48 LATE HATCHING 



Another advantage in the later hatches is the 

 fact that the fertihty of the eggs runs higher on an 

 average. Every well regulated, properly mated, and 

 properly fed flock should during April and May 

 average not less than 80 per cent fertility. 



Beginners need not hesitate about buying day old 

 chicks in May. They have nature with them, which 

 is an item well worth considering. 



Even fall hatching is profitable, as pullets hatched 

 in the early fall will start laying the early part of 

 the following spring, and will develop into heaA'y 

 layers the next summer. Southern poultry raisers 

 do considerable hatching during the fall months, and 

 seem to have good success. The fall-hatched cock- 

 erels can be marketed as early broilers, and both 

 sexes can be marketed as dressed squab broilers 

 when weighing ten to sixteen ounces. These squab 

 broilers are in big demand by the high-class restau- 

 rants and hotels, and as a rule bring the best prices 

 during February and March. To carry on the suc- 

 cessful hatching of fall chicks, it is absolutely neces- 

 sary to use incubators and brooders, as broody hens 

 are not obtainable during the fall months. 



