300 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



times net the shipper as much as when dressed. When 

 shipping live poultry to market, well constructed slatted 

 crates, as shown in Figure 283, should be used in order to 

 provide for sufficient ventilation, especially when shipped 

 in express cars. Do not place too many fowls in one crate 

 so that they will be crowded. When shipping a quantity 

 of live fowls to market, they should be graded according 



Figure 289. — A large shipment of live fowls to market. 



to size and color, and placed in separate coops or in divi- 

 sions of the same coop according to the variety and size. 



POULTRY MANURE 

 Poultry manure is a valuable by-product, as the average 

 night droppings of a hen amount to 25 to 35 pounds per 

 year. A conservative estimate indicates that this amount 

 of manure contains fertilizing constituents which would 

 cost 20 to 25 cents if bought in the form of commercial fer- 

 tilizers at ordinary prices. Unless the manure is properly 

 cared for, as much as one half of its fertilizing value is likely 

 to be lost. To prevent loss, frequent cleaning of the dropping 

 boards is necessary, and some sort of absorbent should be 



