The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1893-08-30
A Large Range Not Necessary.

in order to properly raise fowls? Is it
necessary to have large range, or can
we raise poultry proftably on a limited
space of soil? These are questions on
which many entert hin different opinion,
1t depends entirely on the amount of cap
ital we have to put int o the business; how
many breeds we wish to keep, and how
many birds we want to raise. Il also de-
ponds entirely on the care and attention
we give our flock; the amount Of range
y need. Fowls confined on small
range need much more care and atten-
ton than those On large ranges but the
idea of having five or six acres for q
couple Of hundred chicks is extravaganza
nonsense and does not produce as good
results as a small range. Fowls properly
cared for will do we'll in surprising small
quarters; the best fowls being bred and
raised in cities in the rear of town lots
with but a run OF twenty by forty feet
space, yet their birds compare favorably
in every respect with fowls raised in the
country. In the northern States (our
experience being in that section) it is no
unusual thing for farmers to lose three
fourths of their numerous hatch with
cholera, while it is seldom heard Of in the
cities. Many fanciers have their favor
ties, and here in the cities in a run so
small that you would think it cruelty to
do so, many birds that bear off all the
honors are produced; and whilespeaking
OF small quarters, we recall one which
came under our notice in the city OF
Springfield, Ohio, in 1886. We heard
friend talk of his fine Leghorns, and when
calling upon him was surprised to learn
that his yard was in the cellar, under his
house thither he led us; and there in "a
hole in the ground about twenty by
twenty, or possibly not SO large, with no
light but that through all eight by twenty
inch CRATE; so dark that it was several
moments before we could discern the out
line of the birds, were cock and twenty
hens, Brown Leghorns, that would have
been an honor to any breeder. The birds
were lively and in good spirits, and every
few moments the merry crow OF the cock
rang out loud and clear. Here they were
Matched and raised, and here they began
their seasons laying for breeding. The
floor Of the cellar was covered with white
sand, every part Of the floor being kept
neat and clean, and every evening it was
the practice OF their owner to see to their
wants. With this care and good feed
these birds fourished in this hole in the
ground, with no range at all, and many
persons received eggs from them not
or wing they were laid seven feet under
ground. This may seem rather broad,
but we can give the name OF the party
and produce facts to prove it. So we see
it is not necessary to own a large tract
of land, or to have g. large amount of
capital to be q successful fancier. Many
of the most successful fanciers began on
the most economical plan. For produc-
ing fine breeding stock small range is
much better in many respects than a
large one. Ii we wish to raise more than
one variety OF fowls a large range is use
less, unless we wish to go the expense of
fencing off different parts for runs in Or
der to keep them separated, and this
would eat up all the profit. A fowl when