BREEDING 



55 



Figure 57. — The head of a crested 

 fowl showing 1 crest, 2 V-shaped 

 comb, 3 muff, and 4 beard. 



Appearance and action. The 



general appearance and action 

 of fowls to be selected for the 

 breeding pen as they appear on 

 the range or in the yard should 

 be considered. Select those with 

 clean smooth plumage, for fre- 

 quently soiled and roughened 

 feathers are an indication of sick- 

 ness or lack of condition. Fowls 

 that are slow and sluggish in 

 their action with little disposi- 

 tion to move about should not be 

 selected for the breeding pen. 

 Sick fowls should never be used as breeders. Those that 

 have been sick but have recovered should not be selected 

 as breeders, if healthy fowls are obtainable. Male birds 

 should be decidedly masculine in appearance, while females 

 showing masculinity should be avoided as breeders. 



SELECTION OF THE BREEDERS 

 . Having in mind the importance of health and vigor in 

 the breeding stock, consideration should be given next to 

 the desirable characteristics that good breeders should pos- 

 sess. These general character- 

 istics apply in a large measure 

 to both the male and the 

 female. 



Size. Select fowls that are 

 closest to the standard weight 

 for the breed. Breeders that 

 are considerably' above and be- 

 low standard weight are not de- 

 Figure ss.-The fifth toe that is char- sirablefor two reasons. First, 

 and French Br'e°edJ. °^ """ ^"i*"'"' ovcrsized fowls are apt to be 



