VARIETY OF PRODUCTS 279 



PRODUCTION OF POULTRY FOR BREEDING PURPOSES OR 

 REPRODUCTION 



Eggs and birds sold for breeding bring relatively higher 

 prices than when sold for food. Abnormally high prices are not 

 always certain, and prevail for only exceedingly good birds. 

 The aim of the poultry keeper should be to combine in his birds 

 both good breeding qualities and points of utility. In addi- 

 tion to the products mentioned above considerable revenue 

 can be brought in by the sale of hatching eggs, of baby chicks, 

 of males and females for breeding, and of pullets for laying. 



Hatching Eggs. — During the months of March, April, and 

 May, the demand for utility hatching eggs is very good. 

 Prices range from 15.00 to $10.00 per 100. Much higher 

 prices are received for eggs in small quantity if produced 

 by hens of exceptionally fine quality. The possibilities in 

 selling hatching eggs are great, especially on a commercial 

 egg farm. Good birds can be kept, and properly mated. 

 All eggs from such hens that are sold for hatching bring about 

 double the price they would if sold for food, and this increased 

 revenue is all profit. 



Baby Chicks. — There is a great demand for baby chicks, 

 and it reaches its height in April, May, and June. The 

 chicks are hatched in large numbers at conunercial plants, and 

 shipped immediately after hatching. If properly packed they 

 can be sent considerable distances without injury. Baby 

 chicks of good quality stock usually bring from $10.00 to 

 $20.00 dollars per 100. The profits of the baby chick business 

 are excellent, if one has good facilities for hatching them. 



Birds for Breeding. — Strong and vigorous adult birds for 

 breeding can usually be disposed of in large numbers during 

 the winter and early spring, and bring a good price; this 

 ranges from $3.00 to $10.00 apiece. They often bring more 

 than this, but in order to do so must be of exceptionally fine 

 quality (Fig. 154). The selling of breeding birds can not be 

 developed to any great extent on commercial poultry farms. 



