PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



to provide an egg-producing ration, so that the hens may be 

 kept laying as long as possible. 



Late molters are good layers. This is a very safe rule. 

 They lay more eggs than the early layers because the laying 

 season continues through a longer period. If a hen molts late 

 she will have a shorter rest period. Feathers shed during the 

 molting season are lost for commercial purposes. The time 

 required to produce a complete new dress is about three 

 months. 



Uses of Feathers 



Here are some of the commercial uses of feathers: 

 They are used for the manufacture of pillows, beds, cush- 

 ions, ornaments for apparel, toys, dusters, fans, muffs, feather 

 bone, feather board and brooders. In Three Oaks, Michigan, 

 is a large factory which utilizes the tail feathers of turkeys 

 for the manufacture of featherbone and feather board. These 

 articles are used in making corsets and other apparel for 

 women. Feathers are always in demand and meet ready sale 

 if properly prepared. 



Preparing Feathers for Market 



Dry-picked feathers are preferred to those plucked after 

 scalding. Scalded feathers must be thoroughly dried before 

 shipping. White feathers command a better price than colored. 

 The 'most valuable are the down and fine feathers of geese. 

 The fine feathers of chickens also command a good price, es- 

 pecially if dry-picked. Feathers should be graded for market 

 and the different grades packed separately. 



In picking turkeys, save all the feathers that grow on the 

 tail, also those on the two joints of the wing next the body. 

 The pointed, one-sided feathers, or primaries, that grow on 

 the end of the wing sell at a low price and should be kept 

 separate from the others. 



In packing, lay quill feathers straight in as light boxes as 

 possible. If stuffed into bags they become broken. Body 

 feathers should be shipped in burlap sacks. Chicken feathers 

 should be forked over to allow the animal heat to escape and 

 to assist in drying. Dampness mats them together and in 

 that event they are liable to arrive at market in a heated or 



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