8 CHICKS 



as they will fight and in various ways increase infertility. 

 Exchanging the male birds every four or five days is more 

 likely to insure fertile eggs, but of course the males should 

 be similar. When selecting a male bird we must not lose 

 sight^ of the fact that he comprises one half of the flock. 

 Therefore, select one that is vigorous, strong and well 

 developed, and above all, is "boss." One vigorous, active, 

 prepotent male will give greater fertility than three or four 

 sluggish niales. Breeding pens should be mated in the early 

 part of January. By this means they become acquainted 

 and are friendly when eggs are wanted for hatching. After 

 pens are mated a week or ten days it is a good plan to test 

 the eggs; if they are trapnested you can tell which hens 

 are laying fertile eggs and thus avoid setting infertile eggs. 



Nature's Conditions are Best. 



Fowls on free range will produce a greater percentage of 

 strongly fertile eggs than those in confinement, other things 

 being equal. Whenever possible the breeders should be 

 allowed outdoor exercise, but never in wet weather. In 

 good weather when the grass commences to get green they 

 can get good green food, insects and bugs which are essen- 

 tial to the best results in hatching, and insure a good fertil- 

 ity record. To insure the best results- we must get as 

 near the natural conditions of summer as possible; this 

 means a variety of food, sunshine, warmth, fresh air, green 

 material, cleanliness and freedom from dampness. 



Exercise Essential to Fertility. 



~ The breeders should be given as large a run as possible 

 for exercise is essential to health and the breeding stock 

 must be kept busy if fertile eggs and strong germs are desired. 

 Fowls that are closely confined to limited quarters where 

 they do not get exercise or have access to sunshine and 

 fresh air, even though well fed, are almost certain to produce 

 eggs low in vitality and weak in fertility. One of the best 

 methods of making the hens exercise is to feed the grains 

 in a litter of straw one foot deep and make them scratch for 

 it. Thus exercising and feeding are combined for the 

 best results. The house should be large enough to give 

 them sufficient room to exercise. Fowls crowded in close 



