Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-03-10
SELECT BIRDS OF STRONG
CONSTITUTIONAL V|G0R
Production and Stamina Of Flock
Improved by Careful
breeding.
'ALUE OF PROPER MATING
'oints Of Excellence Arc Readily
Recognized and Should BE Noted
in Selecting Head for Your Breed
ing Pen-Esscntial Requirements.
DY CHARLES l.. OPPERMAN,
primer State PoultryInnn of Maryland.

bf CHARLES Il. OPPERMAN,
ormer State Poultrymnn OF Maryland.
Much Of the poultryman's success dc =
3nnds upon his ability TO select and
ate the birds used in the breeding
ans. 1t is a foregone conclusion that
rong, healthy pullets. with the ability
produce u profitable egg yield. must
'me from parents that are able to
ansmit these desirable qualities to
Reir offspring. 1t naturally follows
lat tho poultry keeper who takes
me TO carefully study the various
CHARACTERISTICS OF tho birds, before
atinE them. will stand much better
lance OF winning out than tho hap
,zard breeder who imagines that one
I'd is as good as another.
Just at this time the selection OF the
Fry best birds for the breeding pens
) more important than ever before.
0ere Is n tremendous shortage Of rod
Seat-beef, pork and mutton-and the
ederal and State authorities arc call
g on the poultry keepers OF the coun-
y TO increase the production OF eggs
|d table poultry 10 make up for this
fcit This increase Is bcin. de-
lnded in spite Of the highest feed
st the poultry business has over cH-
rienccd. Therefore. II IL obvious
at the mediocre layer. or 'boarder'
n, has no place IN the present pro-
lam. She must be eliminated by the
OF strong, vigorous males and fc-
HES that are known to be good pro-
GERS.
Essential Requirements.
Since tho male represents 80 per cent
the blood OF the offspring. nc must
chosen with the utmost care. Tho
ycral points which must be consid-
I'D in his selection. in tho order Of
cir Importance. arc type. constitu-
nal vigor and the ability to transmit
zh fecundIty to his daughters.
BY type, We mean that the male
puld be OF the proper conformation
d shape required for his particular
hed. rs specified by the standard OF
Election. For example. In Plymouth
cks tho head OF the male should be
derately large. broad and medium in
18th: comb single and rather small
proportion to the size OF the bird;
ck rather long. slightly arched, hav-
abundant hacklc, flowing we'll over
shoulders; back rather long, broad
its entire length, n.t at shoulders.
lrly horizontal from neck to saddle.
ere there Is slight concave sweep
Tail: breast broad. moderately deep.
II rounded, and so on.
'lumage Is also conSlGoEe1 Onocr
,c. and should be Of the proper color
markings described for the various
tons. Again, the shape. color and
OF the eggs laid by the mother OF
prospective breeding male should
taken into account. The object here
- usn male whose mother pro-
led n large. well-shaped egg OF the
rect color
great number OF poultry Keepers.
account OF lack OF knowledge. do
give much Importance to the char
eristics desired under tyne. yet IL
only through this channel that We
hope to improve the breed AMI
kc substantial progress.
Need for NIEOr.
While type is given as the first con-
Grafton. we must not lose sight OF
fact that male may conform to
these standard requirements, and
| be UNFIT to put in the breeding
because OF constitutional weak
from disease OF other causcs. An
l-clad rule, which all good breeders
ctice Is never to breed from a male
female that has suffered from :,
Gus disease. Even after recovery.
h birds do not make ideal breeders,
In event OF certain hereditary dis
es. there is always the danger OF
nsmlttlng defects to the offspring.
very poultry keeper can select for
stitutional vigor. since the physi-
condition OF a bird Is easily de-
mined by It's actions and character
cs. The weak individual Is mac
and sluggish. 1t IL more likely to
Nat than stand II