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Chapter X. 
POULTRY AS AN ECONOMICAL AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD. 
In treating on the subject of Poultry being one of our most valuable foods, and which should be more widely 
consumed than at present, we are struck with astonishment at the class of Fowls and Ducks generally sent to 
our market and offered for sale. With few exceptions, they are decidedly inferior to any other form of animal 
food, being mere handfuls of feathers, in many instances of uncertain age, and thoroughly impregnated with 
disease, often being in such a filthy state as to be quite unfit for human food, that it is not to be wondered at 
people declining to eat Poultry other than that which they produce themselves, or are satisfied that it comes 
from a reliable source. 
The conditions under which they are frequently sent to market is a disgrace to humanity. They are 
often huddled together in a confined space, and covered with filth ; and how can it be expected, when offered 
for sale under these conditions, that fair or payable results can be obtained ? 
Unfortunately, our farming community generally, are not sufficiently educated on Poultry matters to 
combat these disadvantages. There is poor likelihood of Poultry ventures being profitable ones until the 
business is learnt, and learnt thoroughly ; but as, in the majority of instances. Poultry is not considered a 
profitable class of stock to raise, there is faint hope for improvement until this false impression is removed. 
On inspection of many Farms throughout the country, those that are devoted to the raising of grain, 
green crops, etc., it will be found that little or no attention is given to Poultry, and whether they lay well or 
not at all, or how they are hatched or reared, and as for thinking that Fowls require housing — no, they are a 
nuisance, and have to take their own hook and shift for themselves. 
In numbers of cases the food they eat is begrudged, the birds being looked upon more in the light of a 
" necessary evil " than anything else. If asked why they are allowed on the Farm, often the question cannot 
be answered. If an answer is forthcoming, it will generally run in this wise : " Plowed if I know. I couldn't 
be bothered with them ; they belong to the missus." But it will be found that the eggs laid are by no means 
despised, and any " unfortunate " young rooster that can possibly develop under the surroundings will be 
eaten with relish. Poultry being looked upon as a feast reserved for special occasions, this is not as it should 
be, and shows neglect of opportunity. 
On a fair-sized Farm there is nothing easier to raise than a flock of Fowls, whether for egg-production, 
home table, or market requirements ; but the Farmer, having little knowledge of the advantages likely to 
accrue from looking after Poultry properly, the opportunity to make them pay is lost. At the same time they 
will not give the birds the slightest consideration ; they are supposed to look after themselves if allowed to 
remain on the Farm. If this same system were followed in connection with another or all of the products of 
the Farm, what would be the outcome ? Failure on all sides. 
There is no doubt that if the ordinary Farmer could be educated to perceive the possible benefits that 
could and would be derived from breeding Poultry in conjunction with other products, there would soon 
be a decided improvement noticeable in his pecuniary position. As the market is always open to purchase 
good table Poultry, and pay good prices for eatable products, it cannot reasonably be expected that miserable, 
weedy specimens will be eagerly bought up unless the country was in a state of famine. 
As a noticeable fact, coops of Poultry, such as they are, are forwarded to market with the fond hope that 
there will be a few shillings over and above expenses incurred— profit never enters their minds. This hope 
is rudely shattered and actual loss is occasioned at times, the birds being almost worthless. This disgusts 
F 
