that the first cockrels to crow are the birds that will make 

 the best breeders. Discard any birds that have crooked keels 

 or marked defects. All cockrels that are not set aside as pos- 

 sible breeders should be fattened and sold as soon as possible. 

 They should not be given free range but should be kept in 

 relatively small yards where they cannot work off their 

 weight. 



CAPONIZING 



In certain sections of the country caponizing is quite pop- 

 ular. It is not difficult to learn how to caponize, though in 

 sections where it is common, poultry raisers seldom do it 

 themselves, but employ a veterinarian who goes from ranch 

 to ranch, making a nominal charge per bird. Any one who 

 is interested in caponizing should send for Farmer's Bulletin 

 No. 849, issued by the United States Department of Agri- 

 culture. 



MARKETING 



The price for cockrels depends largely upon the dates they 

 are sent to market. The quicker they can be fattened and 

 shipped, the higher price they will bring. Whether birds are 

 shipped alive or dressed, they should be sorted for weight 

 and appearance. Birds of the same size, weight, breed, and 

 color present a much better appearance. 



THE CULLING OF PULLETS 



One of the most important factors in poultry profits is the 

 proper culling of pullets. They are the future layers and 

 laying capacity depends to quite an extent on natural vigor. 

 It never pays to keep and feed a runt. Separate all pullets 

 that do not develop and feather out rapidly. Poorly feath- 

 ered birds, those with crooked keels, dull eyes, or any de- 

 fects, should be fattened and sold. Heavy layers are indus- 

 trious even when young. The bird that is quick to get a 

 worm when one is thrown in the yard, is the bird to save. 

 Slow, awkward, listless, sleepy, or ill shaped pullets, should 

 be disposed of quickly. Avoid crowding. A few carefully 

 selected birds in a house that provides plenty of room will 

 yield larger returns than a large number of average pullets. 



To build up a good constitution for heavy laying in later 

 life, pullets should have free range during the summer. If 

 they can have the run of a large yard or an orchard where 



17 



