BRANCHES OF THE POULTRY BUSINESS 35 



time, will usually make the finest as well as the 

 largest capons; but the Cochin, the Langshan and 

 the Indian Game are also good. All of the Ply- 

 mouth Rock and Wyandotte varieties may also be 

 used, since they are large enough to make good- 

 sized carcasses. 



LAYERS 



The production of layers is unquestionably the 

 most important branch of the poultry business. This 

 is shown by the fact that egg farmers would be 

 glad to pay higher prices for 

 pullets than they can sell their 

 cockerels for when of broiler size. 

 Pullets, as a rule, cannot be ex- 

 pected to lay before four months 

 old among the Mediterranean 

 breeds, five months among the 

 American, and six months among ^j^^ preventer 

 the Asiatic. On this account for 



, . ,, 1 ij Cup under roost 



egg-Iaymg purposes they should mied with ou on 

 be hatched early enough in the |i°pport. *'"'^ ""'"'' 

 spring to commence laying dur- 

 ing October. If hatched too early they are almost 

 sure to molt before very cold weather comes and 

 not to resume laying before February or March, 

 thus cutting them out of profitable egg production. 

 Since the first four to six months is the most 

 costly time in a hen's life, there should be a con- 

 siderable period of egg laying to balance up this 

 expense. On this account hens that have produced 

 well should be kept over for another year; at least 

 until the following winter when the pullets are lay- 

 ing well. By proper management hens may be kept 



