How to detect a strong game fowl
Health is wealth. Yes even with game fowl brood cocks and hens. Only the most vigorous individuals should be used as breeders.
Weaklings upon hatching should be separated, or should be marked in such a way that they would be identified should they happen to seemingly recover as they grow. They may seem to overcome their weaknesses, but still the risk is there that they can transmit weakness to progeny.
According to Prof. J. E. Rice the more important characteristics which distinguish weak from strong fowls are as follows:
“The actions of a fowl probably best indicate the physical condition. The physically weak is inactive and dopey and more likely to squat than to stand. It does not scratch or forage ac-tively. It is the last to get off the perch in the morning and the first to go to roost at night, and frequently is found on the perch during the day.
“The loudness and the frequency of the crow of the male or the song or cackle of the female is a remarkable indication of strength. The weak fowl seldom crows or sings and is less likely to do so in the presence of a strong individual of the same sex. Gallantry on the part of the male is shown in generosity and consideration toward the females as indicated by his calling them and giving them the tenderest morsels to eat. This is one of the surest indications of physical vigor on the part of the male. The shape of the body is closely related to the health and physical vigor of the individual. The deep, thick, compact body with large fluff shows greater vigor than the slender, long-jointed, more delicate body of the same variety. This is particu-larly noticeable in comparing strong and weak males.
“There is an interesting correlation between the various parts of the fowl. This is one of the safest guides in selecting fowls on the basis of vigor. For example, a fowl of low vitality is likely to have a long, thin beak and head; long, thin neck; long, slender body; long, thin thighs and shanks; and long, thin toes. The reverse is true of the physically strong. To examine a fowl in detail for physical vigor we may begin at the head. This in the physically strong should be medium to large, short and broad, while in the physically weak it is more likely to be long, flat and thin, with long, flat beak, producing a crow-headed appearance.”( For complete article read Roosterman No. 23 click here.)
