SECTION XVI 



Isolation of Non-Layers 



The problem of isolation of non-laying hens, the 

 hens that are not in the earning class, is a per- 

 plexing problem to the poultryman. Books have 

 been ypritten and column after column published 

 in the various poultry journals on this subject. 

 Only a thought or two will be given here. 

 . There are three plausible methods: 1. The 

 X-ray. 2. The public-bone examination, and 3, 

 the trap nest plan. 



The X-Ray 



During the past three years the author has ex- 

 perimented with several X-Eay machines, in an 

 effort to determine whether such examinations 

 are feasible. Fig. 51 shows a skiagraph of a 

 laying hen. B shows the shadow of an egg fully 

 developed and lying in the posterior portion of 

 the oviduct. It is ready to be laid. A shows 

 the active ovary. It is located just back of the 

 ribs (thorax, see plate I). 



It is questionable whether the time required 

 to become experienced enough to be proficient in 

 such examination will pay, besides the X-Eay 

 machine cannot be handled carelessly, as too much 

 exposure of the hands and other parts of the body 

 causes the so-called X-Eay skin disease. 



Pubic-Bone Examination 



Two small, slender, flat, narrow bones extend 

 down backwards from the flat shell-like por- 

 tion of the back (pelvis). These are the pubic 



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