management of fowl stock, it is 

 absolutely necessary to have both the males and females of 

 every breeding pen neither too lean nor too fat, neither 

 starved nor stuffed, but a happy medium, or in other words, 

 a fine condition is to be secured. A condition that will not 

 interfere with the sprightliness and habitual movements and 

 exercise of the birds. A condition that approximates the 

 natural one which will leave the bird free from any organic 

 impediment through fat. It should be of the character and 

 condition of the athlete. In other words, it should be actively 

 personified without any lack of sustaining power. Therefore 

 see to your breeding stock. If you find certain ones lacking 

 in flesh, get such birds all in one yard to themselves if possi- 

 ble and put the feed to them stronger. Those that seem too 

 fat and heavy should be collected and their rations cut down 

 for them. If a male should fail to have enough flesh for 

 vigor, nail a can to the wall of the house high enough so that 

 the hen cannot reach it to eat. Keep feed in this at all 

 times so that he may be able to go to it and eat whether it is 

 feeding time or not. In this manner you may be able to keep 

 him up in flesh with the rest of the flock. A little good man- 

 agement on your part will help to keep all the stock in the 

 best of producing condition. A smooth plumage is a pretty 

 good indication of good health of the bird. The one with 

 rough plumage is very apt to have some trouble. When lice 

 and mites are at work you will find the feathers sticking out 

 all over the bird. Especially at the head will you find lice 

 when the short feathers stick up. Look the birds over very 

 carefully and you will undoubtedly discover them. This may 

 best be accomplished by placing the forefinger of the left 

 hand on the back of the chicken, fingers pointing toward the 

 head, three fingers under the left wing, the thumb under the 

 right wing. Stand with your back toward the sun, letting 

 the light come over your left shoulder. Now with the right 

 index finger, hold against the feathers, gently turning them 



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