FATTENING 407 



choice, not of quality. Birds specially fattened are usually dressed. 

 Small lots are shipped direct to the point of consumption. In the 

 case of large feeding stations, they are put into cold storage and 

 held for future shipment. The shrinkage in dressing is approxi- 

 mately 14 per cent. 



When crate fattening is the method, care must be exercised 

 to keep the crates in well-ventilated buildings, for fresh air is 

 essential to the process. The coops must be cleaned regularly 

 every other day, and disinfected at least every week: Careful 

 records should be kept of the feed consumed and the gain in 

 weight during the feeding period, to determine whether or not 

 the practice is profitable, and to what extent. 



Extensive experiments with this method of fattening, made by 

 the United States Department of Agriculture, led to the following 

 conclusions : 



The Plymouth Rocks and other general-utility breeds can be 

 fattened at less cost than the Mediterranean breeds, such as 

 Leghorns. 



Chickens of the same breed vary greatly in the amount of 

 flesh they put on during the fattening period. 



Where a number of birds are to be fattened, the use of por- 

 table coops or batteries is found most profitable; less labor is 

 required, and the birds turn out in better condition. 



Low-grade wheat flour is one of the most economical feeds, 

 being far superior to oatmeal. 



It will take approximately from three to three and one-half 

 pounds of grain to produce one pound of flesh; hence the feed 

 cost averages six to eight cents for each pound gained. The cost 

 of labor per pound of increase is from one to three cents, according 

 to the number and arrangement of the pens; therefore the total 

 cost of a pound of gain, counting feed and labor, is approximately 

 seven to eleven cents. 



Less expensive gain in flesh is usually made by short feed- 

 ing periods ranging from seven to ten days. 



Hens do badly under crate fattening, and it is usually un- 

 profitable to attempt it ; if fattening is necessary, the flock method 

 will give the best results at small cost. 



Records should always be kept so that the gains can be esti- 

 mated ; for it often happens that birds are carried through in small 

 flocks by inexperienced feeders at a loss not only of money but in 

 weight as well. 



