34 POULTRY FARMING 



From a comparison of the two tables it will readily be seen 

 that the quality of the average hen is increasing, especially as 

 regards number of eggs. This is due undoubtedly to better feed- 

 ing and more careful and systematic breeding. 



When it is necessary to estimate the yearly profit from a hen, 

 a cost of $1.50 for feed and a return of $1.00 over cost of feed are 

 pretty safe figures to rely on. If there is any error it will be on 

 the safe side. It must be understood that it will take a well- 

 managed plant to equal this. At the same time it should not be 

 forgotten that results far superior to the above are very common 

 on modern plants when much thought and energy are thrown into 

 the work. A number of different plants have been closely studied 

 by the author, in various parts of the country, which have turned 

 out yearly profits of from 18 to 27 per cent on the investment. 

 The largest percentage of profit was on moderately small plants 

 of from 200 to 400 birds. The 18 per cent profit was on a plant with 

 a laying capacity of over 2,000. This illustrates a very common 

 fact : Usually as the plant becomes larger and more birds are kept, 

 the owner or manager is less able to look after the necessary de- 

 tails; as these details are left to others, there is too apt to be a 

 corresponding loss. This is not figured when making calculations 

 of profits on paper. 



Here a word of warning will not be out of place: Beware of 

 the poultry advertiser, or " poultry system/' which claims im- 

 mense profits per bird per year. These are constantly seen in 

 poultry papers, with special advertisements claiming from $5.00 

 to $8.00 profit. It is well for the prospective investor to weigh 

 the statements carefully and if possible obtain the advice of an 

 expert before investing heavily in such " systems." The adver- 

 tiser may be doing all that he claims and be acting in good 

 faith, yet many of the systems would be an utter failure in in- 

 experienced hands. In this connection it should be remembered 

 that profits which are derived from the various branches of the 

 business vary greatly. It is possible for the breeder of high-class 

 exhibition birds to make a large income from a few birds; this is 

 only after years of breeding and the winning of many high prizes 

 at poultry shows. 



Risks in the Business. The poultry business, as with all 

 other established enterprises, is subject to certain risks which no 

 amount of forethought can entirely overcome. 



In the first place, prices will at times fluctuate, and profits 



