PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



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Trap nests makes it possible to keep a laying record of each bird 



No bird should be retained in the flock that scores less 

 than 75 points. Example : A hen that should be laying in 

 July is found to have pubic bones one-half inch thick — deduct 

 10 points; the capacity measurement is only two fingers — 

 deduct 10 points ; the keel is crooked — deduct five points ; the 

 pigmentation is yellow in beak, skin and legs — deduct five 

 points; the hen is in full molt and there is no evidence that she 

 has been laying — deduct 10 points. The total deductions 

 amount to 40 points. Her score therefore is 60 points. Ordi- 

 narily a hen with fis many cuts as here given would be found 

 defective in several other tests. In this particular case we 

 assume that the other points are good. A hen should not be 

 rejected on one or two cuts unless they are very decidedly 

 unfavorable. The practice of throwing out hens simply be- 

 cause the pubic spread is small may lead to serious error. The 

 bird should be tested in all points and the decision made 

 according to the preponderance of evidence. 



Mating the Farm Flock 



On the average farm there is little or no effort made 

 towards line breeding. There are not even separate pens in 

 which to keep the breeders apart from the laying stock. The 



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