River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1925-07-09
PROFIT IN POULTRY

poultry on the average farm. The
care of farm poultry used to be left
to the housewife, who received little,
If any, encouragement from the
farmer himself. AS a result of this
the wife usually found it necessary
to get along with inefficient equip
ment and feed, and the returns were
in proportion.
The state agricultural colleges and
the farm papers have established
departments for gaining and spread
ing poultry information. They have
made steady progress in these under
takings and deserve much credit for
the work they have done. They
have succeeded in working out and
establishing methods by which the
farm poultry flock can be made prof
liable.
To appreciate the important place
which poultry now commands, one
has only to note the large amount of
space devoted to poultry advertising
in the farm press. This space at
some seasons Of the year exceeds
that devoted to all other live stock
combined. Many of the manufacture
ers Of farm barn equipment, in order
to take care of the demand, have de-
veloped a special department for
poultry equipment. The poultry
equipment business has grown until
it is of real Importance. These de-
velopments are the result Of the in
creasing general interest in poultry
as profitable source of income.
Winter egg production of good
flock properly cared for nets nice
profit. If eggs production is TO be
emphasized, a breed that has been
developed for that purpose should be
kept. If more emphasis is to be put
on raising chickens for the early fall
market, select a breed somewhat
larger than the strictly laying
strains. Whether egg production or
raising poultry for the market is en-
phasised, there is profit to be had,
as evidenced by the incomes from
many farm flocks.
The average farm flock can be inn
proved by using the same general
methods that apply to dairy herd i'm
provement. Males which have been
specially bred for the purpose desir-
ed should be used Through proper
selection of males, their offspring
will raise the standard of the flock. !
While this is being done the flock |
may be culled from time to time in
order to get rid of the nonprofitable
members. County agriculture agents |
and poultry specialists from the col
leges give valuable instruction in
this work. When such program is
put into operation, the interest and |
the financial returns are bound to in
crease.
The proper sort of hen house is an
important factor in determining the |
the degree of success which is at
tanned with poultry. Temperature,
Ventilation, sunlight, sanitation and |
exercise must be considered. A hen |
that Is expected to lay eggs must be |
in good physical condition and
happy. If she is kept under condi- |
lions which allow her comb to |
freeze in winter, good results from
egg production cannot be expected. |
Proper ventilation prevents the air |
and birds in a moderately warm hen
house from becoming too moist.
Sunlight and sanitation are import |
ant considerations for any class of |
live stock, and plenty of room for |
exercise is necessary for best re-
suits.
1t has been demonstrated that the |
feeding of farm grains alone do not |
give the best results. The growing |
chicks as well as the laying hens |
need green feed in their rations. Do |
not forget to set aside some nicely |
cured clover or alfalfa hay this |
summer to be offered to the flock
during the winter months. Roots, |
such as mangels and beets, when fed |
as supplement to the ration slim
ulate egg production. Meat scraps
and skim milk are other necessary
supplements, while some form of /
grit and plenty of fresh water should
be provided at all times.
The early Matched pullets should
DC grown well, but not forced, if win
ttr egg production is desired. 1t is
desirable to raise the pullets so that
they will start laying in October or
November. If they begin laying be- !
fore this time, they will moult and
waste much time during the months
when eggs are high in price. 1t is
desirable to feed the males SO that
they will take on the most growth |