CHAPTER IV 



STARTING IN SPRING 



SPRINGTIME is without a doubt the best time to 

 start in the poultry business. Matured stock can- 

 not as a matter of fact be purchased as cheaply then 

 as during the fall and early winter months, but 

 those contemplating embarking in this vocation at 

 this season of the year should obtain either eggs 

 for hatching or baby chicks. In either case these 

 should be purchased from a reliable breeder, one 

 who has pure bred stock of the variety to be 

 selected. 



Whatever you do get thoroughbred stock, and 

 do not be misled into buying scrub chicks or eggs 

 because they are cheaper. There are many reasons 

 why good stock should be selected. For market 

 purposes the larger breeds will dress to a more 

 uniform size and shape. Their plumpness and 

 even color of skin will attract special attention and 

 will commend them to the buyers. The store- 

 keeper who buys poultry will appreciate this uni- 

 formity of color, size, and shape, and as a rule will 

 pay more for such dressed fowl. 



A mixed flock cannot be fed with as much suc- 

 cess for best results as a flock of one breed of 

 uniform size and similar habits. Take, for 



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