Selecting for egg production - traditionally...

[foxy]

Thought some of members might find this article interesting, looking at the traditional ways of evaluating egg production and health amongst layiing flocks. Most of the information contained is taken from books around the 1930s and 1940s, some very interesting stuff there indeed!

http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/ALBCchicken_assessment-2.pdf

 

[Marigold]

That is indeed very useful and interesting, Foxy. I've made it a sticky as it has so many pointers for all of us, even those with only a few pet birds, as well as people with breeding in mind.
See also the thread Pin Bones, below; http://poultrykeeperforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8546

 

[dinosaw]

A good read Foxy, thanks for posting 17

 

[Margaid]

Fascinating stuff Foxy. If I was staying put I think I'd be seriously looking at selecting the best hens. I did have ideas of building up a sizeable flock but won't have room for more than 6 or 8 and almost certainly can't keep a cockerel, so no breeding programme.

 

[chrismahon]

They used to 'trap nest' the birds and employ young boys to release them and record the bird that laid. They then bred only from the greatest egg layers. That's the method described in my old chicken books.

 

[BabyBantam]

Very interesting.. Not sure Tricksy would agree with the manhandling in the photos, she'd give me a right 'look' and be off down the other end of the garden