POULTRY 431 



highly profitable. This has been fully demonstrated in many 

 boys' and girls' poultry clubs in every state. 



Quick profits are realized. The profits from a well 

 managed flock of chickens are not only liberal and certain, 

 but quick. Chickens are ready for market within a few 

 months from the time they are hatched, and hens are at 

 their best as layers during the first and second years of their 

 life. And the eggs afford a continuous source of income 

 to meet the expense of any feed or other supplies that are 

 bought, or to add to the bank account. 



Almost all boys and girls could become expert chicken 

 raisers and, by making arrangements with their parents to 

 receive a share of the income from the flock, earn their 

 own money for a farm, clothes, books, schooling, travel or 

 whatever else they may desire. 



3. Breeds of Chickens 



According to experts there are one hundred and four 

 standard varieties of chickens raised in the United States. 

 There are many other varieties not sufficiently developed to 

 be called standard. For practical purposes the standard 

 varieties may all be grouped in four classes : ( 1 ) General 

 purpose breeds; (2) meat or table breeds; (3) egg breeds; 

 (4) ornamental breeds. 



General purpose breeds. The general purpose 

 breeds are the result of an attempt to combine egg-laying 

 with good table qualities. The favorites of these breeds are : 



Plymouth Rocks, Barred, White and Buff. 



Wyandottes, Silver, Golden, White, Buff, Black, etc. 



Javas, Black and Mottled. 



Dominiques, Rose-comb. 



Rhode Island Reds, Single-comb and Rose-comb. 



Buckeyes, Pea-comb. 



Orpingtons, Buff, Black and White. 



Houdans, Mottled. 



