PROFITS FROM POULTRY 33 



Poultry keepers have learned more fully the feed requirements for 

 winter egg production. It is found in most cases to be impossible 

 to feed the laying hen for less than $1.50 per year. Formerly 

 this could be done for $1.00 to $1.20. Heavy producing flocks 

 often run up to $2.00 or over. There is much need of experi- 

 ence in profitable feeding. The profit from feeding comes from 

 the feed which is consumed over and above the amount which is 

 required for the maintenance of the body. The following may be 

 considered about the average to be expected on a commercial 

 plant which is managed by one with years of successful experience. 



Production of the Average Hen on a Well-managed Plant. 



Eggs laid per year 120 



Value of eggs at an average of 2^ cents : $3.00 



Cost of feed 1.50 



Cost of labor per year 30 



Profit over cost of feed 1.50 



Net profit 1.20 



In explanation of the above it may be said that 120 eggs was 

 found to be the average of sixteen commercial plants in the State 

 of New Jersey during 1911. The average farm flock is not up to 

 this, yet, with a little more care and a slightly increased outlay 

 in feed and improved buildings, the average production of the 

 farm flock could be greatly increased, and the profit per bird 

 doubled. The average production of all farm flocks during the 

 same time was estimated to be 92 eggs per hen per year. Two 

 and one half cents apiece was below the average wholesale price 

 for New Jersey eggs the same year. Numerous experiments and 

 observations carried on by the writer show the approximate cost 

 of labor per bird to be thirty cents. This cost was when a double 

 system of yarding was used and green feed was grown directly 

 in the runs. 



It will be interesting to compare the above figures with the 

 following results which were obtained during the " Money-in- 

 Poultry " contest held under the management of the American 

 Agriculturist, which closed April 1, 1901, with over 500 contestants: 



Production of the Average Hen. 



Eggs laid per year 82 



Value of eggs at 2^ cents $1.85 



Cost of feed 94 



Cost of labor 34 



Profit over cost of feed 91 



Net profit . . . - 57 



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