The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1916-03-25
BREEDING FOR LAYERS
By G. E. CONKEY.

by
Every poultry raiser is in some de-
gree interested in the number of eggs
laid by his birds. 1t may we'll be said
that egg production is by far the most
important issue confronting the poul-
try keeper, regardless of whether it
concerns a regular poultry plant,
farm flock, or just a few chickens that
are expected to pay their way on
town lot. Many poultry raiserS have
only one purpose-the production of
eggs in large quantities, by their
flock.
Even the strict fancier points with
pride to a winner that also has a good
egg record to her credit and it is GER
tain he will prize her eggs the more
highly when the time comes to use
them for Matching. OF course, this is
as it should be, for utility and beauty
can be combined and there is no rea-
son why all poultrymen should not
work largely to this end
Pedigree Breeding.
The use of the trap-nest and pedi-
gree breeding have greatly improved
the laying qualities of our fowls in the
should be adopted wherever possible.
However, the average individual can
not or will not go to this trouble and
it is for this class that these few sug-
gestions are made.
A number of facts have, through
observation, been brought out about
the laying hen and this knowledge
should be made use of by poultry
+ln
drones and bring up the standard of
the Jock.
If only the best layers are used for
breeding it will mean improved vigor
as we'll as laying qualities in the off
spring-a condition for which we all
are striving. And right here it might
be wei Ito add that the laying tenden-
cies are not dependent entirely on the
female. as might be supposed, but are
even ound to be Influenced more by the
male, so that he also must come from
line of layers.
A Good Layers Characteristics.
1t is impossible to pick out a good
layer by its shape alone although GER
tain formations of the body may be
favorable for egg production. and we
must, therefore. in a large measure
look to other indications of laying
ability.
To keep up regular supply of eggs
hen must have the capacity to eat
and digest a great amount of food and
still allow plenty of room for the egg
organs. This means that the body
must be broad and not loose iointed,
but rather compactly built. Also, the
good layer will be found an active
bird, always on the alert. She works
throughout the dav and will be found
scratching for feed much of the time
She is one of the first from the roost
in the morning and among the last to
seek the roost at night. AS a rule the
comb is of fair size and its bright
color indicates good health
Good Layers Don't Put On Fat.
1t seems to be born tendency with
some hens to put on fat and any such
should be culled out in building up a
flock of layers A good layer is too
active and the drain of heavy laying
too great to allow the accumulation
of much fat Another thing learned
is that most good layers mott late in
the season so that it paws to keep an
eye on the sleek looking hen in the fall
to be sure she is paying for her keep.
Watch Winter Laying.
A hen to show good yearly aver
age must lay a great many eggs dur
ing the winter months, therefore. this
is the best time to select the birds to
be used for breeding. From among
the good LAYERS retain the ones that
nearest conform to the breed they re-
present and then make use of only the
eggs from these select few when
hatchino chicks to replenish your
flock. 1t is always a mistake to breed
from the whole flock of chickens for
there can be little improvement in this
manner.
With the present high feed prices it
is more than ever evident that only
good producers should be kept and
these heavy lavin~ tendencies should
be bred into your birds.
II is imnosSible to speak too strong
ly in favor of carrying out these sup-
gestions if YOU would he successful! in
your poultry keeping efforts.