444 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



INCREASING THE WINTER EGG YIELD. 



(Prof. H. L. Kempster.) 



The problem of the person keeping hens is how to get 

 eggs when prices are high. During the winter hens seem to 

 possess a lack of inclination to produce. The successful poultry- 

 man is the one who solves this probleni. He who solves it best 

 is the most successful. 



There are many factors entering into this problem. A 

 casual glance at some will perhaps direct our attention to the 

 mistakes made and assist in their future avoidance. 



In the first place, let us realize this fact: Commercial 

 poultrymen do not expect large egg returns from last year's 

 hens. A hen goes into the molt in late summer and fall. She 

 does not produce a crop of feathers and eggs at the same time, 

 so that while the new plumage is being grown there is a cessation 

 in the production of eggs. Hens during their second year lay 

 on an average of two dozen eggs less than pullets. This number 

 is taken out during the winter production. It is unusual for 

 hens to produce liberally during December and January. From 

 the standpoint of breeding this is highly desirable, but not 

 from the standpoint of winter egg production. It is from 

 pullets, then, that winter eggs are expected, and in order for 

 pullets to lay it is necessary that they be completely developed. 

 The time of hatching is an important factor. They should 

 commence laying in November and December, and, if properly 

 taken care of, will continue to produce eggs all winter. 



HATCH EARLY. 



The great fault with farmers is that they do not hatch 

 early enough. With good care it requires six months or more 

 for Leghorns to develop to maturity. Heavier breeds require 

 from a month to six weeks longer. To be able to mature a 

 pullet before November 1st necessitates hatching not later 

 than June 1st for Leghorns and May 15th to 30th for the other 

 breeds. The concensus of opinion is that April and the first 

 part of May is the best time to hatch. Not only is it the most 

 desirable time of the year from the standpoint of growing the 

 chicks, but it is absolutely necessary if the poultryman expects 

 winter eggs. 



One point should be considered, and that is the danger 

 of hatching too early. Particularly is this true of Leghorns. 



