May, 1932] 



Economic Study of Poultry Farms 



35 



age Red flock was producing mainly medium-sized eggs. Prom 50 

 weeks on, 80 r /i_ of the eggs were 24 ounces and over; 20% were 20 to 23 

 ounces, and practically none were under 20 ounces. 



Age or Flock in Weeks 



Figure 13 — Division of eggs into three grades by age of pullet flock 



average 22 red flocks 



In the only flock of Rocks available, the eggs over 24 ounces in- 

 creased in number from 2% at 30 weeks to approximately 60% at 45 

 weeks. In three flocks of White Leghorns, the per cent of eggs over 24 

 ounces changed from 5% at 24 weeks to 60% at 35 weeks and to ap- 

 proximately 80% at 50 weeks. Since the number of Rock and Leghorn 

 flocks was limited, the data may not be representative and no intent is 

 made here to compare the breeds. 



Effect of Dates of Hatch on Distribution of Eggs in Grades 



The proportion of large eggs at different months was estimated for 

 six different dates of hatch. It was assumed that the average egg-size 

 distribution of the 22 Red flocks at each age was representative of the 

 strains in New Hampshire, and also that it was the same for all dates 

 of hatch for each age. The January-hatched pullets would thus have 

 42% large eggs in September, 58% in October, 66% in November and 

 80% in December. On the other extreme, June-hatched pullets would 

 begin to lay in December, but would have 42% large eggs in February, 

 58% in March and would not be up to 80% until May. Of course, if 

 each pen were kept housed for a year, the June-hatched pullets would 

 be laying large eggs in the fall of the next year. April-hatched pullets 

 would be laying 42% large eggs in December, 58% in February, 66% 

 in March and 80% in April. 



For very early hatched pullets, provision can be made to lay on 

 range from July to October. They can then be housed from November 

 to the next November when the new crop of pullets would require the 

 house. Thus, without adding to the housing capacity, the birds are 

 kept for about 16 months after beginning to lay. The mixture of pul- 

 lets' and old hens' eggs would influence the size of eggs marketed from 

 July to October, according to the proportion of older birds and the 

 production of each group. In the fall months when egg prices are high, 

 a few poultrymen are, thus, able not only to expand their laying popu- 

 lation but also to secure more large eggs. 



