How to raise profitable poultry

Contents

Chapter

1. The Occupation.

2. The Man — General Requisites for Success.

Chapter I. The Occupation

All those who engage in the poultry business may be classed under three headings, according to the principal motive that actuates them in taking up the care of chickens. The first clarification would include all those who keep chickens because they desire recreation; or this may be termed their "'hobby." The second classification includes those who are tired of paying high prices for poultry, meat and eggs and desire to keep sufficient fowls to supply these products for their own table consumption. Then there are under the third heading, all the legion of persons who are tired of the ordinary business grind, and city life, and who desire to enter some occupation that will be congenial and, at the same time, remunerative. It is true that there are some persons who are inflamed by reports of exaggerated profits that have been made by

w, and who think that the poultry business is the long-lookedfor industry with "millions in it," to be made with little or no effort, but this class of persons will not be discussed here. The few who do start under this misapprehension are usually the ones that add only to the list of failures.

There are many professional men who are sufficiently well lixed with this world's goods not to feel the lure of (he profit that may be derived from keeping chickens and who are not obliged to depend on the returns to pay for the actual expenses incurred, who desire to take up some "hobby" for the recreation it will afford them. Physicians, lawyers, ministers, and all who have a great deal of mental work and strain, find in the poultry industry the necessary recreation, and change from mental to physical," and from indoor to outdoor labor. Persons who are unable to gel out of doors but an hour or two during the day have found that the care of a few chickens will give them sufficient exercise to alleviate the depressed feeling of being confined all da Invalids and others who may be incapacitated for work in some Hi are aide to care for poultry without overtaxing their strength. As a hobby, keeping chickens affords the double satisfaction of pleasing recreation and healthful occupation.

It makes little or no differeni e whether the present high prices for general food products are caused by an excess of demand over supply, or the methods of the cold-storage operators, the increasing population or any other cause, the result— high prices — is an actuality. There are a great many persons of moderate means who would like to have on their table poultry products, but who are unable to pay the prices asked. If such persons have some available space in their yard, they quickly come to the conclusion that it would be feasible, a-- well as economical, to raise chickens themselves and save the various profits that are made by the "middle men." Hence, some fowls are purchased, coops are built and the miniature poultry plant spring> into existence.

Under the present business methods, and the keen competition lhat is everywhere apparent in the mercantile world, the man who is not a specialist of an exceptionally high order, or an expert, becomes merely a cog in a big wheel. His individuality is almost entirely lost. He goes to his daily work and if, for any reason, he is unable to keep up with the increasing demands, he either drops out or is dropped, and another immediately takes his place. It is only with an ever-increasing struggle that one can keep up with tl ating daily "grind" of business life. Many a man

longs for the time when he can take things a little easier, but usually this opportunity seems far off. There are times innumerable when every business man (and particularly those who live in the a ill soliloquize in this way: "I'm so tired of the hurry and id nervous excitement of business life. Oh, if I could only get away somewhere, where I would not have to rush and drive every moment; where J would not lie hemmed in by four brick wall-: where 1 could breathe pure air and enjoy the beauties of nature, and live an ordinary, sensible and peaceable life!" It is at such times (and they come frequently to all) that one casts longing glances about him for an occupation that will afford a fair all he is getting at the time — and which will allow him to lewhat independent — to be a .Man. To such, the poultry business appeals very strongly. And well it may.

There is a living in poultry. There is more than a living, if one is willing to give the same time and energy and brains and brawn to tin's business that he would devote to any other line to make a success of it. We live in a day of specialists, and those who expect to get a as well as a living, from the poultry business must specialize this work. This necessitates study, care, and application to the minor details that go to make up the business as a whole. Chickens that are neglected or that are expected to care for themselves will lay about enough eggs in a year to pay only for the food they consume, and little net profit can be expected from them. But fowls that are well cared for will always pay a handsome dividend on the investment.

The natural question propounded by those not familiar with the inner details of the business is: "How much net profit can lie derived hen in a year?" There are so many different matters that control the amount of profit made that it is impossible to state any exact amount. No two flocks will return exactly the same profit. The care. feed, attention, housing, and quality of the birds, the marketing of the products, the amount of help necessary to operate the plant, the success in hatching and raising the chicks, the sale of stock, etc. — these, and innumerable other things, all govern the profit one can make.

When one develops a heavy-laying strain of fowls, or gets the

''fancier's" fever, and builds up a strain of exhibition birds, the net

will increase with remarkable rapidity. The sale of hatching

a ild chicks, at prices considerably in advance of those

ing eggs, of course, will also enlarge the receipts and

net profits. A- has been said, there are so many things entering into

the matter that it is very difficult to state any exacl ami. nut that may

be realized from a flock of hens.

iewpoint of health, the poultry business is particularly inviting. The exercise one takes, in caring for the fowls, outdoors, under the blue skies, expanding the lungs and breathing in God's own free, pure air, will make rich, red blood to flow vigorously through i -lie's veins; it will develop good muscle and build a constitution of iron: it will make a sicl< man health} and a well man healthier. To who love nature, the poultry business affords an excellent opp u

(ill tunity to get into the open air and sunshine, on cold and warm, pleasant and unpleasant days, and one has an excellent chance to see Nature from many different viewpoints and to appreciate and enjoj her many changing phases and unsurpassed beauties.

Though the term "man" is used in this book, it should be understood that this includes both the masculine and feminine genders. It would lie quite untrue, as well as unjust, to say that only men are engaged in the poultry business, for there are numberless women successfully carrying on this industry, both with and without the aid of men. It is hard to explain why women do not come to the fore and claim the important place in the poultry world to which they are entitled, unless it is because, in their modesty, they hide their light under a basket. Generally, women do not figure prominently in the business side of the poultry plant, though many are quite capable of tin-, too; but they far excel men in their care of, and chances of success with, chickens. Some one has said that patience is "seldom in a woman," but if the truth were told, in displaying this virtue with live stock (and young stock, in particular), women have us poor men "beaten frazzle." Alan in his "bigness" does not see the little need- ami small necessities that will add much to the comfort of young -lock, yet a woman will perceive such things instantly. And possessing the indispensable patience to "fuss" with them, women will do the many little things that will help the little chicks over the rougher places in their live-, therein- largely decreasing the great loss from this source and increasing the chances of chicks living. And this care and love for the little "tender puff-balls grows as the chicks grow, and instead of tiring of the game' as quickly as a man, a woman will give as much attention to the grown fowls as when they were smaller. Woman is the indispensable helpmate of man. and in no place is this more clearly shown than on the poultry plant.

Chapter II. The Man: General Requisites For Success

The question is frequently asked: "1 have $1,000 capital, and would like to know if this would be sufficient to start in the chicken business, and what are the chances of my making a living from it?' There is very little possibility of giving a definite answer to this inquiry. To cover the whole matter at once, entirely and concisely, the reply might be given: "It all depends on THE MAX": or, to make it a little more pointed : "It all depends on YOU'" After all, when everything is sifted down, one finds it isn't a business that ma success of itself or of the man engaged in it: but it is the man. with his mind, and will-power, and energy, and good judgment, etc.. etc.. that is the foundation on which the success is built.

It is a greatly mistaken idea that "anybody can keep chickens." The man who goes into the poultry business needs just as much brains, business sagacity, etc., as is necessary to succeed in any commercial or mercantile line." There are just as serious problems to deal with, just as manv trials, disappointments, etc.. to contend with, just as much energy and push needed, just as much good judgment necessary, and just as much honesty and principle to be used in the poultry business as in any other kind of business. It isn't, by any means, a catch-all business "for any old sort ^>i a person to go into and get an easy living from. People wdio have made a failure in almost everything els have tried may succeed in the poultry business, but their chances are only about one in one hundred.

A prime requisite of the poultryman is an innate love of animals in general and chickens in particular. The man who loves his fowls will do everything in his power to add to their comfort, and he is justly rewarded by them for his pains. There is all the difference in tlie world between fowls that are well kept and well cared for and senilis that have to take care of themselves. Any dock of chickens will quickly reflect the good care and attention that may be given tliem, and a man who really loves his fowls cannot be cruel (even by neglect) and permit his birds to suffer through any fault of his. A man's r\ is said to lie his mirror — it reflects better and more truly his • ward his fowls than anything else he may say or do. With a love of animals frequently goes a love of Nature and outdoor life, and these two combine excellently in the chicken business. The work of caring for the fowls is largely out of doors, and those who dislike to hi "penned up" in an office or who dislike indoor work will find much solid satisfaction in beiii" able to work outside with poultry,

accomplish anything in the poultry business one needs a great severance and stick-to-itiveness. Cast your eve over the list of leading poultrymen and you will note that all have been in the busini ears. It takes time to learn the ins and outs of

this business, with its many different phases and branches. A steadygoing "plodder" will accomplish more in the long run by his slow but sure way of fining things than the man who works like a Trojan for and then does nothing for a longer while. The poultry busiis not one of minutes or hours hut a 365-day Job every year (some 306!), and it takes a pretty steady disposition to stand the pull, sure progress, and though some give way, the fittest survive. And in this respect the poultry business may be classed with all others: "Eternal vigilance is the price of succes

thods are not in place on the poultry plant; if fol-

long enough, they positively insure failure. "That's good

and "Oh, that'll do!" are nol slogans the poultryman should

f he wants to lie cl mg the leaders. It requires bright,

up-to-date methods to make a success of any business, and tin lazy

man will not find his sinecure in keeping chickens.

Pali' d an actual necessity for any one

cpects to make the most of his poultry. The business in general

etition of small details, day after day. If one cannot

small duty at a time and be willing to work

at that until lished, be bad better think twice before starting in

-mess. \nd. further, this same duty will probably have to be

and the next day, and perhaps every day throughout

the year. Without an infinite amount of patience these recurring duties

lecome irksome and will then be neglected, with sad results. Lest

somt'oi itened by these remarks, let it he said that ordinarily

. line of business pursues the same routine day after

day. But it take- a larger bump of patience to respect the demands

mIi creatures than it does to obey the sharp commands of an

employer who is backed with the power to "hire and lire."

i "Jack of all trades" to a certain extent will find daily u ipabilities. While there are certain things that one

can ha by hiring outside labor, the net profit at the end of

the ye; c just that much less. If one can handle a saw and a

hamme m being an experienced carpenter and joiner,

many a doll aved by being able to accomplish necessary

aid. It is expensive to hire labor to build coops, ami to saw even board and drive every nail needed. If one can "push a paint brush." this will also save many a dollar, both in the co>t of labor ami preservation of the building. These and other similar capabilities, while not so absolutely essential as to prevent one from making a success of the business if he does not possess such advantages, will keep the expense account down and thereby materially aid in swelling the profits.

Chapter III. Choosing The Breed

When one has definitely decided to keep chickens, the first thing thai should be done is to decide just what is the exact object in view. When this matter is settled, it will also indicate, to a large extent, the breed of fowls thai is to be kept. If the fowls are to be kept as a hobby and for the pleasure and amusement that one will get from caring for them, the breed that suits the fancy of the individual will be the only breed to choose. As the monetary returns that are received under this plan are secondary to all else, no consideration need be given the matter of whether the birds will be an expense or a source of revenue.

In the case of keeping fowls to supply meat and eggs for table, the main thing to be considered is to get a general purpose fowl. By this is meant a breed of fowls that will lay a fair number of eggs during the year, and when the bird's usefulness in this respect is over, to have a fowl that po ufneient meat to make

meal for an average family. Birds of this type will also usually produce broilers for home consumption that can be used at a comparatively early date and yet be of fair size. If eggs for home consumption are desired primarily, it would be best to choose some of the lighter breeds that are noted for their prolific egg production.

If one is starting to keep chickens with the ultimate idea of enlarging the plant until it is of sufficient size to support one or more persons, the choosing of the breed will require much thought and a great deal of care. To make the mistake of choosing a breed that later on will prove to be unavailable for the business needs or the demands of the market, will mean the loss of much valuable time and money. To change from one breed to another is also very expensive and troublesome. It is, of course, very hard for the beginner, without any previous experience, to know just what breed would he lies) to suit future conditions. There are, however, certain fundamental conditions that will disclose to the careful thinker the route he must follow, and what will be best under existing circumstances.

There are three branches of the poultry business under which all the breeds of poultry may be classed, as follows : Eggs, meat, broilers. Certain breeds are egg producers; others are better for the production of meat for market purposes, and still other breeds should be chosen if one is going into the broiler business. When it is said that the principal branch of the business followed is the production of eggs, this does not preclude absolutely the production of meat or the sale of broilers. It simply indicates that it is this particular branch of the business that is featured, and the other things are of secondary consideration. This same idea applies to all the branches of the business.

The principal thing that should govern the decision of those who have had no previous experience in the matter is the market conditions. The demands of the market to which one will cater should be given preponderance over all else. This will make the disposal of the products far easier than if other things are given preference, for instance, if one is near n markel that demands and can consume an enormous Lrictly fresh eggs, and will pay remunerative prices for them, it would be very poor judgment to produce broilers principally And where the prices and demand for broilers are greater than can be realized from the production of eating eggs, to follow the latter branch of the business would be wasting one's ammunition.

Tt is quiti matter to ascertain the preferences of the local

markets, and with tin's in mind the choice of a breed is narrowed down very much. If, for instance, one finds that the market to which he will c; iter demand for eating eggs than for all other

products of the business, the choice of a breed would naturally fall among rieties which produce a maximum number of eggs in a

year, regardless i (lie fowl weighs three or six pounds. As

Is which produce about the same number of irther demands of the market should be I into This may disclose the fact that there is a premium paid a certain weii In the case of the New York

a premium of five cents a dozen is paid for white-shelled eggs. ! Boston the brown-shelled egg is preferred. Some- : "Whal nts? Too small to notice." But where

ept, that shell out fifteen ;'gs per hen

means jusl fifteen hundred ''"liars extra received added to the profit side of the ledger.

Tn 1 re sold by weight it would be rather

foolish p a breed thai lays nineteen-oun

the do/en. when another breed will lay eggs weighing twenty-four to twenty-eighl ounces to the dozen on about the same quanti

i-d. These little things are whal count in (lie long run. and :it before a starl is made in many cases will prevent ultimate faih

Secondarily, the choice of the breed governed 1>\ the pref-

of the individual. This preference, however, should never be

greater weight than the demands of the market. After it is

found thai there are a number of breeds that will fulfil the demands

market, the particular breed that com, to suiting the

lividual wall be the best breed to choose <hher things

it is undoubtedly true that greater success will he achieved

breed suits one's tastes and preferences than wdten it

is a breed in which keen interest is lacking.

ft should lie the object of the beginner, before finally deciding on eed or variety upon which he will base his chances of success or failure, to gain as much knowledge of the various well-known breeds of poultry as possible. Numerous hooks can he easilj procured which fully describe, in an unbiased way, the merits of the different breeds. From such at least a decided preference will quickly be

formed. At ibis point it would be well for the novice to go to one or poultrymen who have been sufficiently long in the business to have I rst glamour and excitement which might bias their

opinion, and who have had sufficient practical experience to enable them to give a proper decision in the matter. Tell them of your tastes and thi m have formed; of the demands of your market,

and all the i aces in the matter, and ask for an unbiased opin-

ion. In mi oultryman will be glad to give his best judg-

ment. r< articular breed he keeps. Then by combining

one's pn with the advice received from a practical poultryman,

and taking into consideration all local conditions, it should be a comparatively > i tor an) decide definitely on the breed

lo

( HAPTER IV.

THE LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE COOPS.

When one starts keeping poultry much careful consideration should be given the matter of the location of the plant. If the beginner would save himself considerable work and perhaps much worry later on, he would plan ahead definitely where his coops are to be located. This is one item which should be clearly decided before any stock is bought or orders placed.

A practical poultryman, who has achieved considerable success. when asked how he was able to incorporate so many satisfactory details in a big coop he had recently built, replied : "I was building that coop for six months before I drove a nail!" In consequence, there are no "mistakes," and the building is well-nigh perfect for the use for which it was designed.

With small coops there is not a great deal of labor to shift them around when it is desired to make a change, but why not take into account as many possibilities and contingencies as one can beforehand, rather than to leave it all to experiment or "chance"? It may be a decidedly costly experience to find a lot of chicks drowned some day after a heavy rain, when a little study of the situation would have disclosed the fact that the brooder coop was being placed in a hollow.

Location.

Of course, the ground that is available will control the situation somewhat and perhaps even the size or number of coops. But whether much or little ground may be had, one should plan along a definite line — both literally and figuratively speaking. Nothing is mope indicative of a person's disposition than his poultry plant. If one is lazy, shiftless, careless, or slovenly, it will show at once on his place. If, on the contrary, care, attention to details, neatness, etc., are in a person's makeup, these traits will also make their appearance in a wellkept, clean poultry place. The coops will all be laid out in line and harmonious in their entirety. As the flock is enlarged, and new coops are added, they will be so placed as to conform to the general scheme of the place. Such a poultry plant is as much a pleasure to look at as it is satisfying to the one who planned it.

One of the most important elements entering into the location of a plant, aside from the ground available, is the character of the soil. Sandy or gravelly soil is the best that can be had for poultry, as it absorbs the droppings quickly, allows the rain to filter away rapidly, and will remain sweet longer than a heavier soil. Where a soil is inclined to be of a clay nature, it can he lightened by first loosening it and then introducing sand, ashes, or the like.

After the character of the soil is determined, one should look sharply to the grading. The higher the general level of the plant the better, but in any case the coops should never be placed on very lowground, or in a hollow. The ground in the immediate vicinity of each coop should be raised, if necessary, by filling in, and then graded off in all directions. Ground which slopes one way, preferably to the south or east, makes a satisfactory place on which to keep poultry, but care should be used not to set a coop where it may be in the direct course of water that runs ofl aftei a sudden downpour. By looking well int- these important points before locating the coops,

one will prevent dampness, perhaps even saving his chickens from fate.

h is important to have as much sunshine enter the coops, in winter especially, as possihle. Sunshine is one of the greatest purifiers and disinfectants known, and, aside from this valuable service, produces a warmth so necessar} to and so appreciated by laying hens. Coops with southern or southeastern exposure will receive a maximum amount of sunshine, and if the glass in the coop is properly placed the chickens can enjoy a sun bath the greater pari of every pleasant day.

In laying out a new poultry plant take into consideration the matter of accessibility. Thai is, the entire flock should he housed so that the attendant can gel to each ami every house in the least space of mI with the smallest amount of walking possible. This is not a proposition. Some day when a wand or rain storm comes up suddenly, and things must he made "snug itt a jiffy," if one's coops are easily reached, serious loss may he averted. l'n the contrary, lack of attention may he fostered by a combination of a protracted spell oi rainy weather and inaccessible coops.

much protection from high winds and driving rams should lie given the coops as circumstances will permit. This can he accompl by locating the coops near heavy shrubbery, on the "lee side" of a or barn, or beneath tr<

The advent of young stock maj bring with it the discovery thai no space has been allowed for the brooding and raising of the chicks. This short-sightedness sometimes necessitates the rearrangement oi practically the entire plant. While fifty or a hundred chicks may be kept in a comparatively small space the first week or two, they grow rapidly and very soon need larger quarters. These must be provided, and fortunate, indeed, is he who has planned ahead far enough to make allowances for the natural expanding of his flock.

A consideration which some may have to take into account is that of protection from thieves. It seems that some localities are more subject to depredations from these pests than others. Where such is the case, one should take full precautions to guard against loss. While each person can best judge what to do according to his local conditions, one general feature is important: the plant should he so located that practically every part of it is in full view all the time. Then one should in various other ways he fully prepared to give any marauders a "perfectly good reception." Where possible it will be found very advantageous to have a bright light, either burning all night or so arranged that it can be flashed on at any time to illuminate the entire place, thus making detection of a thief a comparatively easj matter.

Construction — Size and Style.

The size of the coops, and the number, will depend, first, on the amount of capital one decides to put into the business, and, second, on the amount of ground available. A long continuous house costs less to build than a number of smaller, separate coops. It is also cheaper to build a house that is approximately square, or in square units, than it i> to build a loan, narrow house. Thus, a house that is sixteen feet square would cost less t<> build than one that is six feet wide and about forty-three feet long, though the square feet of floor surface in each would he the same.

In constructing a poultry house, the size should be made as large as one can possibly afford at the time, even though part of the hoi may not be necessary for immediate requirements. As the busnv expands (and in nine cases out of ten it will expand), a large-sized house will obviate the necessity of continually building more coops, taking valuable time and labor when perhaps it can be ill-afforded.

In estimating the size of coop one will need, it is safe to figure to give each fowl three square feet of floor area in coops smaller than eight by (en feet, and two and a half square feet per fowl in larger sized i op finis, a coop eight by ten would house about twenty-five fowls, while a building twelve feet wide and forty-eight feet long would comfortably house two hundred fowls or more. The lighter, smaller breeds will need quite as many square feet of floor spaa the heavier birds because the former are more active.