380 



BROILERS, ROASTERS, AND CAPONS 



the consumers have no call for this product. The demand begins 

 in November and December, continuing and increasing until the 

 middle of February, when it is at its height. From this time until 

 July, the demand is approximately steady; but, after the last of 

 March, there is a constantly increasing supply, which keeps the 

 price from rising, and in fact makes it slowly fall. There is no 

 great decline until the last of May, when the price drops suddenly. 

 This is largely because of the enormous natural and seasonable 

 supply brought to market as a surplus product from the hatching 

 of pullets. The profitable season, then, for specialized broiler 



Fig. 176. — Curves showing seasonal variations in price and the supply of broilers. This 

 shows that the supplies of March, April, and May are met by a high price. Above prices 

 for 1912; prices for 1920 were 100 per cent higher. 



growing is in the months of December, January, February, March, 

 and April, with its " high-water mark " during March. The chart 

 (Fig. 176) shows the curve of demand and price, the effect of 

 the incoming natural supply, and the correspondingly increased 

 demand due to lower price. 



Desirable Features in a Broiler. — To fulfil the definition of 

 a broiler, hence to meet market requirements and the demands 

 of the trade, a chicken should come up to the following standard; 

 (1) It should be full feathered and well filled out, especially breast 

 and thigh. (2) It should have a compact form, for large bones 

 give a rangy and lanky appearance to the bird when dressed. 

 (3) The meat should be of good quality, which means that it 



