FARM POULTRY PROBLEMS 



147 



after the breeding season and to within three weeks before 

 the breeding season when matings should be made. 



"The eggs of a pullet are more pointed than those of hens 

 and smaller in size." The first few pullet eggs are likely to 

 be low in fertility. 



The economic importance of broody hens in time lost from 

 laying is indicated by the following table compiled by the 

 Conn. Agri. College. 



It is not necessary to have a male bird or birds with the 

 hens out of the breeding season, or those kept solely for egg 

 production. The male bird has no influence whatever on 

 egg production. The male has to do with fertility alone. 

 Experiments have shown that just as many eggs are formed 

 where no male runs with the hens as where male birds are 

 constantly present. 



On the farm both breeders and layers should have free range 

 of the fields nine months of the year. 



During the breeding season mature hens, preferably one 

 year old or not more than three years old, should be selected 

 and mated with proper males purchased for the purpose and 

 which possess constitutional vigor. These birds should be 

 mated not less than three weeks before eggs are to be saved for 

 sitting purposes. 



At the end of the breeding season the male birds may be 

 sold or kept in a separate enclosure and the hens turned out 

 with the balance of the flock, 



