Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1914-01-02
Poultry Raising as a Business.

Inc importance OF the poultry In
dustry as business is now generally
recognized throughout the country.
This is particularly true to those who
have given the industry serious
thought and study. When one COM
pares the poultry industry with other
agricultural pursuits, he is confronted
with more or less inaccurate data.
Many people at first thought place the
industry far below its true value, due
to the fact that both the farmers and
townspeople depend upon the hen for
daily help in providing the family
with food for each meal. Because
large proportion of poultry products
go directly to supply the daily needs
of the producers families, it is i'm
possible to ascertain the exact guam
tity thus consumed. Very few of these
producers keep any account of either
the fowls or eggs used in this way.
AS result the increase in the devel-
opment of the poultry industry of this
country is undoubtedly much above
that shown by census reports.
Unlike many industries the poultry
industry may be begun in small way
and conducted successfully with the
expenditure of small sum of money
If person Is gifted with those quail
tiles which make a good poultryman,
is intensely interested in poultry keep
ing and determined to become sue
cessful, the highest success may be
won. Poultry raising is vocation
which gives opportunity for the deep
est study, the best talents, and the
most skilful practice.
A small flock and little land will
enable one to commence in the indus
try. Income from the money invested
begins to come in quickly because
eggs and chickens are soon produced
and are readily sold at any time for
cash. These products are in constant
and increasing demand. I might say
to those who are about to make their
first start In the poultry business on
an extensive scale, that the surest
way to success is to start on a small
scale and in the meantime learn the
business thoroughly before investing
any great sum of money. Mistakes
will certainly be made and the most
difficult problems will arise which
must be solved and the business
should be well in hand before sue
cess can be gained in any extended
way. Many failures are due to lack
of knowledge, experience and common
sense. When the owner can look af-
ter his own flock in detail, he is many
times successful, whereas when he
enlarges his plant he must depend
upon hired help, consequently his
business may prove failure when
conducting 1t on large scale.
II circumstances will permit, the
fall of the year is good time to begin
the business, for at this time the fowls
may be purchased somewhat cheaper
than in early spring and the expert
ence gained by caring for them
through the winter months is Of great
value to the beginner.
AS to the amount of land required, ]
would suggest that four or five acres
be allowed for 800 hens, kept in mod
erately small flocks. Laying hens will
do well confined in yards, provided
they are kept clean by cultivation and
a section grown to green stuff This
acreage will also be ample space fol
the rearing of the young required tc
keep up the original flock. If the grain
be purchased very small area may
be sufficient on which to raise the
green or succulent food for the win
ter months. 1t Is more important tc
have large run for the young fowls
during the growing season as they
require more exercise when develop
ing than mature bird, which is be
ing fed principally for the production
Of eggs.
There is probably no branch OF
agriculture that brings such quick re
turns as poultry keeping. Whether
the raiser requires eggs or meat, the
product is ready for the market in q
comparatively short time. There
should be no difficulty in producine
for the market in from five to eight
months, In fact, that so little time Is
required for the development of pay
Ing business, makes poultry raising
attractive to those having little capi
tai and who must enter some business
that will bring quick returns. The
breeding, raising, and managing OF
the birds Is an occupation enjoyed by
both men and women, who find It not
only profitable, but pleasure. There
Is no branch of animal industry that
offers so many inducements to wo.
men as some Of the various phases OF
poultry keeping. Certain lines of
poultry work may be conducted more
profitably than other lines so that
those who make study Of the sub.
ject and their adaptabilities, are able
to select the line Of work which will
be the most satisfactory. For in.
stance, the poultryman may devote
his entire attention to the production
OF fancy fowls for breeding purposes
or confine himself to egg production,
or the rearing Of broilers, roasters or
capons.
More attention than formerly is now
being given to the production of spe-
cial articles, which find ready mark.
ct at good prices. AS better products
are placed on the market, the demand
for good article Is becoming strong
and constant. The best on the market