C^HAPTER XII 

 POULTRY 



The subject of poultry husbandry is one of almost universal 

 interest. Poultr}^ and poultrj- products are handled on a large 

 scale in a few parts of the country, but most of the poultry is 

 handled as a side line by farmers or others. Many times the 

 women of the farm look after the poultry interests. 



A large poultry farm well managed is undoubtedly profitable 

 but a large flock cannot be handled after the manner of a small 

 flock- on the ordinary farm. Under farm conditions the labor 

 in caring for poultry does not as a rule cost very much. Such 

 labor is performed b}^ children or other members of the family 

 at odd times. The feed requirement of the farm flock is slight. 

 Many times during the summer a flock can live upon feeds that 

 are picked up and that would otherwise go to waste. This 

 makes farm poultry keeping very profitable. 



The farm poultry not only is a source of pleasure and profit 

 but it supplies the farmer constantly with fresh eggs which, as 

 everyone knows, are much better than stale ones. Eggs can- 

 not even be hauled a few miles on a wagon as when going to 

 market without reducing their value in flavor, palatability, 

 etc. The poultry house in the country also serves as the 

 farmer's market for fresh meats. 



The fact that fowls do not grind their feeds in the mouth, but 

 in the crop makes it necessary for them to have grit. This 

 helps to grind the feeds eaten. 



Fowls are bred, fed and given an environment similar to that 

 of the farm animals. Most classes of poultry are noted for 

 their activity, consequently must be given a wide range so that 

 they ma}^ get an abundance of exercise. This is especially true 

 for the breeding flock and for the young birds. Fowls as well 

 as animals if they have been properly bred and developed can 

 be fattened in small enclosures. 



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