OCR Text |
Show FARM ' I I POULTRY I 1. Q AIM FOR HEALTH AND VIGOR Appearance and Action Taken Togeth. er Are Fairly Reliable Guide for Selection. Only by continuous election for health and vigor la It possible to build up a Hock that will produce fertile eggs, strong chicks capable of making quick growth, nnd pullet with sunk-lent stamlnn to withstand tho strain of heavy egg production. Tho nppeanuico of n bird Is not ul-ways ul-ways u sure Indication of Its vigor, but appearance mrl action tnken together to-gether nre a fnlrl. rellublo guldo for picking out vigorous birds, sny poultry specialists of the United States Department of Agriculture. The comb, face, nnd wuttles should have a good, bright color; tho eyes should bo bright and fairly prominent, and the head should be comparatively broad and short, hnvlng n fairly short, well-curved benk nnd showing no tendency to bo long 'snnky," or "crow-headed." The bird should be alert and huve n strong, vigorous carriage; tho legs pp7?IBHBBBBP(BWWWHr Single Comb White Leghorn Cockerel One of Foundation Birds Used at Government Poultry Farm, Delta-vllle, Delta-vllle, Md. should be set well opart nnd strongly support tho body, giving no Indication Indica-tion of weakness or n knock-kneed condition. Tho bone, ns seen In tho shank, should be strong and not too flno for the breed, while the toes should bo strong, straight, nnd net too long. Tho plumngo should bo clean and smooth, as a lack of condition con-dition often accompanies sollod, roughened plumage. Tho condition of flesh should be good, ns n very thin bird Is usually In poor health. Sick fowls, or fowls that have apparently recovered from sickness, should never bo used for breeding If It can bo avoided. |