EGGS 



115 



United States as compared with Australia. As shown 

 by this figure a daily egg yield of 73% during Dec. 

 may be obtained from a flock of good hens in Australia, 

 and in that month in the United States similar hens 

 may give but an 18% yield. 



In all localities the fewest eggs are produced during 

 the season of molt and the period immediately following 

 that season. In the United States, the molt occurs 

 during the months that intervene between July and 

 Jan. Naturally, eggs will sell for the highest prices at 

 this time. Hens should be encouraged to lay during 

 these months. To accomplish this, pullets must be 

 hatched in March or earlier, and hens should molt during 

 Aug. There is more heat and less cold in Australia 

 than in the United States, but the greater profit will 

 be made when a prolific yield of eggs during the winter 

 months has been secured. 



Percentage of Loss of Total Egg Crop. According to 

 the United States Department of Agriculture, about 17% 

 of the total egg crop of the country is lost, because of 

 improper handling, or because of unsanitary conditions 

 where the eggs are laid. The accompanying table shows 

 the percentage of loss of the total egg crop due to 

 various causes. 



PERCENTAGE LOSS OF TOTAL EGG CROP 



Class 



Per Cent. 



Dirty eggs 



Broken eggs 



Chick development 



Shrunken or held eggs 



Rotten eggs 



Moldy and bad-flavored eggs 



Total... 



17 



