CULLING THE FLOCK 



229 



stops laying. White or pinkish vent color usually indicates 

 that the hen is laying, while a yellow vent indicates that the 

 hen is not laying. The condition of the vent other than 

 color should Hkewise be considered. That is, when a hen is 

 laying, the vent is large, expanded, and moist, and when 

 not laying it is comparatively small and dry. 



Comb. The comb of a hen that is laying or about to 

 lay is large, feels waxy to the touch and is bright red in color. 



Figure 220, — The head of a good and of a poor producer. Note how the comb 

 and wattles of the poor producer on the left are small and shrunken in size. 

 Likewise note the listless appearance of the eye of the poor producer. The 

 good producer on the right has a fairly large and well developed comb and 

 wattles and a bright, keen eye. 



When not laying, the comb is small, shrunken, pale or dull 

 in color, comparatively hard and covered with whitish scales. 



As previously mentioned a dark or bluish color in the 

 comb usually indicates that the hen is sick. The changes 

 in the wattles and ear lobes are quite similar to those of the 

 comb, but not quite so marked. When considering the 

 size of the comb of the fowl the difference in the size of the 

 combs of the various breeds should likewise be considered. 



Pelotc and keel bones. The p)elvic bones can be felt as 

 points on each side of the vent. As the hens stop lay- 

 ing there is a tendency for them to take on fat and this 

 condition is noticeable on these bones. 



