Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1912-03-29
SUCCESSFUL POULTRY
MANAGEMENT
by Miss Q. l.. Blanchard, Instructor
in Poultry Industry, Washing
ton State College

quall1led. There are few, only. who
make a success of it. There are many
failures and financial wrecks all over
the country. A great many of these
failures are due to starting on too
large scale, lack of knowledge and
poor judgment. Common sense" is
one of the qualifications that is abso-
lutely necessary.
In the first place, a person must
Ike chickens and take an interest in
all details of the business. He must
be good manager, systematic in his
planning and resourceful in time of
need. Patience and perseverance are
necessary in enabling him to solve
the discouraging problems. He can
not afford to be careless, neglectful
or ignorant of his subject. A per-
son must become intensely interest
ed and make the work a life study,
If he wishes to win success.
Successful poultrymen of today
are making from $3.50 upwards net
profit per hen. Statistics show that
greater profits can be made from
500 to 1000 hens than the wheat
farmer can make in raising wheat on
100 acres. Poultry, if rightly man
aged, brings quick returns and is
considered fairly good paying bust
ness.
One beginning in the poultry bust
ness should begin on a small scale;
let the growth be modest or gradual.
A small sum of money and little land
will enable one to make a start. Let
the profits from the poultry increase
the business from year to year.
The foundation factor to first con-
slider is a proper location. Several
items should be considered in this
connection, such as nearness to mar
ket, water supply, drainage and
nature of the soil Do not locate a
poultry plant in a depression, where
soil drainage and air drainage are
both stagnant. A slightly elevated
piece of land, sloping toward the
south, is the proper location A
sandy loan soil would be ideal for
poultry.
The poultryman must prepare a
sanitary coop for his fowls. This
house may be so built that it might
be extended at any time and should
face the south. The open-front
house is preferable, as fresh air and
sunshine lay at the foundation OF
success. | do not advise having the
building more than 16 feet deep, and
the north, east and west walls should
be tight, to prevent drafts. Such a
room, 12X15 feet, with two openings
five feet square, covered with poul-
try netting and muslin curtain to
lower at night or in stormy weather.
will accommodate 25 or 80 fowls.
In choosing stock, choose for
health and vigor and good constitu-
ton Hens that have made a good
laying record, if possible Then line
breed and improve the flock each
year. The breeding problem is a
great one and if not properly carried
on will defeat the poultryman in
his purpose to build up his flock.
Incubation is another important
problem. If person can not afford
to get a good incubator, he would
better use the setting hen until he is
able to increase his business further.
The proper kind of a room for an in
cubator is necessary. A room that
will hold an even temperature, afford
there will be no drafts or sunshine
striking directly upon the machines
is the kind of a room for an incu-
bator. The half cellar, we find to be
the very best plan. Then incuba-
tion itself must be successfully
carried on or we won't get strong
chicks at Matching time.
The proper feeding OF the chick
after it is Matched is very necessary
in order to secure the health and
proper frame that is required before
maturity. The different foodstuffs
that go toward making up the organs
and parts of the body must be fed in
telligently. Fowls fed properly, and
having the proper care, should lay
all through the fall and winter. The
poultryman must make a study of
balancing the rations for his laying
hens. if he wishes to get the very
best results.
The building must be kept com
Portable and no vermine allowed.
Prevent diseases and vermine by
keeping all the surroundings SAM
tary.
Therefore, in order to make the
poultry business successful, we must
consider these fundamental factors