The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-03-27
SCORE OF HENS
MAY Be SOURCE
OF CASH PROFIT
Enough Eggs and Meat May
Be Obtained to Aid Ma
terially in Economy

terially in Economy
Washington. March 27-From
twelve to twenty-five hens are eufff-
cient to provide the ordinary family
with enough eggs and meat to render
the keeping of the birds worth while,
according to poultry specialists in the
u. 8. Department Of Agriculture. The
amount Of outdoor space the flock
will require may be estimated at
about twenty-five square feet for eao0
bird. There are instances in which
chickens have thrived with much less
than this, but unless the soil Is espe-
cially favorable and the birds re-
ceive unusually good care, crowding
is likely to prove improbable.
Poultry specialists do not recon-
mend, however, that every one with
the requisite space at his disposal
should go in for chicken raising. I'm
less there is a natural interest in
poultry or a differentiation to make
the flock a source, Of real economy
even If it does take time and trou-
bile, the venture is not likely to prove
successful. Lack of care may result
in disease that will sweep off the en-
tire flock and It is almost certain to
cause a reduction in\ egg production
that will make the birds a burden in
stead OF a help. In some localities
JMhere municipal ordinances may pro-
hibit the keeping Of poultry within
certain limits, care should be taken
that the poultry yard is not in a pro-
scribed area.
Space for a Flock
While 1T is possible to get along
with twenty-five square feet per bird,
a larger space affording more green
and insect food is very desirable, For
one thing, the ordinary poultry keep
er wishes to perpetuate his flock, and
the raising of young chickens re-
uuires as much land as the keeping Of
mature hens. After she is two years
old, the best laying days Of the aver
age hen are over and it usually pays
to get rid Of her. This means that
half the flock must be renewed each
year. Since as many cockerels as
bullets will be Matched and q certain
percentage are certain to die, 1T is
customary to hatch each year few
more chickens than there are hens
in the flock With q flock of twenty
Tive, for example about thirty chick
lens should be raised. The same space
must be allowed for these as for the
laying hens. The cockerels are con-
surned through the season, being used
either as broilers 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
Of these the chickens are allowed to
range while green crop-wheat or
e.. "a hAir
for them on the other. The pre11R-
mary turning under Of the soil. the
green crop, and freedom from chick
ems fora period serve to prevent the
Iiand from becoming contaminated.
! Additional range, with the Yadvan-
tages Of large supply OF Insect feed
for the birds, may sometimes be OBJ
Etained where q vegetable garden Is
maintained. At different times in the
growing season there are areas In the
garden which are either idle or oc-
cupied only by crops that the hens
will not touch. The birds, confined to
these with the aid of q portable fence,
benefit without injury to the vege-
tables.
Some Housing Required
An important item to be considered
by those thinking Of maintaining
home flock Is the cost Of the house.
For some part of the year at least, in
almost. every section Of the United
Statess 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 de-
termined by the convenience of the
operator, for the birds themselves
need only to or three feet. Such low
houses, however, are very difficult to
clean, and in consequence, are likely
to be neglected. It is better to build
them SO high that man may work
in them without discomfort.
A not uncommon devise is to us
a piano box for a chicken house. The
cost of these houses depends largely
upon circumstances, though no esti-
mate can be given, It may be posi-
BILE to find one the owner will be
glad to give away; and on the other
hand, one may have to pay $3.50 or
smor for a box that is no better. By
combining two piano boxes, very
satisfactory shelter for a small flock
can be made at little expense.
Where lumber must be purchased, it
has been estimated that the materials
for substantial chicken, house may
cost anywhere from 80 cents to $1.00
per bird, and it is not unlikely that
with the present prices Of commodi-
ties Of all kinds, these figures will be
somewhat low. Portable chicken
are also on the market at costs vary
ing greatly. The majority, however
will probably cost the owner from
$3.50 to $4,000 for each bird shelter
ed by them. In any event, it is
sprobable that unless there is plenty
Of spare lumber available and the
prospective poultryman happens to
tbe~G 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, however,
for a number of years, especially if
painted and well cared for. Substan-
tial profits from the investment
should be made thereafter.
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 consid-
cred. This. obviously, will vary great
1y with the size Of the area to be en-
closed and the kind Of fencing select
ed. Ordinary chicken wire is not ex-
pensive.