Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-01-01

the tendency is then for the work to be
too diversified, requiring more than
the labor of the owner.
The following figures will show
what is being done on such farm, To-
Gated in New Jersey, within 35 miles
of New York City. The income for
the fiscal year closing November /,
1915, was approximately as follows
Market eggs, $500 doz. at 35c. $3,325.00
Hatching eggs 800 doz at soc. $4,000
Broilers sold at 1 ID. W.T. for
Ole. fowl and Gull pullets 500, "
Hens, sold for breeding, 100 at oOO'OO
Total ......... .$4.4O1.O 90
The cost of operation for the same
period of time was found to be appor-
toned approximately as follows: The
item of interest and depreciation was
not found on the books kept on the
farm, but was added as q necessary
and legitimate bill against the birds.
The expenses We're:
Feed for young and old stock s1,S6o.00
Seed for ranges and yards. go. 1900
Team hire for plowing and
Repairs and supplies for Ford 10'VV
delivery truck .......... 16S.00
Supplies cartons. cases, etc. E. 211.O0
Interest on Investment at p ct. 900. 90
Repairs and insurance ........ 1900
Deducting the expenditures from
the gross returns we find that this
one-man flock of 900 birds paid the
family working the farm a net profit
of S1,722 for the year, or s33.11
week, which is equivalent to a salary
of SO a day. This represents a profit
per bird of SLIP. 1t is truly an In
teresting experience, and shows what
moderate sized flock of birds in the
hands of one who understands what
he Is about will accomplish, if prop
erly and intelligently handled.
The experience cited is but typical
of many other similar cases. How
ever do not fail to appreciate the fact
that not every one who begins as did
this man can succeed in the same de-
gree, for there are many qualifications
both as to the man and his ability. A
man to succeed in such an undertake
ing must first have some experience
in the care and management of birds,
secured from actual contact with
them. He must Furthermore have the
right mental attitude in regard to his
work. He must expect that the work
Will sometimes require especially late
hours and at all times need constant
application. He must not think for
minute that a one-man poultry flock
is lazy mans job; it is not; but for
the man looking for interesting, con-
tinuous, healthy outdoor work, there
is none better. Furthermore, the work
about the birds must be congeniaI to
him, he must have a natural love for
them, and q desire to understand them
through close personal contact ana
observation. 1t IS only by doing this
that they can be correctly fed and
managed in such a way as to make
profitable production.
Capital is also necessary to insure
the success of such a venture as de-
scribed. The family mentioned began
poultry work with $4,000 in cash of
which $1,000 was left in the bank for
working capital. The start was made
with but 500 birds, which was in
creased to 500 the second year, 500
the third year, and 900 the fourth
year. at which point it has since been
maintained. 1t is a mistake to start
with limited experience and small
capital, the beginning will be an uphill
tight at best. 1t is much better to get
some experience at the other fellows
expense and at the same time be saw
ing sufficient capital to finance ones
own farm at some future date
The success of an effort of this kind
Will be determined in large part by
the quality of stock which is secured
for the foundation. Vigor and a nat
ural, inherited tendency to lay eggs
are essential. Be sure to get good
stock from a reliable breeder or poul-
tryman who is succeeding at the same
game which you intend to follow. For
the commercial egg trade in the East
1t is doubtful if any breed offers
greater possibilities than the Leghorn.
They can usually be relied upon for a
good yield of large white eggs, which
means full pocketbook for their
owner.