HOW TO MAKE A BEGINNING 3 



Rocks, a little later if smaller. It is well to have 

 them in their new quarters by the first of October, 

 in which month they may be expected to begin 

 laying. If moved after the first eggs come, they are 

 likely to cease laying for several weeks. 



Pullets should be chosen in preference to older 

 hens, because experience has shown that they lay 

 better. No male bird will be needed; in fact, it is 

 well not to have one in Winter. Eggs which have 

 not been fertilized are preferred by discriminating 

 buyers. 



In February, a first-class, well-matured rooster 

 of the same breed as the hens may be put with the 

 flock. If the amateur lives in a closely settled 

 neighborhood, he may find it advisable not to have 

 a cock bird at any time, but to buy the eggs from 

 which to hatch his chicks from a reliable breeder 

 who has good stock. 



After the first of the year, it may be well to buy 

 a few two-year-old hens and a yearling rooster in 

 order to secure eggs for hatching. Hens two years 

 old are considered rather better to breed from than 

 pullets, when mated with a younger male bird, and 

 will cost no more — perhaps less. The beginner 

 who starts at this time and in this way, though, 



