THE JOURNAL 



SXtt^ OF THE 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, 



Vol. XIV. No, 11. 



FEBRUARY, 1908. 



THE MARKETING OF POULTRY. 



The demand for high-class poultry in Great Britain has in- 

 creased very greatly within recent years, and, even apart from 

 the growth of the population, there appears to be ample room 

 for extension in the home supply. Even in those markets 

 where the chief business is in unfatted specimens, a steady 

 increase in the sale of finer quality fowls is evident. As their 

 greater value is appreciated by consumers, it may be anticipated 

 that the demand for these will grow. The object of most 

 producers should be to provide for this better class trade. 

 American, Russian and other Continental supplies are frozen, 

 and do not enter into very serious competition with freshly- 

 killed British poultry if of suitable breeds and well finished, 

 although the American have been fatted. 



Markets. — London. — The best markets are those of Leaden- 

 hall and Smithfield, in London, but to obtain good prices the 

 birds sent up must be very carefully fed and well finished. 

 Overstocking of these markets with the very best quality of 

 fattened birds is hardly likely to occur, and for birds of 4 to 5 lb. 

 and over, according to the season of the year, there is a ready 

 sale. Where disparities in prices in the same consignment 

 occur it will frequently be found to be due to variation in size 

 and quality. During the spring there is a good demand for 

 young chickens, weighing 2-| to 3 lb., unfatted but well fed, 

 and a more limited sale of milk chickens, weighing about 12 ozs. 



In the London markets the best season for large well-fattened 

 fowls is from November to February, and from March to July 

 for moderate sized birds. Ducklings sell fairly well all the year 

 (3007) 2 s 



