THE IDEAL BREEDER

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 128, 1 June 1935, Page 28

THE IDEAL BREEDER

When selecting hens for the breeding pens it is far safer to select birds slightly over-i.ized than undersized. This allows of the use of those very active smaller male birds that carry the blood of the high egg producers. Birds showing coarseness must not be included in the breeding pens, but they must be well-fleshed birds showing plenty of character. Absolute soundness in body conformation is essential, and any tendency to weakness in legs must be severely eulle'd. So much can be judged from the action of a bird whilst walking that it is safer to , select first on sight and then on handling. Free range conditions are not essential but they will greatly promote any breeding programme and more attention could be given to selecting "long life layers." One keen breeder in Levin has been working along these lines and uses only hens with good two-year records, whilst another Australian breeder is aiming to use in his best matings only those hens that have produced over 1000 eggs. Very few hens indeed live to produce 1000 eggs, and this is an extremely high ideal, but breeders . must ever seek to improve their stock. Whatever else is in mind, a high flock average should be the chief objective, and in this respect the White Leghorn will give far better results than any other breed: