27 



They require considerable time in the way of keeping records, and 

 releasing hens after laying. 



Fattening Chickens. 



A number of experiments have been conducted in fattening chickens 

 for the market. There is an unlimited market for well-fleshed fowls 

 in England, and the demand at home is constantly increasing. Fatted 

 chickens were on September 18th, 1903, selling for 13 cents per pound 

 in Montreal, and the dealers could not get nearly as many as they 

 wanted. 



The English market requires a white-fleshed chicken, and our 

 best home market also appears to favor this color of flesh. Black- 

 feathered chickens, and those having black legs, are not in favor. 



There is little use in trying to fatten scrub stock. Good pure- 

 bred males of such breeds as Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, and Orping- 

 tons can be purchased at moderate prices, and these only should be 

 used to breed from. Very large chickens are not in favor. What is 



Fig. 20 (a). Showing hook which holds up 

 the door. The nest is 12 inches wide, 

 12 inches high, and 15 inches long. 



Fig 20 (6). Nest set ready for the hen to enter. 



required is a meaty bird weighing from four to five pounds. The 

 breast should be especially well developed, and should be plump, as 

 this is the most valuable part of the body. 



Construction of Fattening Crates. 



Fattening crates are usually made 6 ft. 6 in. long, 18 to 20 in. 

 high, and 16 in. wide. The crate is divided into three compartments, 

 each holding from four to five birds, according to the size of the chicken. 

 The crate is made of slats, except the ends and partitions between the 

 compartments, which are solid wood — those on the top, bottom and 

 back running lengthwise of the coop, while those on the front run up 

 and down. The slats are usually i\ inches wide and f inches thick. 

 Those in front are placed 2 inches apart to allow the chickens to put 

 their heads through for feeding. The slats on the bottom are placed 

 about f inch apart, so as to admit of the droppings passing through 

 to the ground. Care should be taken not to have the first bottom slat 

 at the back fit closely against the back. An opening between the first 



