MINORCAS 29 



In a large yard, especially if it is square, this condition is not so 

 likely to occur. And if a flock is not made to resort to its wings, 

 in time it seems to forget their real power, in which event they 

 are confined with less trouble. It is a mistake to place rails at 

 the top of a fence, or anything that appears as a perch. These 

 tempt the birds to fly to them. 



Small Size. — One argument that is used in favor of the Leghorn 

 is its small size, which will enable one to keep a large number in 

 a small space, such as a backyard or town lot. It is true that Leg- 

 horns require smaller house room than some other breeds, which 

 is an important factor on the commercial plant, but at the same 

 time they should have greater outdoor freedom. From my ex- 

 perience, I would prefer one of the American breeds in limited 

 areas. As a rule they are more docile and will stand close confine- 

 ment with better results. 



The eggs from the Leghorn run high in fertility, which has 

 made this breed a favorite in the day-old-chick trade. It is not 

 unusual for breeders to secure 98 per cent fertility. An average 

 of 90 per cent would be considered equal to 65 per cent in the 

 heavier varieties. The pullets often begin laying when 4^ months 

 old, though 5}4 months should be reckoned as the average. The 

 cockerels commence to crow at two months, or younger, and are 

 very precocious. 



Leghorns, and in fact, other egg breeds, are comparatively 

 small eaters, and the cost of raising them to maturity is about 

 one-half that of the meat breeds. Under proper conditions a 

 flock of Leghorns that has been bred for heavy egg production 

 should average between 130 and 180 eggs a year. Many indi- 

 viduals have scored over 350 eggs in a single year, and even 300 

 eggs. 



General Characteristics. — ^The Minorcas belong to the Medi- 

 terranean class, and are often rated next to the Leghorn in laying 

 qualities. They are bred in two colors, white and black. The 

 Whites have a single comb, whereas the Blacks are bred with a 

 single comb, also rose comb, which is now accepted as a standard 

 variety. The single comb Black is the most widely bred of this 

 family, a truly beautiful and useful fowl. See Fig. 14. 



