The western poultry guide

Preface

THE only apology we have to offer in submitting this poultry book to the reading public, is that we could not publish a more extensive and complete work and supply one that covers every phase of the poultry industry. To do this would require a book many times the size of this and even then some facts would be omitted. Nearly every man you meet, who is in the poultry business, has an idea of his own, as to how a man should proceed to accomplish certain results. There are so many ideas that any attempt to tell the "all" of how to buy, mate, incubate, breed, cull, house, feed, and market poultry would fail to meet the entire approval of all poultry critics.

In preparing the following chapters, it has been the constant desire of our writers to make the chapters full of common-sense statements and as complete in detail as possible and yet not produce a book that is tiresome to read and understand.

There are many theoretical books on the market, which tell in their way how to realize a success in the poultry business. There is quite a difference between theory and practice. Someone has correctly stated: "You do not know that you can do a thing until you have actually done it." For this reason, we have divided this book into chapters, taking up the most impoi-tant subjects connected with poultry. Each subject was assigned to a man who has actually made a success and can write from experience. Such advice is the only advice that is worth heeding. When assigning the subjects, we emphatically requested that only conservative statements be given.

The last thougnt we desire to leave with you is this : If you are now making a success in the poultry business, do not be too anxious to try out new ideas. C. F. WILLIAMS, Editor.

Published by

Northwest Poultry Journal Publishing Co.

Salem, Oregon

Chapter I In The Beginning

By Charles McAlister, Seattle, Washingtcr.

OST people have an idea that poultry culture is a simple matter, an occupation that requires no particular preparation, and one that affords much pleasure and profit with very little work, care and attention. It will be our earnest endeavor to dispel this idea of the poultry business, in this chapter, by presenting the facts with relation to poultry culture, as they are and as they exist today, that the beginner who may perchance read the pages of this book, may not be misled by what he may read, but on the contrary, when he shall have absorbed what is herein written, he may have a more

Charles McAlister correct idea of what poultry culture really is; a more extended conception of what is required tO' equip him with the knowledge and experience that is so essential toi insure final success.

A general knowledge of the fundamental principles of poultry culture may be acquired by study of the methods of others, and by reading treatise upon the subject. Experience cannot be so acquired, and only comes by a gradual mastery of the art of poultry culture by careful and studious application as we go along.

There are two elements that enter largely into the successful culture of poultry. An aptitude for the occupation. In other words, a love for the feathered tribe. Especial training, that can be acquired only by association with the business in a manner that its smallest detail is observed and understood. The first can never be acquired, and without the first, the second becomes a task that is difficult to master.

These facts are already so well known, and have so often been the subject of articles in the poultry press of the country, that it seems almost superfluous to mention them, but it is for the reason that they are so continually disregarded, put aside or disbelieved, that it becomes imperative as an introduction to this chapter to call attention to the uselessness of, without some practical knowledge of the business, trying to do that for which they are thus unfitted, regardless of, and utterly neglecting the ever-increasing warning daily given by the many absolute failures in the business.

As all knowledge is gained by observation, reflection and experience, and as a knowledge of the business is absolutely necessary, it is suggested that a person desiring to take up practical poultry culture, should commence in a modest manner, with a few birds at the first, and as experience is gained, to gradually add to the stock if it is found to be a paying investment. In other words, go slow. Be willing to start from the ground and gradually work up. Mind this, the man who starts at the top, generally, if not always, strikes the ground with a dull and sickening thud. The keynote to success is taking up the business in a small way, mastering its first principles and then branching out gradually as one's experience broadens and the demands seem to indicate.

It has been demonstrated time and again, that no amount of -capital invested in modern equipment, together with the best stock to be obtained, will make a success of poultry culture. Various things besides inclination and capital must be considered; and not a person, unless they have tried it, can possibly imagine or conceive how many difficulties there are to overcome, and how much knowledge there is "to acquire, and numberless things to learn, before one can hope even for moderate success.

Conditions contribute largely, too, in the degree of success that is met in poultry culture. By this we mean location, climatic conditions, character of the soil, and general surroundings. It is always desirable to have the soil of a character that will drain readily, with a slope that will permit of facing the buildings toward the south or east, that they may receive all the benefit possible from the sunshine. Shade also is a very necessary requirement, and if not natural upon the ground used, then trees should be planted to fui-nish it.

Any variety of fruit trees are good, but preferably cherries or plum, as they grow rapidly. Plum is especially suitable, and it is claimed that poultry keep down the ravages of the curculio. If the yards are extensive, fruit trees in variety should be the rule.

In this coast country, buildings are not of so great importance as in colder climates. Any building that is without draughts, no matter how cheaply constructed, will answer, but they must be well ventilated, well lighted and roomy. We have always advocated scratching shed houses of some character, and we believe them to be very desirable in the Pacific Northwest, where there is so much rain during the winter months. The houses should be constiiicted in a manner that they may be readily cleaned and fumigated as a preventative against vermin of every character. Especially should the perches, nest-boxes and dropping board be portable, that they may be thoroughly cleansed when desired. The runs should be made to conform to the space to be occupied, and the fences are much more satisfactory if the base is made of two one-foot boards, thus preventing the males of the different pens fighting. With the Asiatic varieties a fence four feet in height IS sufficient, but with the Mediteranean varieties a higher fence is preferable. All feed and water receptacles should be of such a character as to be easily cleaned and kept in a sanitary condition, for fresh water and good clean food is half the battle won. Perches should be about two inches in width and rounded on top. We do not believe in flat perches. Nests should be large enough to be comfortable, and sufficient number in each compartment so that there will be no danger of the birds fighting for nest room.

Which is the best breed, is a question that has never been decided, and in the selection of a breed or variety, the beginner should be governed entirely by his taste or fancy. What pleases one does not appeal to another, and so it resolves itself into a matter of choice, in which the individual must be the sole judge.

After selection of the breed or variety has been settled, however, procure the best that your means will permit. If you have not the means to purchase a pen of high-class birds, of well established ancestry, then purchase a trio and work up from that. The natural tendency of the species is to retrograde in breeding, and the idea that so many beginners seem to have, that they can begin with cheap stock and gradually improve it, is a delusion that has sent many, many poultry raisers upon the rocks of failure. It is a fatal error in poultry culture, and one that has been the cause of more failures than any other one thing. Just remember, the best is none too good, and govern yourself accordingly.

Now that we have outlined what is really necessary for the beginner to understand as he approaches the study of poultry cultui'e from a practical standpoint, we may perhaps be permitted to offer a few words of caution and advice, based upon the experience gained by the hard school of actual work and practice. We do not wish to discourage any one from entering this pleasant field of employment, or make those who may have already taken up the vocation, imagine they have a more difficult task than it really is, but we would not have anyone imagine that the field of poultry culture offers a simple and easy manner of making a livelihood, which one may take up and thereby

8 The Westei-n Poultry Guide

avoid the tiresome duties that are a portion of every line of business, vocation or profession. To make a success of it, requires the same close application and attention that any other business requires, and as we have advised, the keynote of success is in commencing in a small way and gradually branching out and enlarging as the circumstances may demand and require. Nearly all of the successful poultry breeders of today have grown from a small beginning, and gradually advanced to the prominence they occupy today, and could we know the story of their success, it would tell us of many a hard struggle during their early years in poultry culture. Many a time they have been discouraged in their efforts to solve the problems that came to them, and to overcome the obstacles that presented themselves from time to time, but they have put them all aside, and today stand upon the summit of success. We see the venture at the crowning point of its success, but we do not understand what it has taken to bring it to this very attractive and alluring position, and we are apt to become overenthusiastic and imagine the field of poultry culture is an easy and charming occupation. We cannot conceive the time, the energy, the study, the work, that it has taken to arrive at such a state of proficiency in poultry culture, nor can we understand that the way has been a series of disappointments and much discouragement. We read the glowing accounts of these great poultry plants and of the returns they are bringing to their owners, and it looks so simple and easy that we become dissatisfied with our own occupation, for when the "hen fever" comes it generally comes with a vengeance, and for a time all other considerations are subordinated to it. When we are under the spell we are apt to figure a little too, and those figures are so alluring, and figures don't lie, and the proposition works out so nicely and so advantageously, that in our mind we imagine our fortune as good as made. We never think of failure, and our mind seems unable to grasp the idea that perhaps it might not be so great a success as we have anticipated, this chicken business, for our enthusiasm has caused us to see ourselves in possession of a great poultry plant, with long lines of brooder houses, properly heated, with automatic devices that are working to perfection, with our incubator cellars equipped with up-to-date machines, hatching chicks by the hundreds, and the demand for our product in broilers greater than the supply. We can see these new hatched chicks start at one end of our brooder house, and in ten weeks come out the other end, and the dollars rolling into our bank account.

It is an alluring picture, and it is not strange that people lose their heads over it, and allow their imagination to get the better of their judgment. The picture is drawn for a purpose, and that is to warn the enthusiastic person, with a bad case of "hen fever," that as a rule he entirely overlooks the distance between the start, and the plant that he has allowed his imagination to anticipate, for in the interval there are years of toil and study and care and attention, that has gone to make the success of the poultryman who stands at the top.

Many a man, under the charm of a desire to be where the experienced poultryman stands, but without his knowledge and experience, has gone into the poultry business only to make a failure, give up in disgust, condemn the vocation as a snare and delusion, and thereby keep some other person from entering the field who is endowed with qualities that would make a success of it. On the other hand, if they had started in a modest manner, and by study, care and application, learned the business, the result might have been very different.

So in conclusion, we again say to any person contemplating entering the field of poultry culture, go slow. Be as enthusiastic as you please, but be patient and careful. Give close attention to detail, and study the business as you would any other business proposition, for in the poultry business, like every other business or vocation, you will get. out of it just what you put into it, and if you are adapted to it, and are patient and careful, and are willing to commence at the bottom, and to learn the business as you go along, sooner or later success will crown your efforts.

Chapter II Comparison Of The Breeds And Varieties

By G. W. Grebe, Boise, Idaho, Veteran Poultry Breeder and Manufacturer of Incubators and Brooders.

G. W. Grebe

HERE is a best breed or variety for each man and for each location and climate. The question, "Which is the best breed?" is generally always answered in a way that would lead the beginner to believe that all varieties were alike and it simply remained to put the right care and feed before them to make them all do equally well.

This is not true. The different breeds and varieties are as different in habits and temperament as they are in color and form.

Some markets pay more for large, wellfattened table fowls than they do for eggs. Some markets pay the better price for two-pound fries. Some climates are more suitable to light, active fowls and some climates are more adapted to the heavy varieties.

Every breed and every variety has its proper place, and while some poultrymen will make a success with any variety, still they will always make a greater success with the particular variety that is adapted to that pai'ticular location.

Every successful poultryman, whether he breeds one or a dozen varieties, has his favorite, and that favorite is generally the one that brings him the greatest cash return on the amount of feed and labor invested.

In making a strict comparison of the breeds a writer is always at a great disadvantage owing to the fact that he is writing to and for those who breed all varieties and he cannot generally give the weak points of certain breeds in certain locations without treading heavily on some breeder's toes. Each breed has a weak point as well as many good ones, and in order to be fair with all and give full value of information to the beginner these weak points should be fearlessly mentioned.

The space and time forbids taking up all the varieties in the American Standard. Furthermore, the writer in this instance has not handled quite all of them. Consequently we can only take up those most popular breeds and those with which the writer is most familiar.

However, the comparison will give a good idea of what to look for

in selecting a variety and how to get the right breed for the right place.

THE IDEAL FOWL.

The ideal bird would be one that could be depended on to —

1. Lay in winter.

2. Lay in the fall, summer, and spring.

3. Lay eggs that would hatch in all seasons.

4. Grow rapidly to the two-pound weight.

5. Mature early.

6. Fatten easily.

7. Dress and finish with small amount of waste.

8. Weigh heavy when fattened and dressed.

9. Be hardy; live and thrive well as chick and fowl.

10. Range, hustle, forage for its own if necessary.

11. Be gentle and easily handled.

12. Have beauty of shape and color.

13. Stand confinement without loss of vigor.

14. Cause the attendant a minimum amount of labor.

If there were such a bird as I have outlined there would be no necessity of comparing breeds. Everyone would have that one ideal kind of fowl and the others would be out of existence.

But it is entirely out of harmony with nature to produce such an animal, insect or bird or plant.

Man is not perfect and those things which man calls ideal may not be ideal for the animal, bird or plant, and consequently we can never hope to produce the ideal bird that will conform to all our requirements exactly as we would like in all climates and under all conditions.

We can strive to attain perfection and by using good judgment attain a very high degree toward it. Some of the breeds we now have will, if placed in the proper environment and given ideal care and attention, come so near to perfection in all points that man should not ask for anything better.

BREED CHARACTERISTICS.

We will now take up the strong and weak points of the different breeds and varieties, always bearing in mind that those things which are called weak points in some climates are the strongest ones in other climates.

Many people have the idea that the most profitable bird is the one that lays in the winter when eggs are high. This is not always the case. The profits must be figured on the year, or on several years, and many times the summer layer will bring the highest cash return in a year. Price of eggs and the market conditions must be studied -In order to determine which breed or variety is best.

Those breeds that lay heavily in winter, always lay less in spring and summer and the winter laying bird sometimes produces eggs the following spring that are weak in fertility and do not hatch a large percentage of strong chicks.

The breed that fattens easily will be more apt to put on a certain amount of fat in the winter, which keeps the body warm and helps to fill the egg basket. On the other hand the fat bird will not lay at all when the weather turns warm.

White Leghorns — (Conclusions drawn from eleven years of breeding in writer's own yards. Experiments with seven different strains. Reports from 104 breeders in the Northwest. Writer's experiments made in Nebraska and Idaho) — Extra good spring and summer layers. Poor winter layers unless the climate is mild or unless housed warm» Fair fall layers. Extra good hatches may be expected from the eggs. Grow fairly rapid to the fry size. Mature early. Fatten poorly. Dress and finish poor. Weigh poor. Hardiness and livability of chicks extra good. Range and forage extra good. Not very gentle. Stand confinement fairly well.

This variety is very active and is not heavily feathered. This is ideal for warm climates, as they seldom get too fat and are active enough to keep the blood circulating when the weather is not too cold. In extremely cold weather they are not likely to turn out a yield of eggs, but the large hatches the following spring, and the hardiness of the chicks will make up for the lack of eggs in the winter. They are rather wild and hard to handle but this wildness and activity has its use and for those who have large range where they can make use of their foraging ability will gain by the wildness which to others is a weak point. They make poor roaster fowls and the market that pays well for frys and broilers is better for the White Leghorn than where roasters or heavy table fowls are desired, because all young cockerels in this variety should be disposed of at less than two and one-half pound weight. After six months the cockerels are almost unfit to eat. The hens should be carried over through the second year of laying, because they do not bring much on the market when killed and so we must get as many eggs as possible out of the bird before it is sold. The White Leghorn is easy on the attendant, as they can be housed in large numbers and seldom have to be broken up from setting.

Brown Leghorns — (Conclusions drawn from three years in writer's own yards. Two strains. Reports from twenty-eight Western breeders. Writer's experience in Nebraska and Idaho) — Same as White.

Buff Leghorns — (Conclusions drawn fi-om ten years in writer's own yards. Eight strains. Reports from forty-two Western breeders. Experience mostly in Idaho) — As winter layers, good. As summer and fall layers, fair. As spring layers, fair. The eggs hatch only fair, and sometimes poor unless extra attention is given to the breeding stock. They grow to the fry size rapidly and mature early. Fatten.

fairly well and dress fairly good for table use, but do not weigh over four pounds on the average. The chicks and mature birds are hardy. Range and foragers, good. Not very gentle but more so than the other Leghorns. Stand confinement fairly well. Can be housed in large numbers, but will cause the attendant some trouble in breaking up setters during the summer.

This variety of Leghorns is a trifle larger and more heavily feathered than any of the others. They are also somewhat less active and will fatten better. This, of course, makes them better as winter layers and poorer as summer layers, but better as table fowls. They have a tendency to set more than any other Leghorn, and coops for breaking up the broody hens should be in convenient places, so the attendant does not have to carry them a great distance to and from "the houses.

The Buff Leghorn comes near being in the all-purpose class, but great care must be taken of the breeding stock to make the eggs hatchable. The birds from which hatching eggs are to be taken in the spring should not be allowed to lay too heavily during the winter and should be kept active and scratching all the time. Green grass in abundance should be given the breeders and when grass cannot be ■obtained they should have clover or alfalfa hay leaves in addition to beets, mangels or sprouted oats.

White Wyandottes — (Conclusions from eight years in writer's yards. Four strains. Reports from ninety-two Western breeders. Experiments in Idaho) — As winter layers they are good. As spring layers, fair. Summer and fall layers, fair. Eggs hatch very poorly but can be made to hatch fairly well by giving careful attention to the breeders. Grow to the fry size rapidly and make extra good bi'oilers. Mature fairly early. Fatten easily. Dress and finish for table use good. Average weight, fairly good. Hardiness fair. As foragers fair. Gentle and easily handled. Stand confinement well. Cannot be boused in very large numbers and must be broken from setting quite often during the spring and summer.

The White Wyandotte makes the ideal bird for a quick broiler and is of a neat size and shape for table use. They also make very good winter layers, but the eggs are the most difficult to hatch of any variety in the writer's experience. The eggs do not run as uniform in size and shape and color and this of course makes some difference in the heat applied to the eggs. To obtain fairly good results in hatching rhe eggs from this variety one should follow the directions for feeding breeders given in the article above on Buff Leghorns. Also one should select only those eggs that are smooth of shell and even in size.

Buff Wyandottes — (Conclusions from eight years in writer's ov^tiyards. Three strains. Reports from five Western breeders. Experiments in Idaho) — Almost the same as White, except that the eggs are a little heavier shelled and harder to hatch. They are also a little better as winter layers and poorer as summer layers, owing to a heavier feathering in most strains which carry the Cochin cross.

Barred Plyvimith Rocks — (Conclusions from five years in writer's yards. Four different strains. Reports from fifty-five Western breeders. Experiments in Nebraska and Idaho) — As winter layers, fair. Spring and summer layers, good. Fall layers, poor. The eggs hatch fairly well. Growth and maturity is fairly good but not quite as rapid as the Wyandotte. Extra good as table fowls. Weight is good. Chicks and mature birds hardy. As foragers, fair. Gentle and easily handled. Stand confinement well. Cannot be housed in vei-y large numbers and are inclined to set quite often in the summer.

This variety is a good all-purpose fowl, but the young stock must be watched carefully and forced to maturity or they are apt to pass over the winter and not begin laying until the following spring. A bran-mash every day, with plenty of grass range, wheat and oats, shade and plenty of fresh water are the essentials for young Barred Rocks.

White Plymouth Rocks — (Conclusions from eight years in writer's yards. Three strains. Reports from ten Western breeders. Experiments in Idaho) — Same as Barred.

Rhode Island Reds — (Conclusions from two years in writer's yards. Two strains. Reports from ninety-five Western breeders. Experiments in Idaho) ^ — As winter layers good. Summer layers fair. Fall layers poor. Eggs hatch fairly well but breeders must be given extra care or the fertility and strength of germs will be poor. Growth to fry size fair. Early maturity fair. Fatten easily. Dress a nice yellow table fowl and weigh fairly well. Chicks and mature birds are hardy. As foragers fair. Gentle and easily handled. Stand confinement well. Inclined to be very broody in the spring and will cause the attendant much work.^

This variety, like the Rock and Wyandotte, is a good all-purpose fowl, but the eggs are rather difficult to hatch and the breeders must be allowed to rest during the winter in order to get good hatches from them the following spring.

Light Brahmas — (Conclusions from three years of breeding. Three strains. Reports from eight Western breeders. Experiments in Nebraska) — As winter layers, good. Spring layers, fair. Summer and fall layers, poor. The eggs are rather hard to hatch, owing to the thickness of the shell and the tendency to inactivity on the part of the fowls. Growth and maturity is slow. Fatten very easily. Dress the largest and heaviest as table fowls. Chicks and mature birds are hardy. Not good foragers. Very gentle. Stand confinement in a three-foot fence. Cannot be housed in large numbers and are inclined to set quite often in the spring and summer.

This breed is an ideal table bird for roaster purpose. They are the largest birds in the American Standard and the meat is tender and juicy even in the old birds, but they are not great egg producers and do not range far. This breed should be used in place of turkeys where one has limited quarers and cannot allow turkeys to range. The turkey would not stand close confinement, while the Brahma could be kept in small pens and would dress as large and bring about as much on the Thanksgiving market as the turkey. The Brahma does not grow as rapidly as the turkey and therefore should be hatched as early as possible in the months of January, February and March, so as to attain the size desired before the holidays. The breeders in this ■variety should have the same attention regarding rest in winter and the proper feed, etc., so as to produce better hatches in the spring. The eggs should have a trifle higher heat and a little more moisture during the incubating period.

Buff Orpingtons — (Conclusions from three years' breeding. Four strains. Reports from thirty-five Western breeders. Experiments in Idaho) — As winter layers, good. Spring layers, fair. Summer layers, fair. Fall layers, fair. Eggs hatch extra good. Growth and maturity rapid. Fatten easily. Make good large table fowls. Chicks and mature birds hardy. As foragers, fair but must not be allowed to get too fat and lazy. Gentle and easily handled. Stand confinement well. Cannot be housed in very large numbers and cause the attendants considerable work in the spring on account of broodiness.

The Buff Orpington lays very evenly through the four seasons of the year. They do not lay heavily in the spring. In fact, the yield from this variety is about the same in winter and fall as it is in the spring. They are the only heavy variety that has come under the writer's observation that will lay a large percentage of hatchable eggs for incubation. But they must be broken from setting continuously during the spring and summer in order to obtain a good yield of eggs. With this variety one should have broody coops in every house and the broody hens should be taken from the nests as soon as they show the least sign of broodiness. The Buff Orpington is also a rather lieavy eater but will forage over a large area if forced to do so. They should not be allowed to get fat in hot weather.