8 
Farmers ’ Bulletin 1116 . 
if a cockerel is used he should be mated with hens rather than with 
pullets. As a rule, well-matured cockerels will give better fertility 
than cocks. 
FREE RANGE FOR THE BREEDING PEN. 
When possible, free range should be provided for the breeding stock. 
It is better to provide it during the entire fall and winter before the 
breeding season, but, if this is not possible, free range just preceding 
Fig. 6.— If possible the breeding pen should have free range. 
and during the breeding season will be of great value. Birds on free 
range will get more exercise and therefore will be in better health and 
will give higher fertility, better hatches, and stronger chicks. 
MAINTAINING FLOCK FERTILITY. 
Watch the breeding flock carefully and see that the fowls keep in 
good breeding condition. The birds and the houses should be exam- 
ined to see that they are not infested with lice or mites. Either of 
these pests in any numbers will seriously affect or totally destroy 
fertility. Care must also be exercised to see that the male does not 
frost his comb or wattles. If these are frosted his ability to fertilize 
eggs will be impaired and may not be recovered for several weeks. 
On very cold nights when there is danger of the combs being frosted 
