EXCHANGING MALES 373 



Out -breeding is a term applied to the practice of introducing 

 new blood every year, but blood of the same breed. Cross- 

 breeding is introducing entirely new blood, of a distinctly different 

 breed. 



New Males. — Through fear of the flock degenerating many 

 poultry raisers consider it absolutely necessary to bring in new 

 males each year. Very often they make a practice of exchanging 



(Courtesy Purdue Experiment Station) 



Fig. 245. — Pullets should be placed in their permanent laying quarters as soon 

 as they show signs of maturity. 



males with nearby farms, which is the vogue among farmers, 

 especially. This is inspired by the right idea, but it is likely to 

 be accompanied by trouble. If it is desirable to introduce new 

 blood, the rule should be to do so — not just because it is new 

 blood, but because it is superior to your own in vigor and other 

 ways. 



Speculation. — It is very difficult to raise standard bred birds 

 if new blood is added to the flock each year. You may buy a 



