POULTRY NOTES

Shannon News, 20 January 1925, Page 4

POULTRY NOTES

HOW TO PICK THE LAYER*

The first feature to be studied is general appearance. The general appearance and shape of the bird indicate verv considei'ably its valuabl points; details may be gone into to arrive at a definite conclusion. Pick out a neat, shapely bird, and then go into such details as depth from tail to hock, and the greater this is the better the bird. If in addition—and the two generally go together—it stands wide, it is another favourable sign- ’ . . At the same time look tor a good width from shoulder to shoulder, and a fair length of back. A rather small, neat head, with a comb of medium size and an alert eye, the pupil of which is large, are good head indications. The long breast bone is not desirable, for it is not the sign of a layer. A short breast bone, with plenty of capacity, or space, between (the end of it' and the pelvic bones, is mU%h more to be esteemed. There should not be fatty deposits. on the ends of the pelvic bones, for such deposits indicate overfatness. Well-worn ttoe nails tell the scratcher and the worker, who is also the egg layer, while the full crop is another of the signs that one should look for.