The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-03-11
PICKING EGGS FOR MATCHING
HOW TO PACK THEM SECURELY
Large, Small, Misshapen and
Rough Shell Eggs Sell
dom Produce Well.
(eY N. L. CHAPMAN. JUDGE,
BREEDER AND WRITER.)


and since eggs vary not only in size,
color and shape, so do they vary i'll
other more deep seated and fundamen-
tai characteristics, which may influ-
ence the yigor and other attributes Of
the offspring.
AS Il rule a hen lays eggs of about
the same shape, size and color contin-
ually, and in general these charactcris-
tics are in most part transmitted to
its offspring. 1t is therefore of great
est importance that a selection of eggs
for Matching be made along the lines
Of the desired product. Good market
eggs vary in regard TO price they
bring in different localities, and this
factor must also be considered when
making the selection.
In some markets a chalk white cgg
will bring a premium Of several cents
per dozen over the ordinary standard
size white egg, and a few cents addi-
tional for those which are above stand
ard weight and Of perfect shape. There
are other markets which will pay a
premium on rich brown eggs of even
size and shape and all markets pay
better prices for eggs which are grad
ed for uniformity of size and color. Be-
cause an egg is white or brown does
not necessarily class it among those
which bring top prices. A slight tint or
creamy white will often cut the price
below the average market price. Eggs
which are misshapen, mottled in shell,
or have ridges, usually bring the low
est price, even if they are up to stand
ard in freshness and cleanliness.
Heavy Esss Produce Strong Chicks.
Generally speaking, the heavier the
eggs, the heavier and more vigorous
Eggs in early spring or the first clutch
of eggs laid after a protracted rest, av-
cage heavier than at other time in
the year. and this extra size and weight
Is probably one of the principal rea-
sons why early Matched chicks are
stronger and more easily raised than
those which are Matched later. Strong
vigorous yearling hens are considered
the best for breeding purposes as pull
let's are very apt to lay small eggs
light in weight.
A pullet that has been laying hcav-
lily during her first year is reduced in
viGor. Reproduction is one of the most
exhaustive processes OF nature. Egg
production is essentially reproductive
process and it is evident that a pullet
which has finished a protracted laying
period Is not as vigorous as at the be-
ginning Of that period. Anything
which reduces the vigor of the parent
also reduces the vitality of the off
spring. Eggs should be selected from
parents which have had a period OF
rest and are not forced for cgg pro.
duction.
Misshapcn cGgs arc mostly due to
accident or a malformation of the ov
duct. The malformation OF the owl
duct is very often brought about by
excessive fat.
Notified eggs are those in which the
Shell substance is deposited unevcnly
and, in consequence, there are numerous
transparent spots visible, especially de-
''NNNN ~ N't'''hto' .No'h''h 'SSS DIX
seldom fertile and are usually unfit fol
Matching.
Eggs Must Be Carefully Selected.
mixture of large. small, rough
shell. thin Shell, round. long and lop,
sided eggs is a sure guarantee Of in
different results. Some of them ma,
hatch and produce chicks that may b'
reared to maturity, but in the ma jnrit,
of instances the results will be 4 dis
appointment.
tncVcnneSs in size and shape o
eggs. in one setting, very often result
in poor matches due to the Variance il
temperature.
Eggs intended for Matching ShOul,
he gathered at frequent intervals t
prevent them from becoming chile
that the egg contains u living germ [
most delicate structur, and. if best re
suits are to be expected it must b
protected from injury until inCubatc,
1t IS surprising the amount Of abuS
the living germ in an cgE can with
stand and hatch into Il healthy chicI
but this is no reason why proper pr"
cautions should not DC taken from il
protection.
Fresh eggs that have not been eoolc
to a temperature below 50 degree
hatch best. EGGS intended for hatch
ing purposes should not be held ov.
two weeks, although they will hatch
kept for a much longer period. II
fresher they are when incubation
started, the better, but if it is not po.
sible to set them for a few days. dl
precautions are necessary to insul
best n butts.
AS bon as the eggs are gathers
from the nests they should be plac,
in an upright position with the larl