Breeding for Eggs 203 



good parentage, will hatch stronger and more pro- 

 lific pullets than the other of higher record, with 

 doubtful ancestry. 



Fundamentals of Breeding.' — Several definite 

 points about a breeding pair should be known 

 before we can expect a steady improvement in our 

 fiock. 



Ancestry. — Is the line bred pure' by people who 

 know their business? Has the line behind the 

 present pair made a reputation for the character- 

 istics we wish to develop? 



Mother Full Grown. — Pullets do not bring the 

 best results. Full-grown mothers in the second 

 year are recommended by all experts. The cock 

 may be in the first year, but should be kept if he 

 shows good results. 



Early Layers. — Watch your stock. Weed out 

 every defective while young. If a pullet comes on 

 rapidly, and lays early, band her, and her sisters 

 who do the same thing. Keep your eye on them. 

 You can tell very easily without trap nests, using 

 celluloid rings of different' colors, or putt;ing just a 

 touch of paint on the head feathers, whether they 

 lay steadily or not. The first two or three in a 

 large flock may be freaks. 



