312 Animal Husbandry 
handling, as do the more nervous breeds of the egg type. They 
are easily confined and difficult to frighten. 
Maturing qualities. — As a rule, large animals mature less rapidly 
than small ones. Thus the heavy, meat-producing breeds require 
Fig. 125.—The Light Brahma female. Meat type. 
a much longer period to reach maturity than the egg breeds. 
Since the developing period is the critical one, the chicks are re- 
quired to endure the strain for a considerable length of time. On 
this account they are considered somewhat more delicate than 
many of the lighter breeds. 
Laying qualities. —In this respect the meat-producing breeds 
are quite inferior, although, if properly cared for, some breeds are 
