Datasets:

nkandpa2

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biodiversity-heritage-library

like 1

117560-38188181-0053

38188181

117560

0053

t'l'LUNC KOli I'KOI.'IT 4;"i 1 have reason to believe Unit many who use trap nesls make the mis- take of retaining birds that have shown good evidence that they will never lay profitably with their present owner. Many are also prone to use as breeders, birds thai > while they may have laid freely, are worse than useless as breeders. We want to breed from our besi birds, but our best birds are not al- ways those that lay the most egos. A bird that lays steadily, without loss of vigor, under fair conditions, and gives us a good egg, is abetter layer and breeder than one that has nearly laid herself to death, under hot-house conditions and a forcing ration, even though the latter pro- duces a much greater number of en-ox. The art of cull in»' wisely and correctly is not easily or quickly ac- quired. Every infertile ego- that is lost, every chick dead in the shell, every weak chick hatched, every unprofitable bird raised and retained, means expense and a reduction of profits. One market-poultry man lias said: "An experienced poultrymau can readily choose birds to market, retaining only those that, it will pay to keep (iiid to fri'd." (Italics mine.) This same poultrynian shows how he thinks that it can be done by explaining his own method. He says: •'Our practice for years has been to market hens at, or near, the end of their second laying year. Occasionally a young hen or pul- let would be killed for meiit as they were ■not ax actioe and robust as we like to see than." (Italic* mine.) From this we readily make the de- duction that any hen that is active and robust will lay profitably for two years. — from laving maturity : after this she will not lay profita- bly. This is very remote from the truth. The trap nest, in the hands of one who is willing to learn, will show, that, while a skillful feeder, who sells to a not-over-particular buyer, may make his business profitable by such extremely simple methods of procedure, he is working in the dark and will not only be liable to "kill for meat" birds that had better be burned or buried, but will, un- wittingly, sell two-year-olds that might be profitably kept, and retain for two years birds that do not lay profitably. There is no way known to determine surely that a pullet is likely to become a profitable layer for one or two years, until we have gained a knowledge of her lay/ny habit. This must be on record in black and white and not merely the speculation of a inore-or-less unreliable mind and memory. To observe closely enough to learn these things accu- rately, or even witli approximate accuracy, so that they can be record- ed, would take more time than the attention of trap nests requires, and more time than can profitably be devoted to it. The presence in our common markets all over the land of poultry that is unfit for human consumption can be accounted for by the neces- sity of straining every nerve (and nerve can be given more than one

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.268326

117560-38188188-0060

38188188

117560

0060

;,-J Till'. THAT N'F.ST TEXT BOOK plain id sec that any lion that lays lo>s Ilian 100 eggs a year (Iocs not pay I icr board. In (Ik- Hock referred lo above there were live hens that not only did not pay their board, but they were in the way of those that were work- ers. 11 would have been more profitable lo have killed them and sold their carcasses than lo waste feed upon them. Here was where the trap lies! proved lo be of groat value. We could not have secured a good hiving strain from those drones, had we set their eggs. Instead we set the eggs laid by our best layers, and do so each year. Since we have installed trap nests we get more eggs from 150 liens than we got from 21 Ml hens prior to their use. The trap nests taught us how to sort out the cream of our slock. It is very plain that if we, each year, breed from our best layers, mated to male birds hatched from eggs laid by heavy layers, we are building up a strain of great egg producers. I.-, it not so in breeding cattle and horses? Then why not in poultry ? Another point of culling is according to color of egg. With a few exceptions, the markets are calling for a brown egg. Such being the case, it is advisable to breed for them. Your flocks are, laying a good brown, a light brown, a white egg. You can improve the color of the egg in future generations by hatching only the brown eggs, but you want to get rid of those hens that are laying white eggs. How can you do it? Only by using the trap nest . AVill it not pay you to cull out all such? Better that your flock should be reduced fifty per cent. in order that you may get the desired color than to send a mixed lot of eggs to market that you will he cut on price on account of the assorted colors. Uniformity of color helps the sale of eggs in market. Another, a hen that lays a poorly shaped egg should be culled from the flock. Some hens, no matter how old, will lay a regular pullet sized egg. and we have had others that laid badly shaped ones. AVe even had one hen that laid the entire season a very thin shelled egg, yet she had plenty of lime in her food. Is it not best to cull out all such birds? With the use of the trap nest we can breed for good shape as well as good color of egg. Another useless hen, and one which should be gotten rid of. is a hen that will not produce fertile eggs. Careful students of the trap nest have learned that eggs from a certain hen are nearly always fertile, from another about fitly per cent, are fertile, and from others rarely an egg hatches. Will it pay to keep hens that cannot reproduce them- selves ? On a large egg farm only a few miles front here, trap nests are used to pick out the laying pullets at a certain age. All pullets that do not layby the first of January are sold. Incubation on this farm starts March 15th, so that the first hatch comes off early in April and ends so

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.269968

117560-38188224-0096

38188224

117560

0096

SK THE TRAP MOST TKXT HOOK I think it is the duty of breeders of poultry to place themselves face to face with the buyer, so to speak, and looking at it from this point of view think what that bird is worth. Remember, he has no other birds bred in the same lines as this one, he does not know how this bird is bred or how many prizes its ancestors have won, but he is buying this bird to get new blood, to improve his stock, and he looks at the individual merits of the bird and has a perfect right to expect his money's worth, not in breeding alone, but in that individual bird. With good individuality the chances are that the bird was well bred and will breed well. Good specimens are not in many cases a case of chance, but are the result of careful and systematic breeding. Poor birds will come from any mating, I care not how good, but good birds from a poor mating are seldom met with. We should not close our eyes to the defects in our birds simply because they have good breeding back of them. But rather should we keep our eyes open for defects in our birds and by good breeding and by usiug birds with individuality as well, remedy those defects and thus make like produce like, but we want that like to be a bird with individuality. It has been said, "A man's as good as he makes himself, but no man's any good because his grandfather was." The above is as true in poultr}" as in men. A PROPHECY. To my mind the time will conic when the effort of breeders who are trying- to raise the standard of egg production, will be to produce, bv breeding and general maintenance, a lien that will lay. as nearly as may be, an egg a day every day in the year. I regard the figures :Sfi.>, as a standard of egg production, as being- analogous to the fancier's standard of 10(1. Impossible to attain, but. as a standard of a perfect egg yield, one to be aimed at. F believe that, when the laws of breeding as they will be found to ap- ply to improvement in egg production are as clearly understood, and as intelligently acted upon as those which apply to standard points are now understood and worked out by the most successful fanciers, the production of a 347-egg hen will represent no greater progress than is now shown by a !>."> point specimen in the show room. :U7 eggs per year bears practically the same relation to our standard of :Wn that !).") bears to 100. [ think thai any expert poultry feeder who can obtain an average of over l.">(i eggs per hen with a flock of 100 or -_'oo hens will be surprised at the work of some of the individuals if he keeps track of them. It may very reasonably be claimed that there may be a great deal of dif- ference between the skill and care required to so maintain a lien that she will lay close enough to an egg a day to score .!47 e^-points and that required lo raise anil prepare for the show room a !),"> point speci- men. We cannot, any of us. do more than guess at that.

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.271608

117560-38188231-0103

38188231

117560

0103

KAUI.Y MATlldn '.I.', order of their age. and, generally considered, laying would begin in about the same order. There are. of course, quite numerous exceptions to this rule. Pullets and cockerels that are well developed by spring, and possess the other desired qualities, should be good breeders, but it is a common custom to use for hatching' eggs from the general lot. and a large num- ber of these eggs are likely to come from immature pullets. This lendency can be discounted to a considerable extent by using' only eggs that are of good size. As good development and constitutional vigor are essential to cither permanence or improvement of species the general ideas that are ab- sorbed by the average beginner tend in a directly opposite direction to successful breeding. 1 have a Plymouth Hock hen that when about five months old laid i>(l eggs in 2\ days. Considerable boasting of her per- formance drew out the fact (hat many people considered it as indicating an exceptionally valuable pullel. which I very much doubted. She would have gone lo market that fall had I not desired to observe her through life. Eggs for hatching should be from birds that at the time of mating give individual evidence of merit combined with a history that justifies their use. Early laying is by no means governed by heredity alone. The time and nature of bousing, the feeding and care, will hasten or retard lay- ing according as they are favorable or unfavorable to egg production. Improvement in fowls is go\ erncd by natural laws that are not in- fluenced by the price of eggs in October and November. Money values are often governed by natural laws, but Nature has no regard for money. The means commonly advocated for getting eggs when most people are not getting them are progressive attempts to force Nature to work for our selfish interests. Those people who meet with a measure of success in this effort are justly proud of their skill. Their methods, once radical and revolutionary departures from established customs, have become ••conservative"' merely through lapse of time and fa- miliarity. They are as radical as ever to many a farmer. When an effort is made to progress still further by taking out what is unnatural and uubusiness-like in their method and substituting therefor factors that are fully in accord with Nature and business wisdom we find those who object. They believe in progress up to the point where they have stopped, but we must go no further. A March- or April-halched pullel may normally come into full laying in the fall and meel our requirements in eggs when prices are high without detriment to her breeding qualities. Much, of course, depends upon the way she is handled. July-. August-, and September-hatched

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.273671

117560-38188238-0110

38188238

117560

0110

102 THE THAI' XBST TEXT BOOK Hooks have been written and much space used hi (he poultry press to show us how to cure the many diseases ot poultry. Those who desire to fix up a sick bird to sell to some novice -'to improve his flock" can get all the pointers he requires by asking for them. I do not believe that a bird that has once been seriously sick will ever again be of honest value to anyone. Xol only our own interests, but the interests of the public demand that sick birds be destroyed. Their individual value is too small to justify the expenditure of much time ornioney in doctoring them with any honorable end in view. Trap- nest evidence that would prove that a female that had been cured (?) of disease afterward gave a good egg record would be something new under the sun. Probably no one would knowingly buy a breeding male that had a history of sickness behind him. The fact that poultry diseases have been studied and treatments ex- ploited, indicates conditions in an industry that provides the public with a large share of its food that should be, in some greater degree than at present, under control of law. The study of poultry diseases is essential in order to learn the cause and best means for prevention, but we are fold that a bird that has once had the -'roup"" should never be used in the breeding pen and then we are given "a sure cure for the roup.'" Perhaps thai is one of the things that we should not know. "The great American hatchet"' is the best and the cheapest cure for "roup" and all the other diseases to which fowls are heir. PRACTICE vs. THEORY. IN PRACTICE. "Those love truth best who to themselves are true, And what they dare to dream of, dare to do." Practice against theory is a favorite caption with those who, through ignorance, prejudice or self-interest desire to assail attempts at progress. Mau) r very worthy people are not content with presenting the results of their practical efforts for our instruction, but als<?*insist that their notions of the fundamental causes that produced the results are correct ; although (he practical necessities of their work must necessarily and effectually prevent them from closely studying specific details, even if qualified to do so by nature. As the same results occur with people possessing different degrees of imagination and guessing ability a some- what mixed symposium results. The theoretical writer who endeavors to show to the thoughtful reader what lie believes to be the correct underlying principles upon which reliable knowledge must be reared is likely to be assailed from the farm, the practical poultry plant, the little venture of the novice, the editorial chair and the kitchen table. Admitting thai he is human.

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.275714

117560-38188274-0146

38188274

117560

0146

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.276648

117560-38188216-0088

38188216

117560

0088

SO THE TRAP NEST TEXT BOOK The bird that is raised on free range and comes to winter quarters in an overfat condition while its mates are in proper condition reveals a persistent tendency to fat production . The female in the laying pen that converts her food to fat while her mates are converting theirs to flesh or eggs reveals the persistent ten- dency to mal-assimilation of food. The breeder who early recognizes the truth and the dominating force of the law of persistence and maintains those persistent qualities that are desirable and discards those persistent qualities that are not desir- able will if he himself is persistent meet with success whatever be his aim . The propagation of species is governed and influenced by a multitude of factors some of which are clearly understood, some partially under- stood and others not understood. People of mature years know how often children "take back" to their grandparents; not only in appearance but in mental and physical traits. Sometimes they take back so far beyond the grandparents that nothing but family tradition or record can connect their characteristics with their ancestors. Some people do not believe in the influence of heredity. In the attempt to prove their theory they will cite cases where the law of heredity has apparently failed. One such attempt that I recently noted in a newspaper was amusing. A list of poets was given with the statement that the poetic gift had not been transmitted to the children. This was true. Quite a number of those given in the list were never married and several of those who were had no children. The children of others died young. AVith all such attempts to discredit one of the most powerful laws of nature the full facts relating to both sides of the union are either suppressed or are not known . What is true of the higher orders is also true with our domestic an- imals and birds. When traits that seem to be especially prominent, are not transmitted, it is because those, traits were not as persistent as we supposed, or they have been overpowered by more persistent traits that we failed to note. Pedigree breeding is the only correct founda- tion for a strain of superior merit in any direction. No man can tell by looking at a pair what the offspring will be. Standard points, prolificacy, health, vigor, and the power to transmit them are all governed by the principles herein outlined, and the truth of the maxim that "like begets like," will depend in a great measure upon our knowledge of each individual breeder, its ancestry and its previous offspring, if any.

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.277676

117560-38188241-0113

38188241

117560

0113

'I'll 10 IJI'tM'IlIN ()!•' l'KOI ITS 1 (.)."] thought of that before." It is pai i-nl <■< t . That end in view, probably caused tlio inventor to think of it. Thinking of a thing' is not invention. The thought is useless until it is given material form and is made avail- able for use. Money and printer's ink make it available. The, advertiser's money directly or indirectly originates and maintains public interest in nearly everything that tends toward industrial pro- gress. It would be useless for progressive people to recommend what cannot be found: yet they sometimes do. Xo useful invention, no im- proved method, no educational effort has ever been made of public benefit except by means of effort and expenditure, the greater part of which is often used in overcoming the resistance of the very people whom it is designed to benefit. That is why most new ventures are conducted for a considerable time at a loss. Absolute perfection is rarely attained in advance of commercial success. The innovator has first to struggle along until the people embrace the opportunity to test the new idea and arrive at as good an understanding of it as he" possesses when he in turn must learn from the people. All too often the people dictate before they investigate. Artificial incuba- tion was condemned before we had practical incubators. Methods are condemned before they have been adequately tested. We may be urged to conduct tests that would cost thousands of dollars with the assurance that, if they are successful the idea will be accepted — as a gift. The postal card that invites us to give away our property is much in evidence. It has one fault. It costs a cent. Common Practice will always be set against more modern practice, calling' it "theory" as a term of reproach until general familiarity "wears off the new/' and with it the "theory." Then philanthropic (?) capital buys or steals what it could not create, pays the "practical" objector his price, if he has one, and is promptly introduced as a public bene- factor. The history of industry for the last hundred years is replete with such precedents. CHAPTER XI. THE QUESTION OF PROFITS. Better the rudest work that tells a story or records a fact Than the richest without meaning. Ruskin. EVERY business has its own special features that are specifically different from the special features of every other business. To thoroughly master any business it is important that everything that is intiinatelv or remotely connected with it be closely studied. For this reason but few men ever master any business. The study of poultry and the study of the poultry business, therefore, may be conducted

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.279396

117560-38188246-0118

38188246

117560

0118

110 TUB THAI 1 XI5ST TEXT HOOK that will (In niori' harm than good; for the personal equation, which is the greatest factor of all, is unknown to us and may not lie at all adapt- (id to our favorite .system and theories. .Most of us have theories. To us they are facts, to others they are delusions. If 1 believed that (en per cent, of those who appear to be successful with poultry were as successful as they believe, or are willing' that others should believe, I might look at this a little differently. I have obtained a prolit from hens when profit was the last thing thought of. but there would have been no profit had I adopted the. pop- ular theories with which 1 am very familiar. A hen will eat a pound of food in from two to live days according to the hen and her productiveness. How much does our feed cost per pound? I low does it figure out for the year? Mow many eggs must she lay at market prices to pay for the food, interest on investment, and our time? Any answer to the latter question must be modified by local conditions, but it will probably figure out. about double the product of the average hen. There are, three general ways of converting what is generally a losing- proposition into an occasionally profitable one. First: keeping the. amount invested ill slock and equipment, and the cost of maintenance, down 1o the lowest possible figure and marketing what product there is as favorably as is consistent with the general plan of the business. The welfare of the stock or the interests of the con- sumer, ••sentiment," do not enter into such a proposition to a sufficient extent to occasion any outlay of money. A man with the faculty for making money without spending money often succeeds by this method. Such a man will sometimes provide his mongrel hens with a rotting pile of stable manure, renewed frequently, in which they revel in filth and sing contentedly. He boasts of his mongrel flock, their c<£ii yield, and the low cost of maintenance Much of the grain that the hens get is first passed through the other stock, so costs nothing. (?) He is welcome to his mongrel hen and her stinking flesh and egg'-. I want none of them. During eighteen years of city life I often found it difficult, at times, to get anything else in the line of poultry and eggs. Second: investing in a fairly good equipment, fairly good stock, and taking fairly good care of the stock; endeavoring to produce goods of a little belter quality than the average. For such goods a bright person can get a little better price, in time, than the average. He will have to work to gel it. People want Ihe best, but they are not particularly anxious to pay more for it. Sometimes they will call at the door for fresh eggs and complain because we charge "as much as (hey do at the store." Third: investing every obtainable dollar in such a way as to make it earn money. The more dollars the more money. ••Them as has, gits." The cosl of buildings, equipment, slock, feed, and labor is not con- sidered only to the extent that everything' shall count toward obtaining desired results. The aim is to produce the very best quality of salable goods, in Ihe greatest possible quantity for the size of Ihe plant and the money expended. The welfare of the slock and all who are concerned in ils maintenance is considered to be imporlanl as a means lo an end: as are also the interests of consumers who want good quality and will pav for it .

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.280975

117560-38188250-0122

38188250

117560

0122

114 TI1K TRAP NEST TEXT HOOK are to assume that, we must at the same time grant that poultry raising presents no better industrial opportunities tor the individual than the digging of ditches or the cutting of wood. Any literature, industrial or otherwise, that has any valid excuse for existing, other than the mere getting of money, should present things as they are without regard to what the ignorant or selfish reader imagines or desires them to he. Not only are the low-grade poultry papers misleading and harmful to what few "actual paid in advance subscribers'" they may have, but they are of little use to the honest advertiser of worthy goods. Either a trial with "keyed"' ads. or a careful study of their columns for a year or two will prove this to be so. The contributor whose knowledge of the equities of life is inadequate to dominate his or her crude notions of business or hens often finds space available in some papers that evidently have little use for a waste basket. The journal that works harder to get advertisers than subscribers is of no particular use to either advertisers or subscribers. The only mediums that can assist us to get knowledge, pleasure or profit from anything are those that furnish a quality of reading matter that is worth reading, even if they have to pay for it, and have a list of patrons that read what they have paid to get. The comparisons of breeds whieh we meet are often productive of much perplexity and misunderstanding. A has tried a few hens of several breeds and has decided what shall be "the best breed." 15 examines a few hens on his own account and gives expert evidence that he has found "the best breed." ( ' is hunting' for "the best breed'" among several millions of hens, no two of which are alike, and as long as he believes that the excessive- ly limited observations of A or B would shed the slightest ray of light upon the matter he is likely to keep on hunting to the end of the chapter. All poultry-qualities are not included in the requirements of the Standard of Perfection or discernible by the skilled eye of the judge. The practice of conflicting systems of breeding pure-blood fowls by people with all kinds of ideas and standards of merit, and the distribu- ..^,i. .i- rins blood all over the land indiscriminately, producing mixture upon mixture without guide or reason, should show anyone that there can be no uniformity of utility qualities in any breed, considered broad- ly as a breed. A man's chances of establishing a family of exceptional layers ought to be just as good, if not better, with the Asiatics or Americans as with the Mediterraneans, if he goes about it in the right way. It is probable that there is more .Mediterranean blood in the country than any other pure-blood, which would of itself be sufficient to account for any popular theory of supremacy in laying qualities that may obtain, even if no logical reason for (lie theory existed. Some breeds possess qualities as breeds that adapt them to conditions that would not be as favorable to other breeds. The same appears to be true of families or "strains" within breeds. The glowing tributes f<> Ibis, that , or the other br I of fowls that we commonly encounter are excessively general in character. "Thov are splendid layers." How much of a layer must a. hen, be to be a "splendid" layer? Tliirh-six eggs per spring-time-hatehing-seasoii,

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.282780

117560-38188240-0112

38188240

117560

0112

lll-t THE THAI" NEST TEXT HOOK It was invented i iv a man who knew practically nothing of railroad- ing' or mechanics, so the mechanics who did his work claimed. He was obliged to watch carefully every detail of construction, for the mechanics knew (?) tli at it would not run. Itdid run nevertheless and has contin- ued to run for several years. The originator of the greatest and most practical of our modern inventions is said not to he a "practical man" from the mechanic's stand- point. He is known in inventive circles as being eminently practical. Practical workmen usually lack creative imagination. Their minds become accustomed to certain set rules of action and they cannot imagine that the accustomed results of their gradually-acquired skill could possibly be obtained by better but unfamiliar methods. Sometimes they possess too much of that superior form of eg'otism often miscalled "modesty.*' If, as is commonly the case, the practical man is under the practical necessity of applying his whole attention to his regular work in order to get present results he has no time to think out new methods or devices and exhaustively test them to achieve success only after repeated failure. What is true in mechanics is true in every branch of human endeavor. We sometimes ridicule the '•dreamer" of to-day in words that are taken down and reproduced by the wonderful machines made possible by the dreamer of yesterday. We do not stop to think that he who opposes the initial effort retards future achievement. The novice poultry keeper is in little danger from real or imagined "science." If he dreams dreams it will be because nature made him a dreamer. His dreams may not cause him to send quite as much money to the "kickers" as they would like. We can go as far back as history can carry us and we will find Prac- tice opposed to Theory: the successful theory becomes practice only to oppose new theories, over and over in the line of progress. Practice does well to be cautious about accepting theories, and it in- variably is. Elementary effort is not practice in the practical sense and one of the greatest troubles in the poultry business is that it too often tries to be. A student of poultry keeping will wonder which ••practical" practice it is that he should model after; perhaps to find that correct practice is claimed to be that taught by the teacher who does not believe in the practice of the other teacher willi whom he is more or less in compe- tition. He may later learn that there is much chance for improvement in the practices of both. The most desired and most elushc end thai is sought by all practical ••dreamers" i> simplicity. When attained it is often laughed at. We never had a practical screw driver until recently, [t not only puts in Hie screw, almost anywhere', but will pull it out. When we first see il we can all say with Edison: '-Funny no one

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.284925

117560-38188247-0119

38188247

117560

0119

Till. Vl'lv-TlOX UK I'lIOl'ITs Ill Exceptionally good stock, well fed and well cared for, will produce a profitable yield of eggs, and :■ quality of meat and eggs that are fit for human consumption: which niucli of the stuff in every market is not. Every poultry paper or magazine that seeks to instruct its subscribers in the art of properly breeding and maintaining poultry is a public benefactor, and should be universally recognized as such. Different methods of keeping hens represent different individual qual- ities in poultry keepers ; for the man is always father to the method, (iet any method and a man that fits it together and financial success will follow. The misfits will fail every time. As different men tit different methods so do different liens. The trap nest points out those hen-, that tit the man and his methods. Some people buy, at a big price, poultrx appliances that cause much actual loss, and others that are of no practical use to them; yet other people may find those same appliances both useful and profitable. To wildly endorse, without good reason, every new idea, or to as wildly condemn it are essentially the same thing as far as the novice is concerned. One is as likely to mislead him as the oilier. I believe in cleanliness, comfort, convenience, and all improved methods and appliances in so far as any individual can make them of profitable or pleasurable use. All such, when they are worthy, should be generally recommended without regard to the amount of spare that their promoters are able to buy in the advertising column*. F am looking for poultry food of good quality, yet the Chemist-Writer who examines such foods and writes about them in a poultry paper can- not mention a good one by name --for it would be improper.*' What folly! One would think that the man or firm who sells goods was a criminal who must be confined to the advertising columns for life and only allowed in sight of the public when he pays for the privelegc. Then he can rob them ad libitum if he like*. We should not expect editors to discriminate between different arti- cles that are worthy but when a contributor finds that one firm's meat scraps are good he should be free to say so for the benefit of the one reader in a thousand that may want to know. Let some spiteful individual find fault with some specific article that is not advertised "overjts head" and he will be accorded a hearing in some mediums, benefiting no one and perhaps injuring many. The more diplomatic his language the more easily it will pass, and the more harm it will do. When a man produces a strain of fowls, an individual bird, a food, a condition powder, a louse destroyer, an appliance, or conceives an idea, that is superior or useful he is in a position to benefit his fellows and we should, on general principles, credit him with honest aims until we find otherwise. It is quite rare that criticism does not diminish in proportion as the size of the ad., or the amount of personal favor that the advertiser en- joys, increases. This is almost universally recognized among our people to such an extent that honest endorsements and valuable and instructive --write ups" are condemned at sight by a large proportion of readers. The average subscriber to a poultry journal may lie a child in poultry raising but he i.» not a child in other respects. One journal promises us all that we ought to know? Whal is it that we ought not to know:-' Whv should we not know it?

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.286604

117560-38188265-0137

38188265

117560

0137

TAHI.K l)F I'ONTKXTS 129 CHAPTER VIII. Is it Advisable or Necessary to Force Egg Production . 71 Forcing Hens for Egg Production . • • • 73 Egg Production during Molt . 73 The "Rooster" and the Trap Nest 76 Egg-eating Hens . . . .77 CHAPTER IX. Nature's Secret Revealed to the Breeder . 78 Single vs. Multiple Mating . . .... 81 The Fallacy of the So-called Law of Sex . . . .82 The Fallacy of the "Egg-type" theory . . 83 Individual Merit from the Standpoint of a Buyer . 84 A Prophecy . 88 CHAPTER X. The Unreliability of the Common Method of Reckoning Averages Illustrated . 91 Foods and Feeding 92 Early Maturity . . 94 Meat or Eggs, Which? . . . 98 The Exceptional Hen . . . 100 Treatment of Sick Hens : 101 Practice vs. Theory . .... 102 CHAPTER XI. The Question of Profits . 105 CHAPTER XII. Something about Patents . . 115 Conclusion ... • .118

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.287958

117560-38188271-0143

38188271

117560

0143

biodiversity-heritage-library

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NUMBEB OF NESTS REQUIBED 19 Sand or dirt may be used in this passage but not nest material as that would tempt some of the bens to lay outside of the nests. A space wide enough to .admit the hens to the passage, should be left at the center or any preferred place in the row. If the nests are used back to the wall they should be so placed that the hens cannot get behind them. When one nest is to be placed on top of another, a board should be fastened to the top of the under box, projecting about 6 inches in front to permit the hen to reach the upper nest;, cleats may be nailed to the board to prevent the nest from being pushed off by the hens. If such a board be fastened to the bottom of the box, the nest may be hung on the wall at any convenient height, provided it has the hinged front, or a door in the side. The Ideal nests may be made in banks or groups, "one box for each pen," if you wish, but most poultry keepers, I think, prefer to have their nests single and separate. I also prefer to make them with a bottom but it is not necessary. A hen will often select one nest in which she will lay day after day, sometimes waiting a considerable length of time for it to be vacated. Taking advantage of this habit, I frequently "break them up" when broody simply by locking them out of their favorite nest and they will often begin laying again in a short time. While this will not be suc- cessful in every case it is well worth trying, for the brooding habit can be controlled to a considerable extent by the judicious use of the Ideal. The constant handling of the laying hens and the frequent collections of their eggs has a tendency to keep them laying and overcome the in- clination to sit. The trap nest has exploded the theory that a hen will only lay a certain number of eggs and then "go broody." The tiny eggs that have been commonly supposed to indicate the "end of the litter" may be laid at any time by hens that are out of condition. When sitting hens are wanted they should be left on the nests as long as they will stay voluntarily, when they want to get out they should be released; do not try to force them to sit. Their eggs should be marked and dated and returned to them. When a hen begins to cluck, or has remained on the nest quietly for a day and a night, she may be removed to the hatching room, even if she has not stopped laying. Here seclusion and quiet, plenty of whole corn, grit and water and a few nest eggs will generally bring about the desired result. NUMBER OF NESTS REQUIRED. It is impossible to state the exact number of nests required, in every case, as that depends upon the number of eggs laid daily and the fre- quency of collections. There should be enough nests so that they will not all be occupied at one time. When a ben wants to lay she should

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.289707

117560-38188157-0029

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ti-ik location i\ woman, or child, that much time and trouble will be saved by install- ing nests enough to properly care for the egg yield. I have no doubt that I lose sales by emphasizing- this point. I know that some go to greater expense lor a less number of some other make of nests that oc- cupy more room and then spend more time attending to them than my customers will find necessary. I think it better to be right, however, sales or no sales. THE LOCATION OF THE TRAP NESTS IN THE POULTRY HOUSE. That the somewhat limited space under the roosting platforms is a convenient and desirable place for. a portion of the trap nests, or even for all of them in some houses, I will allow, but to my mind there are several very important reasons why this location should not be selected as the best, or to the exclusion of all others, in the great majority of poultry houses. First it is perhaps unnecessary to say that many poultry houses are not provided with droppings-boards, and that in many more that are, there is not sufficient room beneath them for the necessary number of trap nests ; hence some other location must be considered for at least a part of them. Individuality is a strong characteristic of some fowls, as well as some men, and wliile it is possible to train them to do as we wish in many things, it is equally impossible to teach all of them to do our bidding. To succeed in coaxing every laying member of a flock of hens to deposit her eggs in just such a nest, placed in just such a spot as we have decided to be the correct one, will be no light task unless the flock be very small, and not always then. I once had a hen that re- fused to lay in any of the open nests placed on the floor of the pen. Her egg was always found on the floor, (we were able to distinguish it from the others, for the hens were mongrels and her egg was unlike the rest) , but a nest box having been placed on top of a barrel she at once adopted it as hers and laid in it right along. When the box was again placed on the floor this hen laid on top of the barrel. It is this trait in some members of the flock that will account, in some cases, for the eggs that are laid outside of the trap nests. Wlule it may be possible to teach 'the hens to use the nests by being constantly on hand, and when one is found sitting on the floor placing her in a nest, I have found it to be much easier to so place the nests in the house that the cranky members of the flock should find one suited to their peculiar notions. The fact that out of 1,368 eggs laid by one pen of mixed hens and pullets, none were found outside the trap nests, may perhaps give some color to what many might call a theory. In this pen

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2023-12-23T15:39:03.291158

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CHAPTER III. The best style of nest to use. One or two compartments; which? The two-compartment Ideal. The care of the nests. Collecting eggs. Record Keeping. Using the nests open. Separating the layers from the non-layers. Brief Pointers. THE BEST STYLE OF NEST TO USE. IN THE majority of cases the style shown in figure 5 of the plan- sheet — the one with the hinged front — will be the most satisfac- tory. This style is to be used facing the attendant and the light. It can be used under the droppings-boards, on a shelf, on an unlittered floor, or, by nailing aboard on the bottom, projecting 8 inches in front, it may be hung on the wall. This hinged-front style is the one pre- ferred by Mr. M. K. Boyer, and it was largely due to his criticisms of the other styles that I was led to make a most thorough test of this one that justifies me in recommending it us the best in most cases. Very nervous hens will not be as contented in them as they will in a box facing the wall and having a solid back, but careful handling will soon tame such birds sufficiently. The styles shown by figures 2, '.) and f> are best adapted for use on a littered floor, facing the wall and about one foot from it. The litter will not interfere with the operation of the trap. The style shown in figure 2 is the most economical to prepare as no hinges are needed, but it is more difficult to handle the hen, and, if nervous, she is likely to get away from the attendant. The style shown by tig. 3 has the advantage that the rear door being hinged at the bottom drops down and deep litter in the pen will not interfere with its being opened. The style shown in tig. (3 is the best one of these three styles. It will not lie much trouble to clear away what litter may pile up against the back and when the door is opened the hen is nut so likely to leap upward toward Ihe light that, with Hie drop-down door, is first ad- mitted from the lop when the door is being opened. Having described these several styles and given my opinion of their comparative merits, thai may or may not agree with others, I recom- mend that, after reading the directions regarding the location of the nests in the pen, the style or styles of nests that are desired lie selected and enough boxes be obtained to lit up at least one pen completely. Prepare, all of these boxes for the application of the attachments. Then make, or have made, enough attachments to lit up allot the boxes. Then bang and adjust the attachments, following the directions

biodiversity-heritage-library

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ISUKAKINH lSI:iil)I>v IIKNs .j.) water, and freedom from lice, will generally product' sufficient broodiness for iill requirement-. To prevent broodines.-. a course in some respects opposite to 1 lie other is indicated. The bird.- should l>e well fed and kept comfortable, but they musi be compelled lo exercise ami their eggs should be collected as soon as convenient after they are laid. No nest eggs should be allowed in the pen. Keep the birds moving. Kven under these conditions hens with strong hereditary brooding tendencies in their make-up are likely to become more or less broody occasionally. It then sometimes suits our purpose to ''break them up.'' BREAKING BROODY HENS. The spirit in which untimely broodiness is commonly approached by the ignorant and thoughtless is thus humorously described in verse by Mr, Hotmail Day: "When a hen is bound to set, seems as though 'taint etiket Dowsin' her iu water till she's connected with a chill. Seems as though 'twas scarcely right, Givin' her a dreadful fright, Tying' rags around her tail, poundin' on an old tin pail, Chasin' her around the yard. Seems as though it was kind of hard Bein' kicked and slammed and shoo'ed 'cause she wants to raise a brood; I sh'd say it's gettin' gay, just 'cause Natur wants its way. 'While' ago my neighbor, Penn, started bustin' up a hen; Went to yank her off the nest, hen, though, made a 'peck' and jest Grabbed his thumb-nail good and stout, (like to yank the darn thing out.) Penn he twitched away and then tried again to grab that hen; But, by ginger, she had spunk, 'cause she took and snipped a chunk Big as a bean right out his palm, swallered it, and cool and calm Hi'sted up and yelled, "Cah-cah" — Sounded like she said "Hoo-rah!" Well, sir, when that hen did that, Penn he bowed, took off his hat — Spunk just suits him, you can bet. "Set," says he, "goll darn ye, set." Along with other senseless methods the irrational anil cruel expedients for breaking broody hens are passing. Broodiness is a mental as well as a physical condition — rather more mental than physical. (L mav be criticized for assuming (hat a hen has a mind, but 1 believe that we can understand and handle her better from such a standpoint even if it does require sonic imagination.) When the bird begins to remain for longer and longer periods upon the nest her physical condition will naturally begin to change. Less exercise being taken, more fat may be stored for use during her long confinement. The fat does not cause the broody condition, but the broody condition tends to promote the formation of fat. It is often claimed that broody hens are generally fat hens, but nine-tenths of mv most persistent sitters have been thinner than the proverbial rail.

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f,9 THE TRAP XKST TEXT BOOK We are also taught by tlie.se things to be cautious about forming opinions from slight evidence. We are taught that it is well to have all the trap nests in the pen accurate nests. We are taught that when the nests are grouped together and all look alike the hens are not so likely to become so attached to one not that they will lay outside of it if it is occupied. We are taught that the entrance to the nest should be so high above the floor that a hen inside cannot pull in an e>yji that might happen to lie laid on the outside. We are taught that broody hens should be removed from the pen, or broken up. as soon as they cease laying. We are reminded that appearances are deceitful and that it is very easv to be mistaken. The importance of installing nests enough to take care of the daily egg yield with such a system of attention as we are able, or care to give them, is also shown. CHAPTER VI. FERTILITY. Fertility. Foundation principles underlying fertility. Conditions necessary for good fertility. Causes of infertility. A big hatch. How soon after mating will fertility become established, and how long will fertility continue after mating has ceased? The question answered. Causes of failure with incubators. THE all-important question of fertility, as it applies to the breeding of poultry, can best be studied from the available facts relating to the union of the sexes in the higher orders of animal life because those higher forms have been more closely studied by competent people, and a more serious and general interest has brought out the facts. Nature is very lavish in her provisions for the reproduction of any specie*. The female is supplied with a far greater number of eggs than will ever become fei'lili/.ed and developed into counterparts of the parents. The male can and does supply a much greater number of fer- tilizing agents than can possibly be utilized by tin" female's eggs. A short period of service by :■ male bird might, if conditions within the female permitted, fertilize every egg that she could ever lay. Those fiivoralil mditions do not, hovM'ver, exist. To my mind the leading causes for infertility ill the poultry yard are excessive service, imperfect union, and no union at all. Lack of vigor having an effect onlv as be- ing contributory to these causes.

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.296784

117560-38188221-0093

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0093

(N'DIVIIlflAI, MISHIT I'llflM THK ST.IS Dl'OINT Of \ JSIVKK S."i A world-famous poultryman and editor once lolrl a eurrcspondenl that '-a bird is worth all thai you run get tor it." It would be pretty hard to make a novice, whose judgment of quality is practically value- less, believe that statement if he were buying a bird. Ft might seem all right if be were selling- one. There often exists a double barrier between buyers and sellers that cannot be leveled. We have the ignorance and the cupidity of many buyers and the cupidity and the ignorance of some sellers as a perma- nent bar to satisfactory transactions. The determining of the equable cash value of a bird depends upon the individual merit of each party to the transfer as well as that of the specimen sold. In looking at this question from the view point of a buyer possessing average intelligence and fairmindedness we have to consider facts as they really are, or as they appear to us. It is not the duty of the poultry press or of the writer to encourage the idea that every novice is legitimately "a soft mark'' for the adver- tiser, while it should be the duty of every friend of the business to combat the all-too-prevalent notion that nearly all advertisers consider him so. The American Poultry Association and the Specialty Clubs in for- mulating standards for the different breeds have presumably done so for the guidance of the breeder. The buyer who demands their impos- sible ideal for a rummage-sale price of ¥1.9!) is demanding too much, but he is entitled to a dollar's worth of value for every dollar that he invests in a bird. It is doubtful if the good reputation of a breeder has any honest cash value to the average beginner, but the blood that gave the breeder his reputation may. There is little doubt that this value is sometimes in- flated. It is my candid belief that some breeders of established reputa- tion send too few birds to market. A case in mind is one where $20.00 was the price paid for a bird (at once returned) that in the opinion of the fairly well informed buyer was worth seven cents per pound. Utility has for years been a catchword that has truly covered a mul- titude of sins, or has attempted to cover them. If a farmer or a market poultry raiser chooses to utterly disregard the general standard require- ments — the distinguishing characteristics — of a breed in his efforts to maintain or improve utility qualities he has a perfect right to do so. If such a person can make sales to parties who come to his place and see his stock he has a perfect right to do so. But when he places his ad. in a poultry paper he is offering his stock, "sight unseen," to those who are more or less educated along Standard lines and expect pure-blood stock possessing characteristics, visible to the eye, that prove the gen-

biodiversity-heritage-library

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<o\{;lisiox 119 egg standpoint, under conditions that to muuy people would .-win to be very unfavorable. The flock of common-place layers, — hens whose egg producing ten- dencies are no stronger than other tendencies that interrupt or interfere with egg production may be coaxed to lay — by careful housing, feeding and care -well enough to pay a good profit when a considerable part of the eggs are sold for hatching, and stock is sold for breeding. When the flock of exceptionally strong layers can be given exception- ally good care there may be an exceptionally large egg yield. The profits would, as in all other cases, depend upon the factors outlined under the heading "The Question of Profits" in this book. Such books as "1'oiltuy Craft," ''Winter Eggs and How to Get Them," "All About J.roilers," and some others, treat of tech- nical work with poultry from the standpointof practical workers. These books do not contain all that there is to know about poultry maintenance or breeding; for the reason that no one individual or combination of individuals have yet learned all that there is to know about poultry. The authorship of the books that I have mentioned is an absolute guarantee that they contain valuable and practical information. Our poultry papers and magazines periodically bring to the reader both old and new facts, old and new theories, current poultry news and gossip, and a general symposium of the good, bad and indifferent methods and ideas of a large number of writers, and an occasional mimic. Some of these writers are similar to the politicians whom Thomas B. Reed described in the mot: "Every time they open their mouths they subtract from the sum of human knowledge." We are, of course, all aware of the truth contained in the statement of Bulwer: "He that fancies himself very enlightened, because he sees the deficiencies of .others, may be very ignorant, because he has not studied his own.'' The poultry keeper who is searching for truth will be sorely perplexed by the mixture of conflicting testimony that will confront him which- ever way he turns. He -hould not be deceived by the personality of the writer or speaker. Some of the most harmful and serious errors being promulgated to-day are fostered by people who have some handle or other to their name, or a skill in the use of language and the f urther- ance of their own personal interests that gives them the appearance of wisdom and sincerity. Some of the strongest poultry-fact- are presented in our periodicals by people of humble station whose work is rude but helpful. On the other hand those people, high or low, who are ignorant of the moral ethics of business and life, or for personal reasons choose to ignore them, are continually fostering wrong ideas in the minds of the people. The person who needs or wants anything about which he has no special knowledge is between the devil who wants his money and the deep sea of going without what he needs or wants. He should be will- ing to buy what he wants. He should not expect his favorite paper or magazine to furnish it at the expense of those who are, or may be, able to supply him through a regular commercial transaction, llie journal already gives the subscriber much more than lie, or it, pays for. - What he desires generally exists and can be easily obtained at a price that in- formed people know to be a just price, — but where? He does not know, and those who do know generally will not, and

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( oNci.rsiox 121 minded people who could not understand the truth even it' it came to them through the mail. The majority of poultry keepers who arc looking for instruction are bright, intelligent people and have wit enough and education enough 'o understand anything that seriously interests Iheni, if it be presented fairly without circumlocution and evasion. There is nothing anymore mysterious about a hen and her performance than there is about any other members of the animal kingdom and their functions. The air of mystery has been maintained because it paid, and because the hen has not been generally studied as an individual. We cannot keep poultry or engage in any business or pursuit in- telligently unless we start right. Our thinking and our work must be founded upon the bed rock of fact, not the shifting 1 sands of superstition, popular misinformation and commercial humbug. Any degree of merit in our fowls begins with the egg. Just as worthless a chick (to us) can emanate from a fifty-cent egg as from a one-cent egg. Vet it pays to get high priced eggs when we know just what we want, and have reason to believe that our chances for getting some of it are contained in those particular eggs. If the mysterious principle that determines future excellence in any direction is not present in the vitalized germ of the egg that is to produce the chick no method of feeding or care ever devised will cause the resultant life to be of genuine value. No matter how good the breeding may be it will all come to naught unless the chick is enabled to grow and develop sufficiently well to prove its breeding 1 . At this point we rind one of the greatest bugaboos of the whole busi- ness. Being bred right the chick must be hatched right and provided with suitable food and care. Allot these factors combined determine the extent of future excellence: no single one can be credited with all of the success and not always with failure. Vet how common it is to select a single element upon which to bestow the whole credit or blame, as the case may come out. Usually that which we purchased is con- demned when results are bad, and that which we ourselves provide is held blameless. To my way of looking at things many much-jecominended methods of .. poultry maintenance have evolved from a general attempt to get good results from ill-begotten, or poorly-hatched or -grown stock. Too many hens give grand results in egg production under conditions that many suppose to be wholly bad, for this point to be ignored. While it is apparently true that egg production is often controlled by agencies that are not yet fully understood, it also seems to be true that a hen with a bred-in-the-bone egg producing tendency will give a more profit- able egg yield under ordinary conditions of maintenance than the ordinary "laver caii possibly do under the most approved scientific methods. What are we to say of the pullets hatched in June and not removed from their out-door brooders until November: crowded, always in the way, forty of them wintered in a shed 11x12 and roosting room 11x6, some of them laving over 2n;t e^ii^ each before they were eighteen months old? We know that this is a bad and a risky way to raise chickens, but we also know that these chicks were well hatched from eggs laid by healthy, vigorous hens with a known, individual, persistent- laving habit, at a time favorable for strong prepotent fertility. That is

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128 TA11U5 OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. I'AliE Instructions for Making and Using The Ideal Trap Nest 12-40 The Ideal Trap Nest . 12 Ventilation . . .14 To Make the Attachment . 14 To put on the Attachment 15 To Operate 17 CHAPTER II. First Experiences 18 Number of Nests Required 19 The Location of the Nests in the Poultry House 21 The Best Location 22 Eggs Laid Outside the Nests . 24 CHAPTER III. The Best Style of Nest to Use ... 28 One or Two Compartments; Which? . . 30 The Care of the Nests . .31 Collecting Eggs .. . . 32 Record Keeping . . . 35 Using the Nests Open . . 38 Brief Pointers . . ... 39 CHAPTER IV. Trap Nests vs. Observation . . 41 Culling for profit . ... .44 CHAPTER V. Controlling the Brooding Habit . 53 Breaking Broody Hens 55 Is Broodiness Opposed to Profitable Egg Production ? . 57 Can a Hen Lay Two Eggs in one Day? .... .59 CHAPTER VI. Fertility . . .62 How Soon after Mating will Fertility become Established, and How- Long will Fertility Continue after Mating has Ceased? The Question Answered . . . . . 65 Causes of Failure with Incubators 66 CHAPTER VII. The Brown Egg. Origin of the Brown Egg Fad . 67 What the Trap Nest Says . . 68 Size of the Egg ..... ...... 70 Explanation of the Terms "Litter" and "Clutch" . . . .71

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.304211

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6 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION ers' short courses, movable schools, for special subject mat- ter instruction to teachers, agricultural and home demon- stration agents, and for any other courses or purpose where a general understanding of the subject is desired rather than speciahzation. As ocular impression is an important educative factor, the various phases of poultry production have been elabo- rately illustrated. Under "Breeds and Varieties," for ex- ample, photographs are shown of the more popular breeds of each of the more important classes, so that the reader may have a graphic and complete idea of the appearance of the fowls, their class, and their economic usefulness. In hke manner other phases of poultry keeping are illus- trated and discussed. Acknowledgment and appreciation are hereby extended the following men of the Animal Husbandry Division, Bureau of Animal Industry, U. S. Department of Agricul- ture, who through their helpful suggestions have aided in furthering this work: Alfred R. Lee, Rob R. Slocum, D. Lincoln Orr, D. M. Green, George W. Hackett and Jos. P. Quinn. The authors further desire to acknowledge their appreci- ation to the officials of the U. S. Department of Agriculture for permission to publish this book. Credit is hereby given the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the illustra- tions contained herein, the use of which makes possible a clearer understanding of the fundamentals of poultry culture. That a better understanding of the subject may be ob- tained, thereby affording the industry a continued and sub- stantial growth in more efficient ways, is the desire and hope of the authors. Harry M. Lamon Jos. Wm. Kinghorne Washington, D. C.

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20 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION gate production during the year is great and of considerable value. In the main such flocks are kept for the production of eggs and an occasional fowl for home consumption. This phase of poultry production has developed as the result of its great economic value, for not only are fresh eggs avail- able for home use, but in the production of such eggs much of the otherwise wasted table scraps can be utilized, when supplemented with suitable poultry feeds. The poultry breeder. The growth and development of each of these three important branches of poultry keeping, that is, farm poultry, commercial poultry plants, and back- yard flocks, have been made possible to a great extent by the persistent and untiring efforts of still another factor of the industry, namely, the poultry breeder.. This class, while small as compared with those engaged in the other three branches, has been responsible for our present-day Figure 8. — An intensive poultry breeding plant. standard-bred poultry, which is the foundation of the indus- try. In this phase of '":v.^_try keeping the principal source of revenue is derived from the sale of breeding stock and eggs for hatching. QUESTIONS 1. What was the total value of poultry and eggs produced in the United States iu 1910?

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THE POULTRY INDUSTRY 21 2. How does the value of poultry production correspond accord- ing to the last census to oats, hay, vegetables, tobacco, orchard fruits, seeds, and wool? 3. To what was the domestication of fowls first attributed? 4. What factors have been largely responsible for the develop- ment of poultry keeping? 5. To what extent has the keeping of fowls on the farm developed? 6. Name three sections noted for exclusive commercial poultry farms? 7. Of what economic importance are back-yard poultry flocks? 8. Name the four principal branches of poultry keeping. 9. To what extent is the poultry breeder responsible for the development of the industry? 10. After carefully looking at the map on page 12, name ten of the most important poultry states in the Union. SUGGESTIONS 1. As compared with other important agricultural products what is the extent of poultry production in your state? In your county? In your community? 2. From your own knowledge and observations, estimate the relative extent of farm poultry production as compared with that of commercial poultry plants in your state, county, and community. 3. If the production of poultry and eggs on general farms is in excess of that produced on commercial plants, what in your opinion is the reason? 4. To what extent are back-yard flocks kept in your town or city? Keep this question in mind for a week or so. Then, are there more back-yard flocks in your community than you at first supposed? If not, what seems to be the reason? 5. Endeavor to get the names and addresses of at least six men or women or both in your community who are poultry breeders. What breeds and varieties of poultry do they raise? If you do not already know these poultry breeders, get acquainted. They can be of assist- ance to you and will no doubt prove to be desirable acquaintances. 6. Could you through your own efforts or with the help, of some- one in your community organize a poultry club? Think the matter over and discuss it with your friends. For information on the organiza- tion of a poultry club see Chapter XVII. REFERENCES Principles and Practice of Poultry Culture, by John H. Robinson. Poultry Production, by W. A. Lippincott. Illustrated Poultry Primer, U. S. Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletin 1040, by Harry M. Lamon and Jos. Wm. Kinghome. Hints to Poultry Raisers, U. S. Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletin 528, by Harry M. Lamon. Poultry Management, U. S. Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletin 287, by Geo. A. Bell.

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L.Zy ^m lock Hate (College of Agncultutc At ajorneU UmaerBxtB ICthratg

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THE POULTRY INDUSTRY 13 fact that back-yard flocks were not included in the 1910 census, it has been estimated that the poultry industry to-day totals a biUion dollars annually. As a measure of the importance of the poultry industry in the United States we find that, according to the 1910 cen- sus, it ranks seventh among the leading farm crops. The total value of poultry products is greater than the value of oats, is Hkewise greater than the combined value of timothy, clover, and alfalfa hay crop, as great as the combined value of all vegetables including potatoes, and greater than the om£:B CffOP;}'- TOBiiCCO poi^rffy ^ -COTTO/y Figure 2. — Diagram showing relative value of poultry products sold as com- pared with other important farm crops. combined values of orchard fruits, tobacco, seeds, and wool. Extent. It is interesting to note in this connection that the leading agricultural states in the United States are also the largest poultry producing states, and, to pursue this subject still further, it appears that the leading agricultural counties in these states are Hkewise the leading poultry pro- ducing counties. From this fact it can be seen that general agricultural development and prosperity go hand in hand with poultry development.

biodiversity-heritage-library

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30 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION THE EGG CLASS The breeds of the Egg class, or, as they are frequently called, the Mediterranean and Continental classes, are of European origin. The outstanding characteristic of this class of fowls is their abihty to produce white-shelled eggs economically. This fact has been largely responsible for their adoption on commer- cial poultry plants where eggs are produced for sale in markets preferring white- shelled eggs. With the ex- ception of the Minorca the breeds included in this group are smaller in size than the general - purpose breeds, and, therefore, ma- ture more quickly. They are very active and pos- sessed of a decidedly nerv- ous temperament. Several breeds of this class have been bred for increased egg production, so that at the present time we find individual fowls of this class producing 200 or more eggs a year. Being small in size detracts from their value as table fowls, although cockerels of these breeds are fre- quently sold as broilers. Another characteristic common to the egg breeds is the fact that they are classed as non-sitters. That is, as a rule they do not become broody or hatch their eggs. When fowls of this class are kept, artificial incuba- tion and brooding are usually employed. Among the better known breeds of this class are the Leghorn, Ancona, Minorca, Blue Andalusian, and Campine. The Leghorn. This breed, which originated in Italy, is made up of the following standard varieties : Single Comb Figure 20. — White Orpington female.

biodiversity-heritage-library

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34 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION are easily confined, rather slow to mature, and lay large brown-shelled eggs. One of the most noticeable character- istics of each of these breeds, with the exception of the Cornish, is their feathered shanks. While persistent and dependable sitters, they are not as good mothers as the gen- eral-purpose breeds on account of their being more clumsy. All the breeds in this class have a yellow skin with the excep- tion of the Langshan which has white skin. The large size of the breeds in this class makes them especially suitable for the production of large roasters in localities where suitable markets exist. The Langshan. There are two varieties of this breed, the Black and White, the form- er being more generally raised. The Langshan is a tall, upright fowl, large in body but not so massive in appearance as the Brahma or Cochin. While classed with the meat breeds many poultrymen are getting good egg yields from the Langshan, the standard weights of which are: cock 93^2 lbs., hen 73^ lbs., cockerel 8 lbs., pullet 614 lbs. The Brahma. The two varieties of the Brahma are the Light and Dark, the Light variety being the largest of our domestic fowls. The Brahma is sometimes kept on farms, as a general-purpose fowl and is a fair egg producer. As will be noted, the Light Brahma is heavier than the Dark variety. The standard weights of the former are: cock 12 lbs., hen 9^ lbs., cockerel 10 lbs., pullet 8 lbs. The weights for the Dark variety are: cock 11 lbs., hen 83^^ lbs., cockerel 9 lbs., pullet 7 lbs. Figure 24. — Single Comb Ancona female.

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BREEDING 51 preference to securing all standard-bred stock, and, while such grading up is a slow process in order to secure improved stock, it is decidedly more desirable than the practice of retaining a mongrel male as a breeder. NOMENCLATURE OF THE FOWL Before outlining the factors embracing the breeding of poultry it will be neces- sary to understand the lo- cation and position of the various parts of the fowl, as reference will be made to such parts in the dis- cussion that follows. The breed represented in Figure 54, is that of theLangshan and is shown so that the location of the feathers on the shank may be indicated as well as the name and location of other body parts. It will be recalled that this feathering of the shanks is pi^^^ 53,_a mongrel male win produce a characteristic that is "" '"-p"'^''''^^"* '" i-^^'ity- found only on several of the meat breeds, the French and Ornamental breeds, and some of the Bantams. With this exception and those mentioned below the same body parts apply to all breeds and varieties of poultry. The several types of combs as found in both male and female of the various breeds are clearly represented in Figure 55 and Figure 56. Supplementary to the head of the crested fowl as shown in No. 7, Figure 55, a better idea can be obtained in Figure 57 as to the pecuhar make-up of the head parts of the

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NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 81 have it so arranged as not to subject it to any great varia- tions in temperature and so that it will be well ventilated with fresh pure air. Muslin screens placed in the window frames provide good ventilation without draft and at the same time keep the sun from shining on the machines. Good results are secured in an incubator cellar as well as in incubator rooms which are entirely above the ground level. An incubator cellar, however, is more commonly used and usually better hatches can be secured. Incubators may be operated in buildings with single walls, especially in sections which have a mild climate. A building with a wall that is well insulated, however, is preferable. OPERATION OF THE INCUBATOR Before beginning the ac- tual operation of an incuba- tor, attention should be directed to a thorough under- standing of two very impor- tant parts of the machine, namely, the thermostat and the thermometer. The thermostat. The part of the incubator which con- trols the regulation of the heat is called the thermostat. This instrument acts on the principle of expansion and con- traction caused by changes in temperature. It is fastened in the egg chamber and connected by a rod to a bar. This bar extends across the incubator to the lamp and has suspended from its other end a metal disk which covers the opening over the heater. As the temperature of the incubator increases the thermostat expands, which by means of the connecting rod raises the disk over the lamp and re- Figure 81, — A hot-air incubator showing the bar on the top of the machine that is controlled by the thermostat

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98 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Figure 99. — Do not allow the mother hen to range with the chicks. more rapid growth, as the chicks do not have so much forced exercise. In most broods there are sometimes one or two chicks that are not as strong as the others, so that, when the hen is confined, the weaker chicks can always find shelter and warmth under her and in a few days may develop into strong healthy chicks. Even when the mother hen is confined, the chickens frequently have to be caught and put into their coops during sudden storms, as they are apt to huddle in some place out of the way where they are hable to become chilled or drowned. Hens are usually left with the young chicks as long as they will brood them, which time is usually about 10 or 12 weeks. ARTIFICIAL BROODING Artificial brooding of chicks consists in sup- plying artificially the heat that is furnished by the hen under natural conditions. As mention- ed in the previous chap- ter, the temperature of i\\c Jipn ia aKr>ii+ 1 f)fi° P Figure 100. — Confine the mother hen to the tne nen is aOOUt lUO i* ., brood coop until the chicks are weaned.

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CARE OF QBOWING STOCK 115 on range, such feed as sprouted oats, cut clover, alfalfa, mangel beets or cabbage should be fed daily. Water. The importance of clean fresh water can not be overestimated. In very hot weather, fresh water should be furnished twice daily. Whenever possible the pan of water should be placed in the shade to keep cool. The water pan should be cleaned each day before fresh water is added. CARE OF GROWING STOCK Housing. Growing chicks should be provided with a house that will give them a place to stay in bad weather and Figure 113. — Growing colony house built from the aboye plana. The wire run- way is removed after 5 or 6 days when the chicks learn where to return when given free range. at nights. No definite style of house is recommended, but one should be built that will provide the chicks with ample ventilation without draughts, dryness, plenty of sunshine, and so arranged that it can be easily and frequently cleaned. The lumber from piano and dry-goods boxes can often be used in building such a house, and, when covered with ordi- nary roofing paper so as to keep out the rain, will make desir- able quarters. It is recommended that such houses be

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132 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION LOCATION AND CONSTRUC- TION OF HOUSE Location. The ideal lo- cation for a poultry house is on a gradual slope facing the south or southeast, so that there will be a natural drainage away from the building. As a matter of fact, however, fowls can be raised successfully on any well-drained soil. A dry porous soil such as a sand or gravelly loam is prefer- able to a clay soil, as the former drains more rapidly and can be kept in a more sanitary condition. Time to build. The most desirable time to build the poultry house is during the spring or early summer. When the house is constructed of new lumber, suffi- cient time will elapse before cool weather to allow Figure 126, — A small open front house suitable for a small flock in the suburbs or on the farm. This house has a wooden floor and is built on posts. In rainy weather the open- ing beneath the house provides additional scratching space for the hens. Figure 127. — A complete open front house suitable for the South where the winters are mild.

biodiversity-heritage-library

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POULTRY HOUSES AND APPLIANCES 145 Figure 143. — Floor plan and front elevation of a continuous house as shown in Figure 124. Each pen of this house is 18 x 18 feet square, having a capacity of 80 to 100 hens.

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POULTRY HOUSES AND APPLIANCES 149 Figure 149. — Trap nests arranged under the dropping board and showing the hen about to enter an open nest. Hens have already entered the nests that are closed. 4 inch strip at the bottom of the entrance to keep in the nest material. Provide one nest for every 4 to 5 hens. When the nests are placed under the dropping board, the opening should be from the rear, as hens prefer a dark place in which to lay. A door in the front of the nest should be provided to enable the attendant to collect the eggs and clean the nests. (See Figure 147.) Trap nests. A trap nest is so arranged that after a hen enters it she is con- fined until released by the attendant. Such nests are essential in any careful sys- tematic breeding work such as pedigree breeding or the breeding of exhibition poultry. On account of the amount of extra labor necessary in attending to trap nests they are not en- ] Hir tirely practical for the commercial poultryman or farmer. The advan- CKvpss-.srcrjo/it Figure 150. — Working plana of a trap nest as shown above.

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162 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION ing the nostrils with either of the following solutions by means of a medicine dropper (Figure 161) or by immersing the head of the bird in a basin containing the mixture and holding it there for a few seconds, care being taken not to hold the bird long enough to cause suffocation. Suitable remedies for such treatment are boric acid 1 oz., water 1 quart, or potassium permanganate 1 dram, water 1 pint; or boric acid IM oz., borax 3^ oz., and 1 quart water. Hydro- gen peroxide used in the proportion of 1 oz. to 3 ozs. of water is sometimes effective. As a general treatment and preventive, dissolve in one gallon of drinking water as much potassium permanganate as will remain on the surface of a dime. The flock should be given no other drinking water than that containing the potassium permanganate. It is good practice to use potassium permanganate in the drink- ing water as a preventive as soon as cool weather begins in the fall. Canker. This disease is somewhat akin to roup and is also known as diphtheretic roup. Symptoms. This disease is characterized by cheese- like patches that form on the membrane of the mouth, throat, and tongue. Treatment. Sprinkle a little sulphur or chlorate of potash in the mouth and throat of the bird. Another effective treatment consists of washing the sore patches with a mixture of equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Cholera. This is probably one of the worst diseases that affects poultry, for it spreads rapidly and in most instances the cure is unsatisfactory. Fortunately, however, this disease is very rare and is frequently mistaken for other troubles that are less serious. Symptoms. The usual symptoms of cholera are as follows: The fowl is troubled with diarrhea, the droppings become watery and yellow or green in color, the fowl is

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POULTRY PESTS 179 important, however, if lice are to be gotten rid of entirely. The two most practical methods of fighting Uce are dusting and using a paste or an ointment. Dusting. Dusting can be done in two ways: 1. Providing a good dust box as described on page 150, containing a mixture of road dust and wood ashes, and allowing the hens to dust themselves. 2. Applying dust directly to the fowls. When applying the dust or lice powder di- rectly it should be work- ed well into the feathers with the hand, especially around the vent and under the wings. Fowls dusted in this manner should be treated a second time in about a week or ten days. A good home- made hce powder can be made as follows: Mix IJ^ pints of gasoline and half a pint of crude car- bolic acid. Stir this mixture thoroughly into 4 quarts of plaster of Paris and land plaster. Allow it to dry and apply as suggested above It has recently been found that sodium fluoride is very effective in getting rid of lice on fowls. Sodium fluoride comes in powdered form and can be purchased at most drug stores. Inasmuch as a httle of this powder goes a long way in accomphshing results, a pound is sufficient to treat a large number of fowls. The method of applying sodium fluoride is by taking a small pinch between the fingers and placing Figure 179. — Applying sodium fluoride to a fowl.

biodiversity-heritage-library

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196 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Cutting off the head in kiUing the capon or picking the feathers clean is hkely to result in not securing capon prices for the fowls. After picking, the capons should be hung in a cool place until all the animal heat is out of the body before being shipped. QUESTIONS 1. What is a capon? 2. Why is a capon a more desirable table fowl than an uncapon- ized male bird? 3. What conditions should be the governing factors when produc- ing capons on a large scale? 4. What are the best breeds to oaponize? 5. When is the most desirable time to caponize cockerels? Of what importance is early hatching as concerning the production of capons? 6. Why is it so necessary to deprive cockerels of feed and water for at least twenty-four hours before the operation? 7. Name the essential instruments necessary for caponizing. 8. Describe in detail the method of caponizing. 9. What care and provision should be made for the birds after they have been caponized? What are wind puffs and how can they be relieved? 10. Describe the method of dry-picking a capon. SUGGESTIONS 1. The idea should not be obtained that the art of caponizing is a difficult one, for such is not the case. Many instances are known where boys and girls of fourteen years of age have become quite expert in carrying on this operation. It is, therefore, recommended that mem- bers of boys' and girls' poultry clubs should become proficient in carry- ing on this operation through actual practice, following the plan as described herein. Knowledge of the necessary steps, confidence, and practice are the three factors necessary to make the operation success- ful. 2. During June or July carry on a, caponizing demonstration. Such a demonstration held in connection with a farmers' meeting or in a gathering of people interested in poultry always attracts attention and creates interest. 3. Farmers, poultrymen, and often those having smaller flocks should endeavor to caponize at least a few cockerels each year, if for no other pupose than to have them for home consumption. 4. Inquiry should be made at your local market and near-by markets as to the demands for capons. Should a desirable market exist, other conditions l)cing equal, it will be found that the production of capons will be the source of additional revenue from the poultry flock.

biodiversity-heritage-library

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FEEDING FOR Eaa PRODUCTION 213 Ration No. 5 is especially suited for pullets or hens inclined to get too fat, such as the Plymouth Rocks, Orping- tons, and Wyandottes. Corn meal when fed with the meat scrap, is very fattening; consequently these two feeds are cut down in ration No. 5. Ration No. 6 should be fed with table scraps or vege- tables at the rate of 5 pounds of table scraps daily to 30 hens. METHODS OF FEEDING The scratch, or grain, mixture when fed indoors should Figure 209. — Hens scratching in the litter for their grain. Such exercise keeps the hena in good condition. Note the two hens to the left in the rear eating mash from the dry mash hopper. be fed twice daily, in a litter of from 3 to 5 inches deep on the floor of the poultry house. Feed about one third of the amount of the grain feed in the morning and two thirds in the afternoon, the morning feed consisting of as much as the hens will eat within half an hour, the night feed being enough to fully satisfy them. Feed the mash either dry or as a moist feed in addition to the scratch grains, an effort being made to feed about equal amounts of each. To feed the mash dry is the more

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230 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Again, when a hen is not laying, these bones feel thick and rigid. When she is laying, these bones are comparatively thin and flexible. A most valuable indication as to whether a hen is laying or not is the spread or distance between these pelvic bones. When laying, the distance between them is greater than when not laying. This distance, or spread, can be measured by determining how many fingers can be placed between the bones. When the spread measures two fingers or less, it is very Figure 221. — These fowls have been killed and dressed in order to show the Eosition of the two pelvic bones and of the keel or breast bone. The lack dots on either side of the vent in each case show the location of the pelvic bones. The black dots immediately above these in each case show the location of the keel bone. The distance between the pelvic bones and the pelvic bones and the keel bone of the bird on the left being greater indicates that she is the better producer. The closeness of those bones as shown on the bird on the right indicates that she is the poorer producer. probable that the hen is not laying, while if the spread is greater she is probably in laying condition. When measuring this spread, the difference in the size of hens of different breeds and the corresponding difference in the spread should be kept in mind. It is natural to suppose that a laying hen is a good eater and, therefore, her intestines are more distended and require more room than when she is not lay- ing and not eating so much. It is equally true that when

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TURKEYS, DUCES, GEESE, GUINEA FOWLS 247 has pure white plumage with an orange colored bill and knob. Both of these varieties ar,e desirable market fowls, being prolific layers and rapid growers. The standard weights are: Adult gander 12 lbs., young gander 10 lbs., adult goose 10 lbs., young goose 8 lbs. African. The plumage is dark gray on the wings and back and gray or light gray on the neck, breast, and under side of body. The head is dark gray or black. It is in the same market class as the previous- ly mentioned breeds . The standard weights are the same as for the Emden except that those of the young gander and young goose are 16 and 14 pounds respectively. Wild, or Cana- dian. The Canadian geese are not kept Figure 240.— Emden goose. to any great extent in captivity. When raised under domes- tic conditions, however, the young geese are usually sold to hunters to use as decoys. The body plumage is gray or dark gray in color, the breast being light gray and the lower part of the body white from the wings to the tail. The standard weights are: Adult gander 12 lbs., young gander 10 lbs., adult goose 10 lbs., young goose 8 lbs. The Egyptian. This breed is kept primarily for orna-

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264 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODVCTION The fact should be reahzed that no fowl is perfect, no matter how well bred, and that in selecting birds for the show it is a matter of picking those with the fewest defects and the most desirable points, the latter of course being in the majority. The standard requirements as given in the American Standard of Perfection for the breed and Figure 261. — Examining tlie feet and shanks for stubs and down. variety concerned as well as the disqualifications should be kept constantly in mind. These points, together with health, vigor, general appearance, and bearing of the bird should be the deciding factors in selecting the birds that are to be conditioned for the show. Conditioning birds. Conditioning and training as de- scribed herein do not in any sense infer misrepresentation nor should such practices usually known as faking be tol-

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MARKETING THE PRODUCT 281 Table V. Relative Losses of Fertile Compared with Infertile Eggs Infertile Figure 273. — Brown and white-shelled eggs in separate cartons. Mixed eggs, as will be noted in the middle carton, present an unattractive appearance. The male bird in the flock has no influence on the num- ber of eggs laid by the hens. He merely fertiUzes the germ of the egg which is not necessary when the egg is to be sent to market or used for table purposes. It is impossible for a germ to develop or a blood ring to form in an infertile egg. It keeps in better condition, therefore, at temperatures that would cause fertile eggs to become unfit for food. Hens ia a flock wherein there is no male bird wUl pro- duce infertile eggs, which keep best and market best. Nests. Provide one clean, dry, vermin-free nest for every 4 or 5 hens. Eggs will not remain clean very long in

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298 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION followed by those from the breast, fluff, and sides, then the hock feathers, the back and thigh, those from the neck and finally the small wing feathers. Care should be taken in each case not to tear or bruise the skin. In pulling the feathers, hold them just tight enough to pull them out without tearing the skin. With a little practice one can become quite expert in this method of picking. CORRECT C(^ Figure 287. — Tho lower jaw removed, showing the position of the arteries, the anatomy of the head, and the location of the proper cut. Scalding. This method of removing feathers is not ad- visable in that most markets prefer dry-picked birds. For home consumption, however, or when dry-picking is not employed, the birds are scalded by being immersed in hot water, which should be a little below the boiling point. The birds should be so immersed two or three times and then picked clean, care being taken not to tear or break the skin, as injury to the skin detracts from the appearance. Drawing. It is not advisable to draw or clean poultiy that is to be shipped, even though the fowls are packed in

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ORaANIZATION 315 The advantages of Advantages of such an association. such an association are as follows: 1. Aside from the establishment of an association that will be. interested in poultry, the fact that -it is centering all its efforts on one breed or variety of fowls will add considerably to the interest of all concerned. Under such an arrangement all members will be inter- ested in the same variety of fowls and thus the interest will be mutual. 2. The methods of handUng and breeding the accepted breed will be common knowledge so far as the association is concerned and each member's experience, when related, will be a help to the other members. Such an association, devoting all its efforts to one breed Figure 299. — A poultry club float in an agricultural parade. of poultry, may be able to establish for itseU a center that will become known as a source of supply for quantities of fowls and eggs for market, eggs for hatching, breeding stock, and day-old chicks. 3. When one breed is generally adopted by a community, the chances of cross-breeding are reduced to a minimum. Selecting the community breed. The selection of the community breed and variety should be left entirely with the association as the result of a vote of the members. In a given class of fowls more depends on the way they are treated and managed than on the breed and variety itself.

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ZZ2i PRAGTIGAL POULTRY PRODVGTION Methods of advertising. Persistent or continuous adver- tising even in a small way is usually a better investment and will bring greater results than advertising at stated periods. This practice, however, would depend upon the quantity of stock for sale, as it would not be advisable to advertise a product and then be compelled to tell those in- quiring that such product was not available. A well man- aged poultry plant of sufficient size will usually have breed- ing stock for sale at practically any time throughout the year. Many poultrymen and farmers fail to reaUze the advantages of advertising in their local papers. Such a medium offers satisfactory results at rates that are usually most reasonable. Larger poultry plants and those making a specialty of high grade standard-bred poultry and exhibi- tion stock will usually find it to their advantage to advertise in farm papers and poultry magazines. In these instances also it will usually be found that the rates asked for adver- tising space are quite reasonable. Whenever possible, adver- tisements should be illustrated with a neat cut or photo- graph of one or two fowls preferably those from your own flock. A well designed trade-mark or trade name will also add to the attractiveness of the advertisement. Many such periodicals have classified columns where small adver- tisements may be placed by those not desiring to invest in a larger display advertisement. Advertisements should be placed in papers of good circulation, so as to reach a large number of people. Answering inquiries. On receiving inquiries as the result of your advertisement, make every effort to answer them all as promptly as may be possible. Make the replies brief and to the point, but at the same time courteous, stating the quality and kind of stock you have for sale and the price asked. It is needless to say that printed stationery is more business-like and creates a better impression than

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APPENDIX 349 X •a i e as ^1 bo ffll o ^ fr « - -8 1? ■" iJ M-T3 O p3 O ijt:i!>iSP3h:i(i<miOJ« S3 333: A ^ 5 S >> ^'S >> "^ >> 3 S £ >>■" S rt rt ess (fl eS d (DjdiJ (33 3 a .a ^^^^^M^^«Kfc^P3 o o K .S.9.S.S.S°f ° f ¥f.So ?ll4f i»g^i rt o o^ ° 1. 18 c3 3 5 ^ O O "3 >— ' V 1^ w p O O O Ow-J^-^ C14S43 o o 3 ^ OOOOOOOO t>i_-^ +3 o -P -ts w O P. "CO "O "O 'O "O "O "O '0 13 13 "O "O "O tj "O ©©©©©©©©©©©©©©cdoi o o © © © ©©©© ©©ffife ■S g M g M ,5 ^ MMMM ^ MUl M g a o g o a § S.S.S.S.9 S.S.S.2-!3 +3 t<>T 28 PhTS © .2a .S3 ".OS >r] CO (^. ■P fcn^ Cd © Mc£ xj.a.a m "^(^ 'tf to o t. o'° .= £■5

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Special Books Special Purposes / XN ADDITION TO OUR OWN PUBLI- CATIONS WE CARRY AN EXTENSIVE STOCK OF THE BEST BOOKS ON ALL SPECIAL PHASES OF THE POULTRY INDUSTRY. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, GENERAL FARM CROPS, VEGETABLE GARDENING, FRUIT RAISING, SOILS AND THEIR MAN- AGEMENT, FARM BUSINESS, ETC. WHENEVER A BOOK THAT GIVES EX- PLICIT INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR SUBJECT IS WANTED, WE INVITE YOU TO ADVISE WITH OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. WE WILL TRY TO HELP YOU. GENERAL CATALOG SENT ON APPLI- CATION. WEBB PUBLISHING COMPANY 55-79 EAST TENTH STREET ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

biodiversity-heritage-library

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BREEDS AND VARIETIES 41 found in the American Stan- dard of Perfection is grouped as the Game Ban- tams, embracing the same varieties as given above under the Games and the Ornamental Bantams which include the following breeds : The Sebright, Rose Comb, Booted, Brahma, Cochin, Japanese, Polish, and Mille Fleur. As will be noted by their names, several of the breeds of Bantams are min- figure 44.— Mottled Houdan cock, iature representatives of the larger breeds of the same name, such as in the case of the Games, Brahmas, Cochins, and Polish Bantams. The keeping of Bantams affords consid- erable pleasure and frequently a substantial revenue can be secured, especially by selling stock for breeding and show purposes. The production of Bantams is especially suited for town and city back yards where the space is usually limited. The Miscellaneous Class. The term applied to this class is of a general nature, for it includes the breeds from several of the classes as given, in the American Standard of Per- White crest^d^BiL^k Polish cock. fection, namely, the PoKsh,

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42 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Hamburg, French and Ornamental classes. The breeds or varieties of these classes, while not generally raised in this country to a great extent, occupy a place of considerable eco- nomic importance in their respective native countries. For example, in France all the breeds of the French class which includes the Houdan, Crevecoeur, La Fleche, and Faverolles are most generally raised and are decidedly in favor as pro- ducers of both eggs and meat. To a certain extent the same principle holds true with both Polish and Hamburgs in some of the central European countries. The more pop- ular breeds of this class as determined by their distri- bution in this country are the Houdan, Polish and Hamburg. QUESTIONS 1. What are the six classes of fowls? 2. In a given class what constitutes a Breed? A Variety? A Strain? 3. Why are standard-bred fowls more desirable and profitable than mongrels? 4. Name the general-purpose breeds and state for what object they are raised. 5. Name four varieties of the Wyandotte. 6. If you wanted to keep fowls for the production of white-shelled eggs, what breed and variety would you select? Why? 7. In what three countries did our most popular egg breeds originate? 8. Which breeds of the meat class have feathered shanks and which have clean shanks? 9. What two varieties of the meat breeds are the greatest in weight? 10. Name two varieties of Games, three breeds and varieties of the Ornamental Bantams, and three French breeds. SUGGESTIONS 1. After making observations for a period of a week, classify as many breeds and varieties as you have seen raised in your com- munity, grouping them under their proper classes as given in the American Standard of Perfection. 2. When making these observations, list the number of flocks of standard-bred fowls and the number of mixed and mongrel flocks. Which list contains the greatest number of flocks? 3. If there are more standard-bred flocks than mongrel in vour community, do you not think it would be an easy task to organize a club of breeders of standard-bred fowls and in that way interest those who raise mongrels?

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NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 89 Figure 89. — Fertile egg at the end of 14 days incubation, showing the develop- ment of the embryo. pleted, remove the egg tray and open the ventilators ac- cording to the directions fur- nished with the machine and retain the chicks in the in- cubator from 24 to 36 hours after the hatch is over before removing them to the brood- ers. Chicks that pip the shell but are unable to get out through their own efforts rarely amount to much if helped out. Disinfecting and storing the incubators. When the hatching season is over, clean and disinfect the incubators. Empty and clean the lamps and store these parts in the machine. The incubator may be disinfected once a year or oftener, especially if any disease is present in the flock. Some poultrymen disinfect their machines before and after each hatch, as a preventive measure against disease. A ten per cent solution of a reliable coal-tar disinfectant and water may be used to wash out the machine and to disinfect the egg trays and nursery drawer. A 5 per cent solution of crude carbolic acid and water will also be found effective for disinfecting the incu- bator. If the burlap on the bottom of the incuba- tor becomes dirty, it is ad- Pigure 90.— An infertile egg at the end visable to rencw it rather of 14 days. Such an egg appears some- tU„„ f„ nloan if what clear before the egg tester tud,u uo ciedU 10.

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90 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Figure 91. — -A good hatch. QUESTIONS 1. Name the several parts of the egg. 2. What are some of the essential features in the selection of eggs for hatching? 3. Describe a method for packing hatching eggs for shipment. 4. What is the period of incubation of eggs from the following: Hens? Ducks? Turkeys? Geese? Guineas? 5. Why should chicks be hatched early? 6. What is the best time of the year to hatch chickens in your community? 7. Describe the method of preparing the nest for the sitting hen. 8. Describe how to set a hen. Why and how should the hen be dusted? 9. What are the different types of incubators? 10. What is the object of a thermostat in an incubator? How does it control the temperature? 11. Describe two kinds of incubator thermometers and their cor- rect position in the incubator. 12. Describe the essentials of a good incubator cellar. 13. Describe the method of starting an incubator. 14. At what temperature should an incubator be run throughout the hatch when the thermometer rests directly on the eggs? ^^'hat is the correct temperature when a hanging thermometer is used through- out the hatch? 15. Describe the method of caring for the lamp of an incubator. When should the lamp be cleaned and filled, before or after handling the eggs? 16. Describe the method of turning and cooling eggs.

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104 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Such brooders can usually be built at less cost than to buy them, as their construction is very simple. In this system of brooding the body heat of the chickens is the source of warmth. These brooders are equipped with adjustable covers composed of strips of cloth or feathers, which act on much the same principle as the feathers of the hen. The position of the cover should be regulated according to the weather and the number of chicks in the brooder. In cold weather the cover should sag so as to be near the backs of the newly hatched chicks, while in warmer weather or with older chicks the cover is raised or removed depending on conditions. Usually from 12 to 40 chicks are placed in a tireless brooder, 25 being the average number. The use of tireless brooders is recommended only in a mild climate. In cold weather they should be operated in a heated room or building. Care must be given to keep the brooder clean by frequently changing the Utter. Likewise the chicks must be watched carefully to see that they are comfort- able and do not sweat. When first placed in the brooders the chicks may have to be put under the hover several times until they learn where to get warm. Correct temperature for brooding. The correct tem- perature for the brooder or hover depends upon several conditions such as the position of the thermometer, style of the" hover, age of the chicks, and the weather. In all Figure 106. — An easily constructed fireless brooder.

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POULTRY HOUSES AND APPLIANCES 139 Of these various styles the shed roof, or single-pitch, (Figure 135) is the easiest to construct. A roof of this type provides sufficient height in front to allow the sun's rays to reach the rear of the house, provided it is not too deep, and likewise all the rain water drains to the rear of the house. A good grade of roofing paper properly put on will be a lasting and satisfactory material for this purpose. These facts should determine the type of roof to build. The roof should have sufficient pitch to allow the water to drain quickly. Figure 136. — After the framework of the building is completed the sheathing is nailed to the rafters prior to putting on the roofing. The shed, or single-pitch, roof is most satisfactory for houses up to 16 feet deep. The combination, or two-thirds, pitch roof and the semi- monitor roof are best adapted for buildings over 16 and up to 24 feet deep. The former style of roof reduces the amount of surplus air space and makes a neater appearance than the single-pitch, or shed-roof, type. The monitor and gable roof are usually used for build- ings that are more than 20 feet deep and houses that have a central alley, especially brooder houses. The gable roof

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140 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODVGTlOli Ol£> S7yZ£ //Sfl/ //OCSE OPe/vFi'?Oivr^£A'/yoc/s£ ^^fO S/OS l^/^lA^O/^fy'OiXSS /A/r£/?/OfiOi^S^flf£/VaCAS£ AfOO£l //SA/ ^T'Oi/Se so.'^y,- '■/- j>*-x-,Y'/-i Figure 137. — Remodeling the poultry house out of old lumber at small expense. is mostly used for two-story buildings and incubator cellars. The A-shaped roof is sometimes used for colony and growing houses, although not so extensively as the single- pitch, or shed, roof. The two-thirds pitch and double-pitch styles of roof are

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164 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION the Barred Plymouth Rock and Wyandotte, are kept, it is sometimes advisable to clip one wing of each bird in order to prevent their flying over the fence, when it is only 5 feet in height. Clipping the wing. In many instances it will be found necessary to clip the wings of the birds to prevent their flying over the fence, especially in the case of Leghorns and other breeds of this type. In no instance should both wingsofthefowlbechpped. By clipping the feath- ers of but one wing the fowl's balance is lost when it attempts to fly, due to the fact that one wing is shorter than the other. Hold the fowl with the wing spread as shown in Figure ISS. — Clipping the flight feathers of the wing. Figure 1S6.— The flight feathers clipped. Figure 157. — Wing folded after feathers have been clipped.

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CAPONS AND CAPOmZING 189 i, 1, or m are the most practical. A probe such as shown (Figure 188g) may hkewise be used to push the intestines aside as well as a small pair of tweezers (Figure 188f) which may be used in removing any foreign matter from the body. The operation. The instruments, together with a pan Figure 188. — Instruments used in caponizing, of water and a sponge, should be placed on a box adjacent to a barrel or table where the operation is to be performed. The bird is then placed on its side on the head of a barrel or on a table of convenient height and held stretched out

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190 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Figure 189. — Method of holding the cockerel in position for the operation. by means of a cord passed under both wings and another cord around both legs, each being weighted down with weights sufficient to hold the bird in place comfortably. The operation should be performed out of doors, pref- erably in the sunlight or else artificial hght may be used by reflecting it into the body cavity, so that the testicle can be seen and removed. Moisten and remove the feathers around and over the last two ribs which can be felt just in front of the thigh. Before making the cut, pull the skin down toward the thigh. While holding the skin in this position make the Figure 190. — Feathers removed to make ready for the incision.

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204 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION by suspending them by means of a cord hung up in the poul- try house while the beets are usually split and stuck on a nail on the side wall near the floor. When oats are used for sprouting, they should be of a good grade. Soak them over night in warm water and then spread out H to 1 inch thick on trays having perforated bottoms. Water the oats thoroughly each day and turn the trays around, so as to bring each side near the light, in order to en- courage an even growth. Stir the oats each day until the sprouts begin to form. Artificial heat should be sup- plied in cool weather usually by means of a kerosene lamp. Sprouted oats can be fed any time after the sprouts are well started, which usually takes from 5 to 7 days. Clean and spray the trays occasionally with a disinfectant to prevent the growth of mold. Oyster shell, grit, and charcoal. Oyster shell, grit, and charcoal should be kept in a hopper before the hens con- stantly. These materials are not expensive and are quite necessary as a part of the ration. Oyster shell supplies lime for bone and egji;shell construction, grit is necessary Figure 202. — Oat sprouting cabinet. In cool weatlier heat is supplied by a kerosene lamp.

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TURKEYS, DUCKS, GEESE, GUINEA FOWLS 239 tion of breeding stock. The breeders should be selected for vigor, size, shape, strong bone, early maturity, and color of plumage as given in the American Standard of Perfection. Ordinarily 15 turkey hens can be mated to a vigorous tom, or male bird. Turkey hens usually lay about 18 eggs in their first Utter. The period of incubation for turkey eggs is 28 days. When it is not desired to have the hens incubate Figure 230. — Turkey hen and brood. the eggs, they can be broken up as soon as they become broody and made to lay a second and frequently a third Utter. Turkey eggs can be incubated either artificially or by natural means. Mortality. Young turkeys, or poults, are hard to raise unless all conditions are favorable. The high death rate among poults is usually due to one or more of the follow ing causes: Exposure to dampness or cold, improper feed ing, close confinement, lice and weakness in the parent stock. DUCKS The production of ducks is carried on both as a farm side

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240 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION line on general farms and as an intensive business on a large commercial scale. While ducks are seen in many farm flocks scattered throughout the country, they are found in larger numbers on the general farms of the cen- tral western states. The large commercial duck Figure 23 1 . — Coop for turkey hen while sitting. f armS are f OUnd principal- ly in the East near large cities and especially on Long Island. BREEDS In all there are eleven breeds of ducks recognized by the American Standard of Perfection, these being divided accord- ing to their economic usefulness into three classes, namely, the meat, egg, and ornamental classes. Most of these breeds with the exception of the Muscovy are said to have originated from the Mallard, or common wild duck. THE MEAT CLASS Pekin. The Pekin duck is one of the most popular breeds both on general farms and on commercial duck farms. Figure 232. — Driving turkeys to market.

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254 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Figure 249. — Maltese pigeon. Figure 250. — Hungarian. the Maltese in type, having rather long legs and long necks, and carry a handsome plumage of black and white and yellow and white. They are not generally kept for squab breeding purposes, but are regarded as very good breeders. MANAGEMENT Pigeons always mate in pairs and usually remain so throughout life, unless one of the birds dies or becomes permanently injured. A mating can be broken up and other birds mated if desired. Pigeons are usually mated at from 4 to 8 months of age. The hen pigeon usually lays two eggs in 3 days before she starts to sit. It is not Figure 251. — Homer pigeon. Figure 252. — Carneau pigeon.

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MARKETING TEE PRODUCT 289 Packing for shipment. Eggs packed for shipment, should be graded for color and size, and only fresh, clean eggs used. When using a carton similar to that shown in Figure 282, each egg should be carefully wrapped in wrapping paper or newspaper. After packing, wrap the container with a good grade of wrapping paper and tie securely. Address the pack- age plainly to the party for whom it is intended, adding your name and address in the upper left-hand corner. Figure 282. — Each egg should be wrapped separately in paper. Weight of parcel. On an average, hen eggs will weigh about IJ^ pounds to the dozen or 2 ounces apiece. The weight of a dozen eggs in a carton of sufficient weight to carry the shipment safely, properly packed and wrapped, will usually run from 2 to 3 pounds in weight. As most parcels containing a dozen eggs wiU weigh over 2 pounds but not reach 3 pounds the postage on them will be seven cents within the first and second zones. When possible, therefore, it is recommended that two dozen, or more, eggs be shipped at one time, as each extra dozen will add but two cents to the postage to carry it the same distance, depending on the nature of the container. Postage can thus be saved. By express. When eggs are shipped by express, they

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290 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION are packed in crates as described under "packing" on page 287. Care should be taken to protect them as much as possible from the sun while en route to stores or stations or while they may remain on station platforms. TABLE POULTRY While the production and marketing of broilers, fowls, or capons for table use is secondary to the production of eggs, at the same time it is a branch of poultry keeping from which considerable revenue is derived. This revenue as well as that for eggs, can in most instances be con- siderably increased, if the birds are properly pre- pared for market. BROILERS As previously suggest- ed in the chapter on brooding, an effort should be made to dispose of all cockerels other than those to be kept for breeding purposes or to be caponized. Pullets should not be marketed as broilers unless they are deformed or poorly developed. Market classification. Broilers are divided into three classes: Squab broilers, broilers, and fryers. Squab broil- ers range in size from ^ of a pound to 1 pound in weight, broilers from 1 to 2 pounds in weight, and fryers, or, as they are sometimes called, "large broilers" or "small roast- ers," from 2 to 3 pounds. Usually it is more profitable to dispose of the cockerels when they range from 1 to 2}/^ pounds in weight. Time to market. The time to market broilers is in the early spring, as the prices are highest during that period. Figure 2S3. — A crate of cockerels being taken from the range to be fattened for market.

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304 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 3. Immediately after the breeding season sell, confine, or kill such male birds as you do not desire to retain as breeders. Those retained should be confined to a yard or a place separate from the rest of the flock. In other words, produce infertile eggs and try to get your neighbors and fellow club members to do the same. The importance of doing so can not be overestimated. 4. A simple and at the same time convincing demonstration can be carried on by grading eggs according to size, color and cleanliness. Place aU white-shelled eggs in one carton, brown-shelled eggs in another, and in the third carton place a mixture of white and brown-shelled eggs, together with those that are large, small, and having dirty shells. The comparison and contrast will be most marked. In addition to this demonstration conduct one showing the method of packing eggs for shipment, both in standard egg crates and for parcel post. Such demonstrations should be held at poultry association or club meetings or general farmers' meetings and will always create interest and atten- tion. 5. In order to determine the advisability of fattening broilers, select about a dozen as nearly the same size as possible, and fatten six of them, following the suggestions as given herein and feeding the fat- tening ration as given under broilers. Continue feeding this ration for a period of ten days or two weeks. In the meantime allow the other six broilers to range as they have been accustomed. At the end of two weeks weigh both lots of broilers and see which are in the better condition, and which are heaviest. 6. With a little practice the method of kUling and dry-picking as given in this chapter can be easily carried on. A demonstration showing the method of killing and dry-picking should be carried on at an appropriate time in connection with a club or farmers' meeting. Should there be a packing plant near-by, endeavor to secure one of their men to carry on this demonstration. In all events endeavor to put into practice this method when marketing fowls of your own. REFERENCES Fattening Poultry, U. S. Department of Agricultmre, Bureau of Animal Industry Bulletin 140, by Alfred R. Lee. Marketing Eggs through the Creamery, U. S. Department of Agri- culture Fanners' Bulletin 445, by Rob. R. Slocum. Commercial Fattening of Poultry, U. S. Department of Agriculture Department Bulletin 21, by Alfred R. Lee. The Community Egg Circle, U. S. Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletin 656, by C. E. Bassett and W. H. Kerr. Marketing Eggs by Parcel Post, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin 830, by L. B. Flohr.

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APPENDIX 339 OTTTLINE FOR A COMPOSITION ON "POULTRY MAN- AGEMENT" To Be Written by First- Year Poultry Club Members. Introduction: What is the best way to start in the poultry business? Discussion: (a) Name the three leading classes of poultry: (b) Name three breeds of each of the three classes. (c) Which in your opinion is the best breed for the farm? Why? Housing: (a) What are the two systems used? (b) Which is the best system for the farm? Why? (c) Where and how should the house be located? (d) When should yards be used? Feeding: (a) How soon would you feed little chicks after they are hatched? Why? What should you feed them? (b) What would you feed them after they are weaned? (c) What would you feed the laying hens? Management: (a) Explain why the mother hen should be kept up in a coop while the chicks are small. (b) Tell how and why the brood coops and houses should be cleaned often. Marketing: (a) Tell how eggs should be marketed, so as to get the highest prices. (b) What is an infertile egg? Tell how it is produced. (c) Does the infertile egg keep longer than the fertile egg? Conclusion: Why should girls and boys be active members of Poultry Clubs? OUTLINE FOR A COMPOSITION ON "MY EXPERIENCES WITH POULTRY" To Be Written by Second- Year Poultry Club Members Introduction: How I started in the poultry business. Discussion: (a) "The breed which I selected and why I selected it." (b) Tell how the eggs were set, and how you managed and fed the sitting hen during the period of incubation. (c) Tell how the chicks were managed and fed during the brood- ing period. Housing: (a) If you have built a house, tell about the kind, where it is located, with reference to the direction which it faces, and the cost and time required to build it, if possible.

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340 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION (b) In case an old poultry house was remodeled for your chickens, describe the alterations you have made. (c) In either instance, give a little drawing of the house, show- ing the floor plan and front view. Feeding: (a) Give a general discussion of the way you feed and the grains the chickens have been fed since they were weaned, (b) Tell how often you give the chickens water. General management: (a) Tell how often you clean the house, and any other thing which may be of interest concerning the methods which you use. Conclusion: (a) Give an account of how the poultry-club work has benefited you. (b) State what benefit, if any, you have received from the poultry- club work, and tell why the boys and girls of your state should join the poultry clubs. OUTLINE FOR A COMPOSITION ON "MARKETING AND EX- HIBITING POULTRY AND EGGS" To Be Written by Third- Year Poultry Club Members Subject "A": "How I marketed my poultry products." Discussion: What the markets require in order to grade an egg as a first. Infertile eggs for market: (a) Give a general discussion of infertile eggs. Gathering eggs: (a) Tell about the attention you give to the hens' nests. (b) How often you gather your eggs in summer and in winter. (c) How and where you store your eggs. Grading and packing eggs: (a) Tell how many grades of eggs you get from your flock and how you grade them. (b) Tell how you pack them for shipment. (c) Why should eggs for market not be washed? Marketing eggs: (a) Tell how and where you sold your eggs, how you found a cus- tomer, and how often you market them. (b) Give the largest and the smallest price per dozen that you received for eggs for table use. Marketing live and dressed poultry: (a) Give a general discussion of the manner in which you marketed your surplus cockerels and old hens, and tell the results obtained. Subject "B": "Exhibiting poultry." (a) Tell what you think of the advantages of exhibiting poultry

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354 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Breeders, {continued) defects in, 59. feeding the, 64. management of, 62. range for, 62. selecting the, 55. Breeding — and mating, 45, 60. cross, 50. essentials of, 54. importance of, 44. in, 48. line, 48. out, 48. pen, demonstration on select- ing, 66. principles and practices of, 45. purpose of, 59. stock, age of, 62. turkeys, 238. Breeds and varieties — egg, 30. for natural incubation, 75. Game and Game Bantam, 39. general-purpose, 26. meat, 33. miscellaneous, 41 origin and classification, 22. suitable for capons, 187. Brick construction, 134. Broilers — fattening, 291. market classification of, 290. marketing of, 290. Bronze turkey, 234. Brood coop — care of, 93. construction of, 95, 96. litter for, 94. Brooder — capacity of, 100, 101. coal-burning, 102. colony, 102. continuous, 103. fireless, 103, 104. hot-air, 100. hot-water, 100. hot-water-pipe, 102, 103. house, proper size of, 102. individual, 100. kerosene-heated, 100. kinds of, 100. Brooder, (continued) litter for, 94, 105. location of, 94. management of, 105. requirements of, 99. stoves, 101. Brooding and hatching — artificial, 92, 98. correct temperature for, 104. importance of, 92. natural, 92. record, 321. Broody coops, 150 Broody hens, 69. breaking up, 150. indications of, 75. Brown-sheUed eggs- breeds that lay, 26, 349. example of correlation, 47: testing, 86. Buckwheat, 201. Buff duck, -243. Build, time to, 132. Building materials, 133. Buildings: See Houses. Bumble foot, 174. Business management, 320. Buttermilk: See Milk. By-products, 201. Cabbage, 115, 203. Campine- characteristics of, 33. standard weights of, 33. varieties of, 33. Canadian, or wild, geese, 247. Candling eggs, 86, 285. Canker, 162. Capacity of brooder, 100. of incubators, 79. Capon — care of after operation, 194. center of industry, 186. fattening, 293. feeding, 194. killing and dressing, 195. killing of during operation, 193. marketing of, 293. production of, ISO. Caponizing — advisaliility of, 186.

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Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tlie Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003186354

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THE POULTRY INDUSTRY 15 distances successfully. It has also been made possible through cold storage to conserve the surplus products in the natural breeding season, which is the spring of the year, until they can be disposed of during the season of scarcity in the fall and winter. During this period large quantities of poultry and eggs are placed in cold storage. This equal- ization of supply and demand has had a most profound effect on the poultry industry. It has made it possible for poultry keepers to dispose of surplus poultry and eggs dur- ing the season of greatest production at a price which is Figure 4.- -The farm flock can be made a source of considerable revenue for practically tlie entire year. profitable to them where previously they would have been unable to get prices which made it worth their while. Poultry keeping on the farm. As a consequence of this condition, the development of poultry keeping has grown beyond the point where the farmer or poultryman has limited the size of his flock to meet approximately the needs of his own family, and has made poultry keeping one of the activities on the farm, from which an actual money income is received. In this connection it is worthy to note that the poultry flock on many farms, particularly of late years with the development of better methods, has proven to be

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28 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Figure 15. — White Wyandotte male. Figure 16. — White Wyandotte female. Figure 17. Figure 18. Rose Comb Rhode Island Red male. Rose Comb Rhode Island Red female

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36 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Figure 29. — Silver Campine male. Figure 30. — Silver Campine female. Figure 31. — Buff Cochin female. Figure 32. — Buff Cochin male.

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BREEDING 53 MALE HEAD$ SHOWING DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMBS- Figure SS. crested breeds as found in the Miscellaneous class. In some of the European breeds such as the English Dorking and the Faverolles and Houdan of France we find another peculiarity that is worthy of notice, that is, the fifth toe. The fifth toe of these breeds, as shown in Figure

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NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 79 instances some of the mammoth machines are heated by- electricity. Hot-air and hot-water machines are both used success- fully. The hot-water type of incubator will hold its heat longer than the hot-air machine in the event that the lamp goes out. The possibility of such an accident is, however, too sUght to be worth considering when the incubator is attended to properly. Mammoth machines are becoming quite popular and are used extensively both in the day-old chick business and Figure 78. — A mammoth incubator with a capacity of 2,400 eggs. in custom hatching. Their capacity runs from 1,500 to 10,000 or more eggs. These machines are built in sections, consisting of several compartments, each section holding about 2,000 eggs, the size varying in different makes. Small individual machines of from 150 to 400 eggs capacity are generally used when an incubator capacity of less than 2,000 eggs i-s desired. Selection of the incubator. There is a large variety of rehable makes of incubators manufactured so that no one incubator can be recommended in preference to all others. Cheap machines are usually not economical to buy, as they are less reliable, require more attention and wear out more

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96 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION constructed to provide sufficient ventilation and be rain-proof, so that the hen and chicks and the floor of the coop will be kept dry in inclement weather. The coop should also be con- structed to enable it to be easily cleaned and spraj'ed. Figure 96. — The band fastened in the The Style of Construction wing of the chick. ^ , i , , i , of the coop matters but little so long as it is practical, comfortable and embodying the above features. The coop which is illustrated in the following figures has given good results. The coop should not be nailed to the floor, but is left entirely free, so that it can be lifted completely off to facili- tate cleaning. The sides of the coop sit over the edge of the floor in order that it can be kept tight and dry. The door of the coop is covered with a half inch wire netting and slides in back of the 3 slats in front in order to close the coop. To open the coop so that the chicks can come out, the door is pushed back of the boarded part in front. The holes covered with wire at both ends of the coop give addi- tional ventilation. These ventilators may be eUminated Ot'C?'^^ ^^^■tTT-zcv-y Figure 97. — The working plan of a box-shaped brood coop that can be easily constructed.

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FEEDING OF GROWING STOCK 113 or is too high in price, a mixture of cracked corn and wheat may be fed until the- chicks are old enough to eat whole oats at which time an equal part of whole oats may be added to the corn and wheat mixture. Dry mash. In addition to the above feed, a dry mash should be fed in a hopper to which the chicks will always have access. Because growing stock is on range more than inside of the house, it is usually advisable to have the hop- pers located out of doors. During continued rainy weather, however, when the birds are indoors, a supply should be available in the house. The same dry mash as given on page 110 may be con- tinued as their dry-mash feed during the grow- ing period. As in the case of the young chicks, the growing stock as well should have access to the charcoal, grit, and oyster shell. Sour milk. If a continuous supply of buttermilk or sour skim milk can be readily ob- tained, it may be fed separately in a pan provided for the purpose and the beef scrap in the dry mash reduced one half. When whole milk is available, it should be allowed to become sour before feeding. Green feed. Whenever possible, the growing chicks should be allowed free range, so that they may obtain as much natural green feed as they need. Green feed is an excellent tonic for chicks and, when it can not be obtained Figure 111. — In addition to promotins; growth, the feeding of sour millt tends to keep the chickens in good condition.

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130 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION (2) The cost of construction of such houses is greater than the continuous house plan in that each colony house must necessarily be a complete house in itself, and (3) More ground is necessary than when the continuous house sys- tem is used, as the houses would have to be scattered if the various flocks are kept separate. The second plan, known as the continuous house sys- tem, is, as its name implies, a long continuous house under one roof which may or may not be separated into pens. Figure 124. — A good example of a long continuous poultry house. When such a house is used .for the layers separate yards are not necessary. While continuous houses usually consist of but one story, two-story houses are occasionally found. In this style of construction the upper story is either a duplicate of the lower one in its interior arrangement or the upper floor is used principally for roosting quarters and the lo^cr floor as a scratching shed. The advantages of the continuous house system are: (1) The cost of construction of such a house is less per bird capacity than the colony plan. (2) The cost of labor in attending to and feeding the fowls is less than with the first system. (3) The convenience in caring for the fowls

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POULTRY HOUSES AND APPLIANCES 147 Figure 145. — Showing the front of a continuous house partially completed. and placed about 15 inches apart. Allow from 10 to 15 inches of roost space for each bird according to their size. Dropping board. The dropping board should be from 21/^ to 3 feet above the floor and extending back to the rear wall. The front edge of the dropping board should extend about 10 inches out from the first roost. Nests. The nests may be placed under the dropping board or on the side wall, as shown in Figure 148. The nests should be 15 inches square and 12 inches high, with a Figure 146. — The oontinuous house completed.

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164 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Figure 163. A fowl infected with tuber- culosis. (Courtesy of Dr. W. W. Dimock» Ames, Iowa.) Treatment. There is really no satisfactory treatment for this trouble. When the disease is discovered in a wide-spread form, that is, throughout most of the birds, they should be im- mediately killed and burned or buried, and the house and yards thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. As an ex- tra precaution all tke litter and droppings from the house shsuld Ukewise be burned. Under ordinary circum- stances it is not advisable to retain any of the fowls that have been exposed to this infection, as it is highly probable that sooner or later the disease will manifest itself in them. Limbemeck. This dis- ease, so-called, is really a condition or sjonptom of several diseases. Symptoms. It is char- acterized by the fact that the fowl's neck becomes paralyzed and limber so that the head can not be held erect and is twisted to one side. The cause is usually a form of food poisoning as the result of the bird's feeding on de- composed animal flesh. Ti,„n4r„«r,t T-arr^ +00 Figure 164, — Liver and intestines of a tuber- treaimeni. IWO tea- cular fowl shdwing tubercles in wall of intes- c!r<r<r\nfiilo c\( noc+ni- nil iri-ir *'"*^ ''■"' tubercular lesions on the liver. SpOOniUlS 01 castor Oll glV- (Courtesy of Dr. W. W. Dimook, Ames, la.)

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POULTRY PESTB 181 The use of sodium fluoride as described herein will be found most effective for sitting hens. Sprays. Either of the sprays previously mentioned on page 177 or the whitewash recommended to prevent the spread of hce will also help to keep down lice when apphed to the poultry house. "STICK-TIGHT" FLEAS In many of the southern states fowls and chicks are often infested with what are commonly called "stick-tight" fleas. They are so named owing to their habit of sticking to one place -on a fowl instead of moving about as hce do. Usually they are found in groups or clusters on the comb, wattles, and around the eyes. Chicks, when infested with this species of flea, often die very quickly. Hens, however, being stronger, will usually stop laying, but not infrequently die when infested for any length of time. The most common breeding places Rg^^e isu— stiok- tight oe of these fleas, as of mites, are in Adult female. (Much enlarged.) the cracks and crevices of the brood coops and poultry houses and also in dry matter and vegetable refuse. Remedy. The most satisfactory method of exterminat- ing these pests is to clean and spray the house and equip- ment thoroughly in addition to treating the birds. Spray. The same spray recommended under the head of mites may be used effectively. Ointment To treat the birds individually, grease the comb and wattles with a preparation of 1 part of kerosene and 3 parts of lard, care being taken not to get too much of the mixture on the body or in their eyes. It is well also, when stick-»tight fleas are prevalent, to spray the yards and

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PREFACE Many books have been written on general poultry keep- ing and the various branches of that industry. It seems, however, that no attempt has been made to present the fundamental principles and essentials in a manner and within a compass that will make a book both adequate and prac- tical for student and poultry keeper aUke. It wiU be the effort of the authors to present the basic principles and practices of poultry keeping in such a way as to awaken interest, educate and develop purpose to under- take further work. It is natural and necessary, therefore, that some detail should be omitted. For example, some of the finer points of breeding, such as Mendel's Law, and elaborate points of judging are thought to be too extended and subordinate to the main object to be included. While special chapters have been provided wherein such subjects as feeds, construction of equipment, etc., are dis- cussed at length, it has been found advisable to treat special phases of these subjects under other chapter heads so as to clarify and complete the subject at hand. Thus, for example, while studying about chicks the student will find a complete discussion of the management, feeding, etc., of chicks without referring to other chapters. A clearer un- derstanding of the subject can be obtained when treated this way, than if taken up at different times. The general order of the chapters has been arranged with the thought that they will somewhat approximate the se- quence of events both in the time of their occurrence in actual practice and classroom study. It is believed that the subject of poultry keeping as herein presented will not only awaken interest among the boys and girls of graded and high schools, but that the brief and well illustrated nature of this work will suit it for farm-

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CHAPTER II BREEDS AND VARIETIES With the development of poultry keeping on a sound economic basis we have come to realize the importance of considering the various breeds and varieties of poultry and the part that they play in the growth of this industry. ORIGIN AND CLASSIFICATION Origin. There is little definite knowledge as to the origin of the domesticated fowl. It is assumed that our present-day poultry is a direct descendent of one or more of the wild jungle fowls which are known to have existed in prehistoric times. Whatever may be its origin, our earliest historic records indicate that poultry has been under domes- tication for thousands of years. Classification. It has been only of comparatively recent years, however, that we have had a variety of well defined types and breeds of fowls, referring to chickens, which can now be grouped according to their usefulness to man, as follows: — 1. The General-purpose Class. 4. The Game Class. 2. The Egg Class. 5. The Bantam Class. 3. The Meat Class. 6. The Miscellaneous Class. In the discussion that is to follow we. will concern our- selves mainly with the first three classes on account of their economic value and the extent to which they are raised to produce food. The last three classes, that is, the Game, Bantams and Miscellaneous classes, are raised principally for show or pleasure, rather than for profit. Before proceeding further, the factors which make up each of these classes should be considered. In any given class as grouped above there is a number of breeds of poul- try, all of which usually perform the same general functions. 22

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BREEDS AND VARIETIES 43 4. If mongrels predominate in your section, do you not think there is a great need for an organization that will have as one of its objects the improvement of stock in your community? Standard- bred poultry means greater interest and increased revenue, both of which help to make a better community. 5. Should you organize a poultry club or should there be one already organized, do not limit it to townspeople, but invite the farm- ers and their wives to join as well as the boys and girls of the town and country. Everybody is interested in poultry. REFERENCES Races of Domestic Poultry, by Edward Brown. American Standard of Perfection, published by the American Poultry Association. Perfected Poultry of America, by T. F. McGrew and G. E. Howard. Standard Varieties of Chickens. I. The American Class, U. S. De- partment of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin 806, by Rob R. Sloeum. Standard Varieties of Chickens. II. The Mediterranean Class, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin 898, by Rob R. Sloeum. Standard Varieties of Chickens. III. The Asiatic, English and French Classes, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Bul- letin 1052, by Rob R. Sloeum.

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NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 73 after year, the general average will usually result as above mentioned. The problem of predetermining the sex still remains unsolved. In other words, up to the present time there is no satisfactory method of foretelling whether an egg will produce a male or a female. TIME OF THE YEAR TO HATCH When to hatch. The early spring is the best time for hatching, as it is nature's most favorable growing season. By hatching chickens early they have the advantage of this favorable growing season and a longer growing period than those hatched during the late spring or early summer. Figure 73. — Early hatched pullet laying in the fall. Figure 74. — Hen molting in the fall and not laying. Given the same feed, care, and attention, chickens hatched the first of March weigh more when they are four months old than those hatched the first of May, when they are of the same age. The rate of growth of a chick is greater during the first four weeks of its life than at any other period. Other con- ditions being equal, therefore the more favorable the period.

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PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION BY HARRY M. LAMON SENIOR POULTRYMAN, BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND JOS. WM. KINGHORNE JUNIOR POULTRYMAN, BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 1922

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8 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION Chapter Page brood coop, Identifying chicks, Brood coops, Confine the mother hen. — Artificial brooding: Hovers, Brooders, Brooding systems. Individual hovers and brooders, Brooder stoves. Hot-water pipe brooders, Fireless brood- ers, ■ Correct temperature for brooding. Care of pur- chased day-old chicks. VI Care and Feeding of Chicks and Growing Stock 108 Feeding and care of chicks: First feed. Green feed. Water. — Feeding and care of gj'owing stock: Feeding: Grain feed, Dry mash, Sour milk. Green feed, Water. Care : Housing, Free range. Shade, Cleanliness. — General management. VII Preserved Eggs 120 Time to preserve. — Kind to preserve. — Methods: Waterglass, Lime Water — Disposition, Using, Selling. VIII Poultry Houses and Appliances 127 Housing! Kind to bmid. Colony House and continuous house. Location, Time to build. Building Materials, Size and dimensions. Foundation andfloors, Framework, Roof, Front, Walls, Partitions. — Interior arrangements: Roosts, Dropping board. Nests, Trap nests. Dust boxes. Broody coops. Drinking fountains. Ventilation. — Exte- rior arrangement: Yards, fences, gates, paint, whitewash. IX Common Diseases and Treatment 159 General prevention. — Common diseases, symptoms, and treatment: Roup, Canker, Cholera, Tuberculosis, Lim- berneck, Chickenpox, White comb,orfavus, Blackhead, Frozen comb. Diarrhea in hens. White diarrhea in chicks, Intestinal worms, Gapes, Crop bound, Feather pulling. Toe picking. Egg eating, Rheumatism, Scaly leg, Bum- blefoot. X Poultry Pests 176 Mites. — Lice. — Head lice on chicks.— Stick-tight fleas. — Poultry ticks, or blue bugs. — Chiggers. XI Capons and Caponizing 185 Capons: What is a capon? Advisability of caponizing, Most suitable breeds for capons.— Caponizing: Time to caponize, Caponizing instruments. The operation. Care after the operation. Subsequent management. — Feeding. — Killing and dressing. XII Feeding for Egg Production 198 Value of proper feeding. — Development of the egg, — Poultry feeds and by-products : Grain feeds, Mash feeds. Commercial feeds, (Meat feeds. Green feeds, Charcoal, grit, and oyster shell, Water, Condiments and egg tonics.) Composition of feeds. — Balanced rations : Nutritive ratio, How to determine the nutritive ratio. Egg-laying ra- tions. — Methods of feeding. — Quantity of grain to feed. — Artificial lighting: Kind of lights to use, Methods of feeding

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26 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION GENERAL-PURPOSE CLASS The breeds of this class are, as their name implies, of value for the production of both eggs and meat to such an extent as to make a general utility fowl. Such breeds as are included under this group are best suited to the gen- eral farmer, who desires a breed that is a profitable pro- ducer of eggs as well as one that is a suitable table fowl. These breeds are intermediate in size between the heavy meat breeds and the smaller breeds of the egg class. This com- parison may likewise be applied to their abihty to mature and to their temperament. Thus, they mature more rapidly than the meat breeds, but are not as active and do not mature as quickly as the egg breeds. Almost without ex- ception they are good sitters and mothers, and are good winter layers of brown-shell- ed eggs. Although classed as general-purpose fowls, considerable progress has been made in recent years in breeding several varieties of this group for high egg production. As the result it is not unusual to hear that representatives of this class produce 200 or more eggs per year. The four most popular breeds of this class are the Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, and Orpington. All these breeds with the excep- Figure 13. — Barred Plymouth Rock male.

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BREEDING 47 the remote ancestors. A common example of reversion or breeding back can be cited in the case of Columbian Wyandottes, by the presence of stubs or small feathers appearing on the shanks of some individuals of this variety. This is attributed to the feathered shanks of the Light Brahma which was one of the breeds used in originating the Columbian Wyandotte. Correlation. By correlation is meant the close associa- tion of certain characters with other characters. For in- stance, there is a close correlation between red ear lobes and brown or tinted-shelled eggs in that one of these char- acteristics is rarely found without the other. Regression refers to the factor in breeding which has to do with the inclination of the offspring to be nearer the average of the breed than were the parents. An example of this principle can be cited when a mating is made of a male and female which are larger than the average weight for the breed. The majority of the offspring from this mating are very apt to be smaller in size than were the parents. Likewise this principle is in evidence when the parents are smaller than the average for the breed, in which case a greater percentage of the offspring is apt to average larger in size than the parents. Regression is ordinarily not limited to one or a few individuals but appears in the mass or greater percentage of the offspring. Progression. This term applies to the production of an occasional individual which is outstanding in quality or performance or both as compared to the breed in general. Progression applies to the individual rather than to the mass of the offspring. An illustration of this principle of breeding is as follows: A male and female of good quality may be mated and as the result one of the offspring may develop into a specimen that far surpasses not only the parent stock in every particular but is beyond that which is even occasionally

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NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION 77 applying it hold the hen by the feet, as shown in Figure 76, with the head down, and work the pow- der well into the feathers, espe- cially around the vent, through the fluff, and under the wings. Sprinkle some powder in the nest also. MANAGEMENT OF THE SITTING HEN When the eggs are hatching the hen should be confined and not disturbed until the hatch is com- plete. Should she become restless, however, the chicks that are hatched first should be removed. When the weather is cool it is best not to put more than 10 eggs under a hen, while later in the spring, when the weather is warmer, from 12 to 15 can be placed in the nest, according to the size of the fowl. Figure 76. — Before setting the hen dust her thoroughly with insect powder. Figure 77. — Placing eggs in the nest for the sitting hen.

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102 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION into general use. Such brooder stoves have a capacity varying from 200 to 1,500 chicks. These individual brooders are used in colony houses and frequently, when the chicks are weaned, the houses are used as growing quarters. Such a plan requires a smaller invest- ment than the long hot-water-heated brooder house and likewise allows one to rear the chicks on range to good advan- tage. Brooder stoves of both oil and coal type are usually operated in houses that are from 12 x 14 feet to 14 x 20 Figure 104. — A continuous liot-water-heated brooder house. Hot-water brooders are suitable for large poultry farms where most of the chickens are raised during the winter and early spring in large numbers. feet and are also occasionally used in long continuous brooder houses, similar to the one shown in Figure 104. It is advisable to have the colony brooder house wherein oil or coal-burning brooder stoves are used of an oblong shape rather than square. That is, the floor dimensions should be 12 x 14 feet rather than 12 x 12 feet. With a house so built it is possible by placing the stove back a

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116 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION built on the colony plan so they can be moved from place to place, thus providing fresh ground for the chicks to range over. A type of growing house such as has been used suc- cessfully wiU be found in Figure 115. In placing the chicks in their growing house for the first time it is best to confine them for several days, erecting a temporary yard so that they will know where to return after allowed free range. Care should be taken not to crowd the chicks by placing too many in any one house. As the chicks increase in size they should be thinned out and placed in other houses, so as to avoid crowding. Colony brooders can be used for the growing stock after there is no longer Figure 114. — Chicks on free range obtain considerable food such as worms, bugs, etc., that helps considerably to reduce the cost of feeding. need for artificial heat. In such cases, however, it is usually advisable to provide additional growing quarters to prevent crowding. Free range. Plenty of free range should be provided, if the chicks are to make rapid, vigorous growth. Confin- ing the chicks to a limited range not only increases the ten- dency to disease and slowness of growth, but tends to increase the cost of feeding. Shade. Plenty of shade should be provided for grow- ing chicks in order that they may thrive and grow in hot weather. Chicks allowed to range in an orchard will not only find

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CHAPTER VIII POULTRY HOUSES AND APPLIANCES Supplying poultry with a suitable environment is one of the essential features of poultry management. There was a time when the trees of the orchard and the wagon shed afforded practically the only means of shelter for the farm flock. But that period is passing, for those who keep poultry appreciate that, in order to secure desirable results, the fowls must be comfortably housed. From the extreme just cited we find, on the other hand, poultry houses that have been constructed along most elaborate lines and the expense of building has been so great in many cases that it was impos- sible for the fowls to produce such returns as would pay a reasonable interest on the money invested. It can be seen, therefore, that there is a happy medium and that a house in order to be comfortable and practical need not be expensive or elaborate. The essential features of a suitable poultry house are: (1) Economy in construction. (2) Convenience from the standpoint of both the fowls and the attendant. (3) An abundance of sunUght. (4) Freedom from moisture. (5) Ventilation without drafts. (6) Sufficient space for the fowls. (7) Protection from excessive heat and cold. (8) Proof against rats and mice. (9) Sanitation. 127 Figxire 121. — An inadequate farm poultry house. This building does not provide the essentials of a suitable house for fowls.

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POVLTBY HOUSES AND APPLIANCES 141 particularly suited to houses in cold climates where the gables may be filled with straw, which absorbs the moisture and assists in keeping the houses dry and warm. The front of the house. Too many glass windows in the front of the house usually increase the temperature during the day; but, as glass radiates heat very quickly, the house will become cold at night. In sections of the country ^SlfJ ^fOOS7:S ^a«3*v=*vff sa4/?a £>/^r ,-XOCM* ^i.£>C?^ ^=tL^yV TJVt AO>t^ CO/S^mO- 7 Oiy/s/h/^. ^/9?5i7*^. Figure 13S,— Plans for an easily constructed practical back-yard poultry house that will accommodate about 20 fowls. where the climate is unusually cold in the winter a third of the open space in the front of the house should consist of windows, the balance of the openings to be covered with un- bleached muslin or burlap, which keeps out the wind but permits a slow circulation of air without draft. In sections of the country having a more temperate climate glass windows can be entirely eliminated and two thirds of the front of the house left open and covered with muslin

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166 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION White comb, or favus. This is a very contagious disease, spreading quickly from one bird to another. Symptoms. The general symptoms of this disease are white or grayish spots that form on the comb, wattles, ear lobes, and other parts of the body. Treatment. Birds so affected should immediately be removed from the flock. When the disease affects only the bare parts of the head and face it can sometimes be cured by applying iodine. An- other effective remedy is that of applying ointment composed of 1 part of powdered sulphur mixed with 9 parts of carbo- lated vaseline. In ap- plying this the affected parts should be merely greased and not rubbed, as rubbing tends to spread the disease. Re- peated applications should be made every three days until the affec- tion disappears. If the feathered portions of the body are affected, it is better to kill the fowl, as it usually requires considerable time to effect a cure. Blackhead. The most troublesome and infectious dis- ease that affects turkej^s is blackhead, an affection of the intestines and liver. It is noticeable that, whenever the climate and range conditions are such as to permit turkeys to forage for the greater part of their feed, cases of blackhead are infrequent. Again, blackhead rarely occurs in flocks Figure 167. — White Leghorn cockerel with favus, or white comb.

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170 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION stages of this disease should be removed, killed and burned. Ten grains of potassium permanganate or as much as will remain on the surface of a dime should be added to each gallon of drinking water and kept before the chicks until they are at least 4 weeks old. Intestinal worms. Many chickens are infected with one or more kinds of intestinal worms. It is only, however, when the growing conditions are not favorable, as when the brood- ers or growing houses are very crowded, that this trouble manifests itself. The worms so infecting chickens are us- ually from % of an inch to 43/^ inches in length. Symptoms. When worms are present, the bird becomes thin and listless, the comb loses its color, turning purple, and the eyes have a staring look. In general, the bird appears unhealthy. Often intestinal worms prove their presence by being found in the droppings. Prevention. As a general prevention transfer the birds to a range to which fowls have not had access previously. The old range should be well plowed and sown in some crop before allowing the birds to return. Treatment. The following remedy has proven effective in treating chickens for this trouble. On the basis of 100 birds to be treated, soak 1 pound of finely chopped tobacco stems in water for 2 hours. Mix this Uquid with half of the usual amount of mash feed that is usually fed for the day. All feed should be withheld from the fowls so treated for 24 hours previous to the treatment. Two or three hours after feeding this mash mix one fourth of the usual dry mash that is fed during the day with water in which 11 ozs. of epsom salts has been dissolved. It should be remembered that this treatment and the amounts given are on the basis of 100 birds. This treatment, as described, should be repeated 10 days later. Gapes. This trouble is due to the presence of small

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184 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION sulphur ointment or a mixture of 1 part of kerosene to 3 parts of melted lard to portions of the skin of the fowl where the chiggers have entered. When pus has formed in the sore, remove the scab and wash it with a 4% solu- tion of carbohc acid and water. QUESTIONS 1. Why should every measure be taken to keep the fowls and chicks free from insect pests? 2. Describe the appearance of chicken miteSj both before and after they have fed from the body of the fowl. What are the habits of the chicken mite? 3. Describe two effective remedies to eradicate chicken mites. 4. How does the common chicken louse differ from the chicken mite, both in appearance and habits? 5. Describe a good homemade louse powder. How should this be applied? 6. Describe a method of treating individual birds with sodium fluoride. With blue ointment. 7. Describe an effective treatment for head lice on chickens. 8. Describe the habits and treatment of stick-tight fleas. 9. What measures should be taken to exterminate blue bugs from the poultry houses and buildings? 10. Where are chiggers, or red bugs, found, and how can they be prevented? SUGGESTIONS 1. As discussed in the chapter on incubation, one of the most effective ways to prevent the loss of chickens as the result of Uce and mites is by hatchmg early in the spring, so that the chickens will grow to be of good size before the warm weather, when the lice and mites are so troublesome. 2. As a matter of good management, endeavor to put into prac- tice the suggestions as contained in this chapter, in order to extermi- nate such insect pests as may be troubhng your flock. 3. Should you be a member of a poultry club or an association, endeavor to interest the members as to the importance of eliminating lice and mites from the flock. Such an effort on your part may result in the saving of hundreds of birds. 4. Impress upon yom- acquaintances and members of your poul- try club the reason and advantages of spraying for lice and mites in the early spring before these insects have a chance to increase in number. 5. Should you find any of the insect pests mentioned herein troub- ling your flock, try each of the remedies mentioned under each insect pest, and see which is the most satisfactory. Do you not think it would be a good idea to acquaint your friends and club members with the results of your experience in this connection? REFERENCES Mites and Lice on Poultry, U. S. Department of Agi-iculture Farmers' Bulletin 801, by F. C. Bishop and H. P. Wood.

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BREEDS AND VARIETIES 23 These hreeds of fowls in a given class differ from one another principally on account of their shape or conformation. In each of these breeds there are several varieties of the breed, all of which have the same general characteristic shape, but differ as the result of the color or marking of the feathers, or their type of comb. A still further distinction is frequently made within the variety as the result of some peculiar characteristic for which the variety has been bred, such as high egg production or desirable color of feathers, and which is known as a certain strain. To clarify this entire classification an example might be cited in a class, as fol- lows:— First. General-purpose class, which are noted for both egg and meat production. ■'■«f - Figure 9 . — Diagram showing classification of domestic poultry. Second. As one of the breeds of this class, there is the PljTnouth Rock. Third. The members of this hreei, or varieties of this Plymouth Rock breed, are the Barred Plymouth Rocks, White Plymouth Rocks, Buff Plymouth Rocks, Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks, Partridge Plymouth Rocks, and Columbian Plymouth Rocks. Fourth. In any one variety of a breed of a certain class we may find, as in the Barred Plymouth Rocks, a certain flock bred principally for high egg production and this is called an egg strain. SELECTING THE BREED Purpose. Beginners are urged to keep but one variety of a breed of fowls. The question is frequently asked, "Which is the best breed of fowls?" The answer is, "There is no best breed." Selection should be made of the breed that suits your purpose best, having in mind the object for which the fowls are to be kept. That is, eggs, or meat,

biodiversity-heritage-library

2023-12-23T15:39:03.530559