386 



COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



the Mediterranean breeds, such as the Leghorns, are usually 

 mated one male to fifteen females, providing the flocks are single. 

 In the American or general-purpose class, it is customary to mate 

 one male to about ten females; and in the Asiatic or meat class, 

 it is advisable to use one male to six or eight females. 



Single Flocks. — As previously mentioned, these ratios apply 

 to single flocks — pens in which but a single male is to be used. 

 In larger flocks the ratio of males to females may be greatly re- 



{Courlesy U. S. Dep't Agriculture) 



Fig. 253. — Handy brood coop made from rough lumber, small sliding window 



serves as a door. 



duced. The reason for this is easily understood. In a flock of 

 fifteen Leghorns there may be two or three hens uncongenial to 

 the male, or the male may be uncongenial to two or three females 

 who will fight him away from them, in which case the fertility 

 from such a pen will run about eighty-five per cent. 



In a flock of 35 females to 2 males there is almost certain to be 

 rivalry or jealousy, which tends to eliminate favoritism, and 

 thereby increases the fertility. In a flock of 60 hens to 3 males 

 there is still greater rivalry, while in a unit of 500 hens to about 



