Breeds of Poultry 309 
Disposition. — Each of the egg-producing breeds is character- 
ized by a rather nervous, active disposition. They are alert, and 
easily frightened, and when disturbed fly with the ease of wild 
birds. The flying habit is easily 
established, but difficult to over- 
come. Since excitement interferes 
with the egg-producing function, 
fowls of this type should be care- 
fully handled. A little thoughtful- 
ness and gentleness on the part of 
the attendant will entirely over- 
come this natural nervousness. 
Maturing qualities. — The breeds 
of this type are among the earliest 
maturing fowls. They develop 
feathers, combs, and wattles very 
early in life, so that they assume the 
appearance of small adults. The feathering period is a very deli- 
cate one in the young fowl’s life, because of the extra heavy demands 
made upon the system. The young fowl, therefore, that feathers 
rapidly, can be relied upon to have much constitutional vigor. 
Laying qualities. — As would be 
expected, the breeds of the egg type 
are second to none in egg produc- 
tion; although good individuals of 
other types may be superior in this 
respect to poor individuals of the 
egg type. 
Meat-production qualities. — Be- 
cause of the comparatively small 
bodies, the breeds of the egg type 
| rank inferior in meat production, 
Fic. 123. — The White Leghorn fe- at least so far as quantity is con- 
male. Egg type. cerned, although if the fowls are 
properly fed, the quality may be the equal of any. 
Fig. 122. — The White Leghorn male. 
Egg type. 
