PROFITS FROM POULTRY 33 
Poultry keepers have learned more fully the feed requirements for 
winter egg production. It is found in most cases to be impossible 
to feed the laying hen for less than $1.50 per year. Formerly 
this could be done for $1.00 to $1.20. Heavy producing flocks 
often run up to $2.00 or over. There is much need of experi- 
ence in profitable feeding. The profit from feeding comes from 
the feed which is consumed over and above the amount which is 
required for the maintenance of the body. The following may be 
considered about the average to be expected on a commercial 
plant which is managed by one with years of successful experience. 
Production of the Average Hen on a Well-managed Plant. 
Begsdaid per yeat.siuccnerneriaig ease aegecredee aa eee 120 
Value of eggs at un average of 214 cents.................... $3.00 
Cost Gf feeds siya sah ak Oakey oes weeny Bhat sie ag ss wh 1.50 
Cost of labor per year ......00..0000.0 00 e cee 30 
Profit over cost of feed..... 00.0.0. eee 1.50 
ING bi POP OM tale case gpsssevkts: Pataca teiniaubrrhg Gueitiate— RiRsaghdl Sue ua iebeadl ah eu Real 1.20 
In explanation of the above it may be said that 120 eggs was 
found to be the average of sixteen commercial plants in the State 
of New Jersey during 1911. The average farm flock is not up to 
this, yet, with a little more care and a slightly increased outlay 
in feed and improved buildings, the average production of the 
farm flock could be greatly increased, and the profit per bird 
doubled. The average production of all farm flocks during the 
same time was estimated to be 92 eggs per hen per year. Two 
and one half cents apiece was below the average wholesale price 
for New Jersey eggs the same year. Numerous experiments and 
observations carried on by the writer show the approximate cost 
of labor per bird to be thirty cents. This cost was when a double 
system of yarding was used and green feed was grown directly 
in the runs. 
It will be interesting to compare the above figures with the 
following results which were obtained during the ‘‘ Money-in- 
Poultry ” contest held under the management of the American 
Agriculturist, which closed April 1, 1901, with over 500 contestants: 
Production of the Average Hen. 
Eggs laid per year..... 2.0.6. eee eee 82 
Value of eggs at 214 cents... 0.0... cee eee $1.85 
Gostiol teeditinwinia date esis eee one ae ata ed eae eee Saas 94 
Cost Of labor x... 25s isting yeh nade nanan sheen omgitt 34 
Profit over cost of feed...............20022000- eer ree 91 
Net profitiee 2<-8cGtsey day pire cent eh POOR deca SW ee ee ah tan 57 
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