The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-03-27

c0ckerels are consumed through the
season, being used either as Droiiers
when they are about three months old.
as friers. or as roasters.
1t is also most desirable as a pre-
caution against disease to divide the
available area into two plats. On one
or these the chickens are allowed to
range while q green crop-wheat or
oats. for examples being grown for
them on the other. The preliminary
turning under OF the SOIL the green
crop. and freedom from chickens for
period serve to prevent the land
from becoming contaminated
Additional range. with the advaIlt-
age or large supply OF insect feed
Tor the birds, may sometimes be OBJ
tanned where a vegetable garden is
maintained. At different times in the
growing season there are areas in the
garden which are either idle or
occupied only by crops that the hens
will not touch. The birds. confined to
these with the aid of a portable fence
benefit without injury to the vege-
tables.
Some Housing Required.
An important item to be considered
by those thinking of maintaining a
home flock is the cost OF the house.
For some part OF the year at least. in
almost every section of the United
States, chickens require the shelter of
a tight, dry building. In planning the
house. approximately or feet of
floor space should be allowed for each
bird. The height may be determined
by the convenience of the operator. for
the birds themselves need only two or
three feet. Such low houses, however.
are very difficult to Clean and, in
are likely to be neglect
ed. 1t is better to build them SO high
that man may work in them without
discomfort.
A not uncommon device is to use a
piano box for a chicken house. The
cost of these houses depends largely
upon circumstances. though no esti-
mate can be given. 1t may De possi-
to give away; and, on the other hand,
one may have to pay $3.50 or more
for box that is no better. BY combin-
ing two piano boxes. a very satisfac-
tory shelter for a small flock can be
made at little expense. Where lumber
must be purchased. it has been esti-
mated that the materials for a sub
stantial chicken house NAV cost any
where from so cents to 81 per bird,
and it is not unlikely that with the
present prices of commodities of all
kinds. these figures will be somewhat
low. Portable chicken houses are also
on the market at costs varying great
". The majority. however. will prob
ably cost the owner from $3.50 to 50
for each bird sheltered by them. In
any event. it is probable that unless
there is plenty of spare lumber avail |
able and the prospective poultryman
happens to be a good carpenter. the
cost Of the chicken house will not be
met by the value of the products over
the cost of feed for the flock for a
year or two. The house should last, !
for nf
pecially If painted and well cared for.
profits from the invest |
ment should be made thereaftei.
In many cases also. where the sur |
roundings are such that the chickens |
can not be allowed to range at will. |
the cost of fencing must be consider |
ed. This, obviously will vary great |
ly with the size of the area to be en- |
closed and the kind of fencing select
ed. Ordinary chicken wire is not
expensive.
Cost Of Keeping Chickens.
The actual economy secured by the
keeping of a small flock of chickens
depends primarily upon their egg |
and this. in turn, is large |
however, it is estimated |
that $50 eggs the first year and 40
the second is a fair return from the
hen. On the other hand, at
least from 20 to so cents a year must
be expended for grain and other feeds,
the exact amount depending upon the
quality of table scraps and green and /
insect food available. Where all the
feed must be purchased, from 81 to-
s1.25 is allowed. Even in the most
thrifty household. however, there is
always q large quantity of table /
scraps, vegetable parinEs. and other
left overs for the hens. so that a
portion Of their feed con.
sists Of what otherwise would be
carried off the place by the garbage
nan.
Although of less importancs than
he eggs, the supply Of poultry for the
.able furnished by the home flock is
an item that can not be overlooked.
AS has been pointed out in flock of
twenty-five which the owner is per-
there will be approximate.
" twelve or thirteen cockerels. almost
LII of which can be used best for food
Half of the hens must go each year
Also, SO that allowing for losses and
'or birds reserved for breeding, there
still will be enough appreciably to afs
'act the butchers bill