National Agricultural Library

Just Plain Chicken Talk

Just plain chicken talk is the title of this book and just a plain everyday poultry man wrote it. The idea of writing a book had never occurred to the author, but after talking and explaining chickens to hundreds of men and women engaged in this particular business he was led at their earnest solicitation to set forth his ideas and the ideas of others with whom he has come in contact. In the following pages the author has simply tried, with no attempt at fine phraseology and detailed theory, to explain what he knows about poultry. This book is based upon practical chicken knowledge by practical people with no attempt to offer any plan or suggestion which cannot be practically carried out.

There is a prevailing idea that there are many failures in the poultry business. This is the wrong impression. Of those who take up the business as a means of livelihood, there are no more failures than in any other vocation. To be sure there have been some large failures, but this has been mostly due to lack of experience, or perhaps they have had some ideas as to the feeding, housing, etc., that they wanted to carry out at the expense of their pocketbook. It most certainly is experience that counts, or at least it pays to follow the advice of one who has had experience and made a success of the business. I would not think of entering the dressmaking business without some knowledge or experience, yet we have heard of failures on this account in the poultry business. Don't ever think that because you have read of the success of others who have had years of experience, that with money you can accomplish more than they. Money at the spur of the moment will not do any great amount of good. If you had the equivalent in a flock of good birds and experience or knowledge, you would be in a position to succeed. I would rather have knowledge and experience than money to start in the poultry business, though both are necessary in their respective places. Even with knowledge, you will find so many little things that only experience can teach. Many wish to start in the poultry business, but have no funds. Never get discouraged, because if you have nerve you will succeed. If you can't start with a few birds, get a setting of eggs from a good laying strain. It is the eggs that make the hens pay. Bend your every effort toward theegg laying function. It is up to you to make her lay. If you succeed you need not ask, "Why have I failed ?"