56 



PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



inactive and clumsy, most especially in the case of male 

 birds in not being able to fertilize as properly as more 

 active birds. Second, fowls that are below standard weight 

 should not be selected, as there is a tendency for the off- 

 spring of some breeds to decrease in size rather than in- 

 crease when such practice is followed. 



Color. In choosing the birds for the breeding pen they 

 should be so mated as to produce fowls that will conform 



Figure 59. — Barred Plymouth Rock 

 female showing high vitality. 



Figure 60. — Barred Plymouth Rock 

 female showing low vitality. 



with the standard requirements for color and markings. 



Head. The head is a good indication as to the health 

 of the fowl. Good breeders should have a medium-sized 

 head, broad between the eyes with a short stubby beak 

 fairly well curved. A small refined head denotes an ap- 

 parent lack of vigor. The distance between the eye and 

 the base of the beak should not be great, as a long face is 

 usually associated with a long crow head,which is undesirable. 

 The face should have a good healthy color. 



Comb. The comb should be well placed and should have 

 a good bright red color. Avoid loppgd combs in those breeds 



