THE FARM FLOCK (POULTRY) 



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or not. The optimum size of the flock for a particular farm depends upon 

 a number of conditions. These conditions are so variable that it is impos- 

 sible to set a definite standard which will be applicable to all farms. It is 

 evident, however, that the flock should number at least 100 fowls, and, 

 except under very favorable circumstances, should seldom exceed 500 

 fowls. As many fowls should be kept as possible without allowing the 

 poultry work to come in direct competition with more important farm enter- 

 prises. For the average farm, this will mean a flock of 300 to 500 fowls. 

 Sources of Income. — The principal sources of income from the farm 

 flock are poultry and eggs for market. The production of eggs for market 

 is the more important because of the relatively greater demand for them 

 and the greater convenience with which they may be produced and mar- 



A Typical Farm Flock. 



keted. It is impossible to separate the two and, under some conditions, the 

 production of market poultry may become the more important. Other 

 possible sources of income are the sale of eggs for hatching, fowls for breeding 

 purposes, day-old chicks, and the production and sale of pullets for egg 

 production. The relative importance of each of these sources of income and 

 the extent to which they may be combined will be determined by the 

 personality of the poultryman and the organization of the farm business. 

 Advantages of Pure-Bred Poultry. — A second factor of greater impor- 

 tance in determining the value of the farm flock is the quality of the fowls. 

 Pure-bred poultry is superior to mongrel, cross-bred or grade fowls because 

 of greater reliability in breeding, more attractive appearance, ability to 

 feed more efficiently, greater uniformity in the size, shape and color of the 

 eggs, and greater uniformity in the appearance and condition of the 

 dressed fowls. The first cost of pure-bred fowls is greater than of inferior 

 stock, but no greater investment is needed. The best practice in starting 



