May, 1932] 



Economic Study of Poultry Farms 



59 



9. Hatching eggs were found to cost an average of 11.1 cents more 

 per dozen than market eggs. The range was 4.1 to 39 cents, depend- 

 ing largely on the number of hatching eggs used per mated hen. The 

 average per cent hatch was 67.8, and the range in hatchability from 

 46.9 to 83%. Incubation cost averaged $1.86, and day-old chick cost 

 $9.23 per 100 chicks. The mortality on chicks reared for pullet re- 

 placement was 14.5%. 



10. It is believed that a young man, given proper organization of 

 business and efficient equipment, can handle from 1000 to 1500 layers 

 and produce the pullet replacements with very little hired labor. A 

 sufficient number of layers to keep the man employed to best advan- 

 tage, layers housed to capacity in low-cost buildings, fed on good 

 but low-cost rations, is a combination which should bring success. 



