The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1908-01-01
ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS.
By H. L. Blanchard.

Are the pullets laying? If not, why
not? That season of the year is again
with us, when the price of strictly
fresh eggs is soaring skyward. 1t is
at this season of the year that two
dozen eggs at fifty cents per dozen
easily pays the hens board bill for
the entire year. A properly reared pull
let should lay, at least, thirty eggs
before January l, and not less than
$50 eggs by the time it is sixteen
months of age. Thus between Janu-
airy 1 and September 1, such pullet
should lay not less than $50 eggs
70 IL dozen-which, at the average
price of 80 cents per dozen, amounts
to even four dollars, which is net, the
board bill having been paid as before
stated. Is it any wonder, then, that
there are so many who are handy with
the pencil that succeed SO we'll in
building up a great business on paper,
and yet, after one or two years prac-
teal experience conclude that it is all
a mistake and that there is nothing
in chickens?
Now $50 eggs is not an extraordin-
airy record for pullet during its first
laying year, nor is the plan outlined
above under which the eggs should
be laid, at all unreasonable. In other
words, the pullet is practical, and
the plan is practical, it is a wholly
practical proposition. Such being the
case, failure in the poultry business
must be due to miSmanagement at
some point along the line. We would
therefore call attention to few grave
and most common mistakes of the in
experienced beginner.
Many appear to look upon the poul-
try business as being in the nature OF
chattel, and something that the secur-
ing of which only requires money
consideration, whereas, without an eX-
ception every successful poultry plant
has been gradually and carefully de-
veloped, and the chief instruments
that have made such development pos
sible, are little money, much pa
thence and common sense. But very
few beginners realize the wonderful
details connected with the business,
and as a consequence they "fall down"
when they undertake it. Also, the
poultry side of ones business is too
often neglected. and not sufficient time
is given to it's study. There are too
many theoretical poultry enthusiasts
and too few practicaf ones. And again,
there is the hit or miss, go as you
please fellow who never succeeds at
anything.
Failures with poultry should be the
exception and not the rule. There are
but few trades or professions the de-
tails of which can be more easily and
cheaply mastered. The beginner ought,
not to enter upon the business with the
idea of making a livelihood for him.
self or family except as an adjunct to
or in conjunction with some other
business. For all such it is advisable
to start with a few-two or three doz-
ens-at the same time becoming earn
est students of the business in every
detail. Let the business expand lit
tie at a time, year by year, until the
ultimate limit has been attained. Make
close study of the natural instinct OF
the laying hen, and let the things thus
learned be largely a guide in provid-
ing for her needs.
The chief corner stone to success
with poultry will be found to be
strong constitution and stamina, to Sc
cure which only requires common
sense management.