The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-08-06
Select Specimens That Have Every Indication of Be coming Strong and True to Type-The Old Fowls
 Should Be Culled Accord ing to Their Performance and Not Because of Age
By M. l.. CHAPMAN Vud~A Breeder and Writer


 Among the problems that confront poul- trymen at this season is "segregating the cockerels and marketing the surplus breeders" This operation often taxes the skill and resourcefulness of the op- orator because 1t Is upon this work that tho success or failure of the future flock and the profits as a business venture are largely dependent.
 Segregating the cockerels means more than merely separating the young males from the flock, for 1t involves the se- lection of those birds that are to be re- tained at the head of the breeding flock the following season.
 1t must be remembered that the real foundation of success in poultry culture depends upon the strong constitutional vigor and vitality of the fowls, and that the breeding male Is one-half of the future flock. The first duty that confronts the operator when segregating the cockerels is to select the young birds that fulfill every indication necessary to become typ ical breeders.
 VALUE OF THE TRAP NEST
 It is in this work that the full tmpor- tance of trap-nesting is appreciated, as 1t gives the operator positive knowledge re- garding the percentage of the young bird. This knowledge also conveys the data pertaining to the health, vigor and vital ity of the flocks ancestors, also the breeding characteristics and egg laying records of each specimen.
 To those who are striving for show birds the trap nest is a guide for future matings, especially regarding shape and color. To those who want large yields of perfect eggs, 1t gives the opportunity of confining the selections to birds that have ancestors with large egg records and oth- CT egg producing characteristics
 When this data is at hand the young birds should be separated into groups according to the performances of their ancestors, In order to simplify the final selections.
 Only those cockerels that show decided masculine appearance should be con- sidered They should be of moderate size, possess well spread feet, strong legs of medium length. placed wide apart. He should have a broad flat head and a bright protruding eye, that gives the ap- pearance of alertness. The back should be broad and long and the body deep with a full broad, rounded breast. Such cockerels are easily distinguished In the flock as they have a natural masculine carriage which forces them upon the mo- tice of the operator. Their activity is noticeable and their belligerent attitude is testimony regarding their individual vigor and vitality. All others that do not measure up to this standard should be placed in small yards and prepared for market.
 Where there are number of cockerels that measure up to the standard of breeders, and they have several genera tions of strong producing stock behind them 1t is often possible to dispose of them as breeders, in which case they will bring better prices than if prepared for market It is essential that the cockerels reserved for breeding purposes should have free range and full diet of nutri- tious food. They should be amply pro-