Money in Broilers and Squabs. 



13 



In France and England the broiler is of little importance, the 

 roasting fowl being preferred. 



"Squab broilers" must not exceed three-quarters of a pound 

 dressed. They sell best during January and February. The increase 

 of the squab pigeon business is hurting the "squab broiler" boom. 



Chickens two pounds or under are known as broilers (in some 

 sections of Pennsylvania they are called barbecues). Over two 

 pounds in weight up to four, they are classified as Spring chickens. 

 Over that weight they go as stewing or roasting fowls. Broilers in 

 some parts of the country are also known as frying chickens. The. 

 Spring chicken is introduced about April. It is the broiler's sub- 

 stitute. 



Plate 3-SIX DAYS INCUBATION' 



In the Chicago market the best broiler prices are realized from 

 March to July. 



Chickens sent to market should never be drawn. Dr. P. T. 

 Woods claims that the undrawn carcass is objectionable because of 

 the possibilities of osmosis carrying taint or poisonous matter to the 

 flesh. This point is exaggerated by writers of hygiene and those 

 who favor market poultry. Granted that in some cases where 

 fowls are not properly handled, there exists a possibility of infec- 

 tion of the meat, it is not half so dangerous as the many chances 

 of infection in drawn fowls. As a matter of fact, where the bird 

 is properly handled before killing, the chance of infection is practi- 

 cally nil. 



