338 FARM ANIMALS 
to their quarters, and there is less danger of upsetting 
them when they begin to lay. None but mature pullets 
should be selected for laying. All that are puny, under- 
sized, lazy, weak or otherwise undesirable should be 
weeded out and sold for the table. They will not pay 
their board. 
Only such hens as have proved their worthiness in the previous 
season.should be kept over for a second or third winter. They 
usually make good breeders and the breeding flock should be 
selected from them rather than from pullets. Too often, however, 
in the farm flock, the reverse practice is followed. The hens that 
are in best condition are sold; the inferior ones are kept for egg 
production. 
LayinG FLock TAKING DalLy EXERCISE 
These are early hatched birds which began to lay long before the approach of win- 
ter. They are healthy, thrifty, hav€ good appetites and are carefully managed. 
15. When hens molt.—It is just as important to feed 
well for eggs as it is to breed well for them. Contrary 
to popular opinion, hens that are molting should be fed 
well. It does not pay to stint molting hens. However, 
they should not get a ration too rich in nitrogenous mat- 
ter, because they are not, as a rule, laying, and they do 
better when given a ration richer than usual in carbona- 
ceous ingredients. Even if this is a fattening ration, it 
will do no harm. By this it is not meant that the nitrog- 
