1908.] 



Housing and Feeding of Poultry. 



105 



basis, the total cost for the 50 birds would be 269s. (£13 9s.), 

 equal to an average of 5s. 4*56^., and leaving out the males, 

 each hen would require to produce rather more than 67 eggs 

 per annum to meet the food charges, which is not an excessive 

 number. Whether this estimate is justified remains for 

 further observation. 



Egg Production. — Below are the records of egg production 

 given in months, but it is necessary to mention that all the hens 

 became broody at one time or another, and that from 

 September to December they were moulting. 



Table II. — Egg Production. 



Month. 



Total Number 

 of Eggs. 



Average per 

 Hen. 



January, 1907 (16 days) 



19 



0-4 



February 



386 



8-04 



March , 



602 



12*54 



April ,, 



661 



I3-77 



May „ 



646 



I3*46 



June 



429 



8-94 



July „ ... 



332 



6-92 



August ,, 



173 



3-6 



September,, 



24 



o-5 



October ,, 



15 



0-31 



November,, 



5 



cr 10 



December,, 



32 



0*67 



January, 1908 (15 days) 



58 



I -21 



Totals 



3,382 



70-46 



As will be seen, the average for the flock was distinctly low, 

 leaving a very small margin of profit, which shows the importance 

 of selection to secure a larger yield of eggs. The food cost was 

 actually is. 2'6id. per dozen eggs, or on the estimated basis 

 given above, the food cost would be 11-44^. per dozen eggs, 

 which is much above the profitable basis. As, however, the 

 system of feeding does not conduce to large egg production, 

 in that respect the result is unsatisfactory. That does not, 

 however, affect the Colony Method of Housing, and it will be 

 necessary to test it in combination with ordinary methods of 

 feeding before any definite judgment can be arrived at. 

 How far restriction within confined areas continued over an 

 entire year reduces egg production is by no means solved, 

 and remains for further investigation. 



