CHAPTER XIII 



CULLING THE FLOCK 



One of the greatest achievements that has been accom- 

 pUshed in poultry keeping of recent years is that of being 

 able to determine by certain characteristics the egg-pro- 

 ducing ability of a hen. No one phase of poultry practice 

 has been of more economic value to the industry than this, 

 for now practically anyone with a little practice and knowl- 

 edge of the characteristics peculiar to the good and poor pro- 

 ducer can cull out unprofitable fowls and thus place the 

 flock on a true business basis. 



Object of culling. One of the principal reasons for cul- 

 ling is that it insures that the feed will be consumed by the 

 better-producing hens, thereby increasing the profit. Again 

 such practice makes it possible to save the hens that are 

 best suited for breeders both on account of their egg-pro- 

 ducing ability and their superior strength and vitality. 

 These qualities are very essential to layers, if they are to 

 stand up under the strain of heavy production. 



If the flock is to be put on a paying basis, the poor pro- 

 ducers should be eliminated in order that eggs may be pro- 

 duced profitably and efficiently. Another advantage of 

 removing the poor producers is that of creating more room 

 for those that remain and a better chance to produce desir- 

 able results. 



Culling the growing stock. Culling should by no means 

 be confined to the layers; for in the young stock as well cer- 

 tain individuals will be found that it would not pay to keep. 

 Young birds that are stunted in growth, unhealthy, or those 

 that do not possess the qualities that go to make up strong, 

 healthy fowls should be removed from the flock and disposed 

 of. Such birds will never pay for the feed and care used in 



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