The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-12

A good looking flock, one in which the birds are all the same breed and are uni form in size and color, is a standard advertisement. The owner, if he Is in the market to sell breeding stock, will find that such a flock materially aids in making sales. If the poultry raiser Is interested only in the production of eggs and meat he will, as a general rule, nave greater success with such flock Good results with stock that does not look good is not impossible but it is d matter of common observation that poul- try keepers who are indifferent about the looks of their stock rarely make mo- table successes Their success is irregu- lar and spasmodic. In practically every case the man who starts in the poultry business with a mongrel looking flock and who does well with 1t begins sys- tematically to improve it's appearance. Poultry having distinctive appearance seems to be essential to any marked i'm crease in poultry products.
 PLEASING UNIFORMITY sufficient attention to secure a pleas lng uniformity in flock Is in the high est degree practical Experience has shown over and over that where this is lacking interest is apt to lag if produc- tion is not maintained. Beauty and utility | of individuals should be combined. These two points should be kept constantly in mind in the selection and breeding. of every flock
 In the work of developing a uniform utility flock the first step is to discard absolutely all specimens that do not ap- proach the standard weight of their breed. The standard weight for adult male and female birds in any breed are the most desirable for breeding speci- mems. The weight requirement should also apply to young birds, for imma- ture fowls are not fit for breeding and young birds at maturity that are mucf under weight are undesirable. While it is impracticable to adhere to exact stand ard weights it is advisable to avoid va riations of more than five or six per cent either above or below the standard.
 SELECTING A TYPE
 A second consideration in the develop ment of the flock is the selection of type. There is a difference of opinion among breeders as to the essential ot itype. Unlike standard weights there is no exacting rule to guide the poultry raiser in selecting type Experience and a trained eye will make a good judge safe rule to follow. particularly for beginners, is to reject all specimens that are unspeakably off type and to use only
 
 l the best birds in the breeding flock. Closely related to the selection of type I Is the question of vigor and vitality | of the birds. The standard type of a breed presents, with a certain size and 1 form, a carriage and symmetry which are the result and expression of vigor vitality and perfectly balanced struc- ture and are, therefore, as much a part of 1 type as length. breadth and depth ot body or any other characteristic which | is taken into consideration by an eX- | perienced judge. Vigor and vitality are I first considerations in the utility flock Strong, healthy birds are the best lay ers make the best gains and should be the only kind allowed in the breeding flock.
 l The ability of the birds to bear un- pleasant weather conditions and sud den changes of temperature, especially changes from warm or comfortable tc raw, chilly weather, is one of the best | tests of vitality and vigor. Suscepti- biilty to such changes shows a lack of robustness of constitution and poor circulation of blood, and birds that arc