JUDGING PAST EGG PRODUCTION HENS
Health and Vigor
Health and vigor are indicated by the shape and brightness of the eye,
proportional shape of the head and the condition of the comb and wattles.
The head should be broad and somewhat flat on top rather than round, wide
between the eyes, and moderately long. The face should be clean cut, smooth,
and wrinkle-free. The skin should be fine grained and soft in texture, the comb
substantial in size and rich in color. The eyes should be large and bright with
the irises a rich reddish bay color, and the pupils distinctly round.
Examples:
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Healthy, vigorous hens will have
round, bright, alert eyes and well-proportioned heads. |
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Poor layers may have dull,
shrunken combs & wattles, dull, sleepy eggs and shallow heads. |
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Remember that the bird with
the most pigment loss has laid the most eggs, regardless of her state of
health.
Health and vigor are usually
used for oral reasons only.