CHAPTER VIII 



Egs Production 



While it is true that a small yield of eggs is 

 likely to be unprofitable, it does not necessarily 

 follow that a large yield is invariably profitable. 

 This may be because the cost of production is dis- 

 proportionate to the amount realized, but since the 

 aim of egg production is usually profit, it is highly 

 desirable to increase the egg yield 

 as much as possible within reason- 

 able limits. It often happens that 

 in striving to attain this end a 

 poultry raiser who has made a 

 good profit out of a small flock 

 may lose by keeping a large 

 one, because the egg yield may „ ^'^ ^"^^^ 



, . , , °° •' ■' Bottom and sides 



be mcreased only at unreason- corrugated paper, 

 able expense. 



The great majority of farmers' flocks lay eggs 

 only during what may be called the "natural sea- 

 son" of the year, mainly in the spring and early 

 summer. One of the principal reasons for this is 

 that the fowls are usually kept in an almost natural 

 state. They do not receive the special attention 

 that the egg farmer gives his flocks. Doubtless the 

 great majority could be made to yield eggs well 

 throughout the year by proper management — man- 

 agement such as the egg farmer gives his flocks. But 

 where it would be profitable to the ordinary farmer 

 to give the extra care essential to such egg produc- 

 tion can only be determined by the farmer himself. 



The cost of production on the general farm is 



Hi 



