PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



weeds, from grain gleaned after harvest, and from waste grain 

 in the feed-lots. These would be a total loss were it not for 

 the farm flock. 



There is another consideration outside the commercial 

 importance of the industry. It is the appeal to the aesthetic. 

 What in nature is more beautiful than a bird? Blending 

 colors, symmetry of shape, curved outlines and grace of 

 carriage all appeal to the eye and, through the eye, to the 

 nobler senses, thus contributing something to the joy of living 

 and the development of character. 



In order to keep the farm flock at a point of maximum 

 production there should be a program of action. Here is an 

 outline of procedure : 



1. Keep a purebred flock. It will cost no more to feed a 

 purebred than a mongrel. The mongrel will be neglected, but 

 the purebred will command greater interest and receive better 

 care and prove more productive. 



2. Make conditions favorable for the flock. This means 

 regular care, a dry, well-ventilated building with an abundance 

 of light, and cleanliness in everything — clean water and food in 

 clean vessels for clean fowls in clean buildings upon clean 

 premises. 



3. Select good foundation stock, strong in vitality and 

 prepotency, and free from hereditary taint or physical de- 

 formity, and follow a system of breeding that will perpetuate 

 the good qualities and eliminate the weaknesses. 



4. Plan for early hatching. The early hatched pullet 

 makes the early layer in the fall and the matured breeder in 

 the spring. 



5. Eliminate the boarders. Every poultry breeder should 

 qualify to do his own culling. This is especially important in 

 the spring when the majority of the flock is coming into laying 

 condition and in the fall when the "quitters" are easily de- 

 tected. 



6. Adopt a system of feeding that will give results. This 

 means a balanced ration in all seasons. It means food ele- 

 ments which contribute to health, growth and high production. 

 It means planning for green feed in winter by planting cab- 

 bage, carrots, mangels, alsike or alfalfa in season. 



7. Make a study of enemies and diseases and conduct a 

 vigorous campaign against them. Enormous losses are 

 avoided by outwitting the enemies. The growing stock must 



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