Milford chronicle., 1915-11-19

II
of breeds of poultry, all of which seem
ingly enjoy much popularity, yet there
is one perhaps that stands ahead of all
the larger bodied birds in point of favor.
This is the Rhode Island Red. This
bird probably enjoys the distinction of
being the tavorite with larger number
of enthusiasts than any of the so-called
popular breeds.
This is probably not true among that
class of persons who breed for exhibit
tion purposes, but it is certaiely true of
those who banker after the utility end
of the business. This is indeed a grand
breed, and so much has been said about
this type of bird that it seems almost
impossible to add anything to the al
ready elaborate accounts, but it might
be well to at least give some of their
many fine points.
The origin of this beautiful and mag
nificient bird has always been more or
less disputed, and for that reason a dis
cussion of this point will not be entered
into; but one thing we are sure, and
that is that its fine points will interest
many Of our readers. The noble Reds
are probably one of the very few breeds
which are unexcelled for utility pur-
pose. This is due to the fact as egg
/ producers they are second to none, at
| least of the larger bodied fowls, and
will produce more eggs than many of the
smaller breeds. Their laying is not con-
| fined to any particular season, but on
the other hand, will produce during
winter almost as we'll as during the
spring, and for that reason are looked
upon as one of the winter producers.
The Reds are very tame and possess
ozrr nnsnh
fact commends them to the small breed
er. Many persons are engaged in rails
ing chickens on a small scale who are
unable to lay out funds for the purchase
of an incubator. The Reds are human
incubators, and for that reason are rec
omended to this class of poultry men.
They make the best of mothers tor the
young chicks.
l don't mean to infer that the Reds
are continually sitting, to the detriment
of their usefulness as egg layers, but
when broody they are as regular and
punctual in their performance as a man
made instrument. They are kind and
gentle when broOdY, and it is pleasure
to work about them and to care for their
wants. Hens rarely ever come off a
nest more than once a day, especially if
they mean business. This is true of
the Reds, but unlike other breeds, they
can be befriended while on the nest.
Many times have / given food and water
to broody Reds while they sat upon the
nest they taking it from my hands.
AS a table or market fowl, the Reds
are par excellence; possessing a flavor
that is highly pleasing to the taste. {
Another and equally good argument in '
favor of this fowl as a profit maker from
the meat standpoint is that of its medi- J
um weight. Reds, average from five to !
six pounds dressed. with a yellow skin
and shanks, which is the apple to the
public eye in poultry, and which makes ;
the birds bring good prices for table ,
use.
When all of these exceedingly good
qualities are taken into consideration, /
believe that you will be forced to agree
with me that the Reds have taken the
place of all other former favorites in the
class known as utility birds. have re- s
ceived many personal letters from per- c
sons who are enthusiastic over the Rhode +
Island Reds and who have suggested the
thought that they are perfect in every r
respect. cannot hold quite that view. a
am of the opinion that there never 5
has been a perfect bird, at least so far ]
IS Tic Va NAAC 9NoAAA1AA " ! q
perfection are specified for the ideal
owl. nor will there ever be. But the
Reds, if properly bred, are as near to Il
his standard as 1t is possible to get, in
10 far as possessing excellent qualities
ire concerned.
While the raising of the Reds is COM
,aratively easy when once the chicks
re Matched, yet their breeding Is an 81
ntirely different matter and is looked r,
lpon as being rather difficult. Almost Al
very person who has been successful in m
reeding them has his own distinct way Il
f obtaining results. The experience OF Il
hese men are of value to every breeder Il
! helping him to arrive at a mating II
hat will produce beautiful birds. In d.
rder to breed Reds, however, one must b.
e thoroughly familiar with the ances- W
Dry of the birds he intends to use in 81
ne breeding pens, in order to determine hs
lst what kind of birds the progeny will to
e. This, however, means where prop ia
r color is sought, as they will generally sc
reed true to shape. ay
Success with any strain or variety OF or
oultry depends upon your sticking to one tn
reed, and not jumping from first one co
another, in which case you never get to
1ywhere. The average breeder, how al
,er, rarely ever pays any attention to ca
le matter of properly mating his birds. wi
hen the breeding season is approach co
2, he Just takes a few females and tn
icks them into a pen with male bird, tn
cubates the eggs, and then grOwls be- an
Iuse the specimens are poor, unshapely lal
ID off color-while his neighbOr is sue fol
ssful in producing specimens that win att
the shows. EV
Then YOU say that Rhode Island Reds tit
e hard to breed? Yes, that is true of url
e Reds as well as other fowls, but ior
ese are possibly little more difficult pc
breed successfully than most breeds, col
least for the show room. 1t is not cal
lite so hard to breed good utility stock, ior
It even with these, the aim Of every an
eeder should be to get them as nearly iss
rfect as possible. White birds are
ore easily bred than colored ones, and