PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



How to Select a Breed 



Having considered well the soil, the climate and the loca- 

 tion, the first thing to determine is the character of breed that 

 will meet the conditions and fulfill the aim of the producer. 

 Breeds are classified as meat breeds, dual-purpose breeds, 

 fgg breeds and fancy breeds. A meat breed is one whose ten- 

 dency is to lay on flesh. Such breeds are large, docile, good 

 feeders, but, as a rule, poor layers. The egg breeds have been 

 trained for egg-production by years of careful selection. They 

 are usually small in size, not heavy eaters, do not fatten readily, 

 and make poor market fowls. They have the faculty of turn- 

 ing the food into eggs and this is done at less expense than by 

 the heavier breeds. They are as a rule nervous and excitable, 

 but can be trained to become very friendly. The dual-purpose 

 breeds partake of the qualities of the two classes just defined. 



The leading dual-purpose breeds are of American origin. 

 They range between the meat breeds and the egg breeds in 

 size. They make choice table fowls and at the same time are 

 good egg-producers. The fancy breeds are those cultivated 

 because of certain marked peculiarities of shape and color. 

 They appeal to the fancy of the breeder and are bred as a 

 matter of interest and pleasure, rather than as a source of 

 profit. 



Which one of these classes shall the poultry-keeper select? 

 The average farmer will select the dual-purpose breed. The 

 commercial poultryman, whose plant is near the great city, 

 will select an egg breed if he wishes to cater to the market for 

 choice eggs. If his aim is to produce the finished carcass, he 

 will select a heavier breed. The amateur, whose aim is to 

 satisfy his interest in the fancy, will select a breed of that 

 character. 



But there are several breeds of each class and it is some- 

 times very difficult to make a definite choice. If the dual- 

 purpose class has been chosen, the individual must decide 

 whether to adopt the Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhodt; 

 Island Red, Orpington, or another of the several general- 

 purpose breeds. Having decided on the breed, there remains 

 the still difficult task of selecting the variety. This may be de- 

 termined by his own fancy or by his knowledge of some good 

 variety, or by the variety of some good breeder in whom he 

 has confidence and whose advice he is willing to consider. 



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