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 



Sept 



Oof. 



ITavr 



Deo. 



I 



L 



2 



Feb. 



ffar 



April 



May June July 



\ 



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. 



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 plump all over, well filled out, especially breast 

 and thighs. (2) It should have comparatively small bones, 

 large bones giving a rangy and lanky appearance to the bird 

 when dressed. (3) It should be meaty everywhere; want of flesh 



