SELECTION OF GOOD LAYER
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Poultry

Selection of Good Layer from Poor Layer:
                         Good Layer                           Bad Layer
 Head small, lean and well proportionate Head large and thick
Beak strong, shining and well curved Beak long, thin and dull coloured
Comb and wattles warm; brightly red and full Comb cold, shrunken and dull coloured
Eyes bright, well opened and alert Eyes dull and sleepy
Neck short and strong  Neck long and thin
Body long, deep and proportionate Body short, weak and thin
Back broad and straight Back long and curved
Skin thin, smooth and oily Skin coarse and thick
Abdomen large and soft Abdomen small and hard
Ventral oval, soft and moist Ventral small, dry and narrow
Feathers moult late Feathers moult early
Shank thin and soft on back Shank hard on back
Good appetite Poor appetite
Friendly temperament Shy and nervous temperament.
RECORD MAINTENANCE
RECORD KEEPING OF FLOCK BEHAVIOR AND POULTRY PRODUCTION

 It is important to keep records on the flocks behavior and production on a daily or weekly basis. This will help the poultry keeper notice signs of injury or illness and reduce the risk of loss. It will also help to decide which chickens to breed and which to sell or consume. The flock should be observed for a little time each day. This can be done during the supplementary feedings in the morning and evening.

  • Signs of disease or malnutrition
  • Injury
  • Parasites
  • Hens with good brooding and mothering abilities (to hatch her eggs for future laying hens)
  • Good looking cockerel who grew fast to have on hand as a replacement
  • Low egg laying
  • Negative behavior (egg eating, excessive chick pecking, hen pecking)
  • Number of live hens, cocks, growers, chicks
  • Number of dead hens, cocks, grower, chicks
  • Number of eggs and clutches laid by each hen
  • Number of fertile eggs being incubated
  • Number of hatched eggs
  • Number of spoiled eggs
  • Number of sold hens, cocks, growers, chicks, eggs
  • Number of consumed hens, cocks, grower, chicks and eggs
  • Vaccination dates
  • De-worming dates
  • Medicine given
  • Illness