The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-26

~ 1'S4NEaATa3 iC4S aBo ldi HIS dO'ohcu
\ ~ exclusively to the production of
poultry were rare indeed In cer-
tain sections near the large cities, es-
pecally in the middle states and New
England, there were few farms of this
character, but they were rare enough to
excite curiosity and comment.
And these farms were not only few in
number, but, compared with present-day
establishments, they were of small ca
pacity. Poultry keeping was regarded
as one-man proposition, and the num-
ber of fowls kept was determined by the
ability of the man in charge. Five hum
dred hens was a big flock in those days,
and double that number on one farm
could scarcely be found.
Quitely, but very rapidly, all this has
been changed. There are literally thous-
ands oe farms today which regularly
carry upward of 1900 layers and rear sew
eral times that many chickens. At such
establishments one or more men are reg
ularly employed, and the limit to which
the business may be developed depends
in large measure upon the ability of the
manager to find competent assistants
and keep them continually and effect
lively at work
Several distinct factors have brought
about this change; and as these infiu-
ences are still at work. we may reason
ably expect to witness a further expan-
sion of the business. the enlargement
Z of existing plants and the establishment
of new ones.
Transportation Big Aid
It,ap Of tj0p
and the lowering of rates increase the
area in which these large farms may be
prolitably operated. No longer is 1t nee
essary to locate within few miles of
some good market The poultry grower
who Is near some good shipping point
can send his products to any one OF
several markets, according to the de-
mand of the outlet he regards as the
most profitable to himself. Such con-
siderations as climate, cost of land and
materials and the available local supply
7, of the grains used in poultry feeding
Il may now be the determined factors
when a location is selected.
Practical potiltrymen have been work
ing with brain as we'll as hand to sim
y plify methods, to work out systems
: whereby labor Is reduced aud satisfac-
'tory results made surer. For instance,
they have designed houses which re-
duce sickness and mortality, resulting in
greater average egg production. They
have increased the size of the flock unit,
keeping birds in groups of 100 to 800,
thus reducing in large measure the
amount of work required to care Tor
them. They have worked out improved
rations and smpliiied feeding methods,
to the end that production is increased,
labor lessened and the margin of profit
widened.
Credit must be given the metropolitan
daily poultry and agricultural press for
nd JigSanipa ting the facts
worked out by practical experience.
Through the columns one may learn OF
recent developments in the industry and
quickly adopt tested methods which
promise TO give better results than thoise
used in the past.
Inventors have done their share. The
trap nest, automatic feeders, water
founts, incubators. brooders and host
of other appliances have made the work
of the poultryman easier and insured
better results.
Y. S. Poultry Educator
The national department of agriculture
aud experiment stations have also ac-
eompished much. Through the use of
Soyerninent funds they have been abe
to employ experts and scientists versed
in special lines who have dug beneath
the surface of things and ascertained
y facts which the idivldual poultrynan
could not possibly work out for himself
This important ma terial has been made
available TO the public through free bull
letins and also spread broadcast through
lectures and demonstrations at farmers
Institutes and other public meetings.
AS a result of the combined efforts
of these various forces poultry keeping
as a business has been elevated and
made attractive to many men and women
who would have ignored 1t utterly under
the conditions that formerly maintained
/. Poultry farming. both the production of
y fancy stock and table supplies, is now
mans business 1t is an occupation
which will pay good dividends on the
Investment of ability and capital. 1t Is
no longer restricted in extent by the OPP
Grafton of natural factors, but may be
developed into ''big business II the In
dividual possesses the necessary business
ability and technical knowledge. The
sales Of poultry and eggs produced on
many of our large farms now run up
ward of $4,000 and some few approxi-
mate 100000 per year.
Now it must not be understood that
the industry is passing into the hands
Of the ''blg men," as this is not true.
The home flock, the farm fock the one
man poultry plant will remain with us
4 as in the past. The very nature Of the
z business prevents the formation of gil
rantic combinations such as now dom
mate certain other lines of business
There is plenty of room for the individ-
ua1 and the latter cannot In any way
be snuee7ed out. But the point we wish
to make clear is that the recent develop
ments mentioned have merely served to
broaden the field to create greater op-
portunities.
IT has been stated above that con-
tinuous success in this industry is not
the result of chance, that the poultry
man must have a general knowledge of
the theoretical side of the business and
considerable practical experience as well.
The beginner is frequently at loss to
know how these may be obtained. and
It is the purpose >of this contribution
to point out the best methods.
Some one has said that ''the best way
to learn how to keep poultry is to keep
poultry" In other wofds. that one
should plunge In and get his instruction
in the expensive school of experience
This plan is alright for the owner of
small flock who invests but little cap
ital and labor in the, undertaking and
who thus has little to lose. But the In
experienced individual who wishes to
qualify as a competent poultryman and
devote him2lf exclusively to this bus
nass either as. the PROPRIETOR of poul-
try farm or an employee thereon will
dc well to take advantage of the know
ledge Of others. and thus avoid expensive