ISOLATION OF NON-LAYERS 171 



(vertebra) and just back of the ribs (thorax) ; 

 that the tortuous oviduct or egg canal in which 

 the egg develops lies close to the back. This 

 means when a laying period is on more room is 

 needed by the ovarian mass, as well as by the 

 active oviduct. Consequently the adbominal or- 

 gans settle more to the bottom of the cavity and 

 the shape of the body of the bird changes. A 



Fig. sz. Skiagraph of Normal Hen 



A, Pubic bones. B, femur (pulled back). The distance between the 



pubic bones indicates whether or not the bird is laying. 



laying hen is a good feeder. Out early in the 

 morning, late to go to roost, red comb, always 

 hunting bugs and other food, singing, happily 

 disposed and usually has a full crop. The non- 

 layer does not brave the storm and rain, goes 

 to the roost early, leaves it late in the morning, 

 is a poor feeder and not happily disposed — a 

 sort of drone. 



