The Fort Dodge Messenger: Dec. 3, 1904

Eggs are Worth 28C Per Dozen

Take a Sudden and Surprising Jump, Going Up Several Cents

Cold Weather is Responsible

Hens Will Not Lay When Cold Weather Comes Unless Well House and Well Cared For – No Relief Until February.

Twenty-eight cents per dozen for eggs (in today’s prices, about $6.71). That is the price that is asked today, and the end it not yet. They are, according to the present indications, likely to go to thirty-five cents ($8.38) before the week is out and their steady advance from now on until Christmas is to be expected.

The hens have the situation in their own hands. They got a corner on the supply early in the seaon (sic) and as there is no opposition there is nothing to be done to relieve the situation till the spring laying season comes on and her maternal ambitions overcome her desire to be contrary.

The present abrupt raise in the price of eggs is due to the sudden arrival of cold weather which invariably puts a stop to the supply of eggs. Hens must be warmly cared for or they will not produce eggs in winter. A sudden change from warm to cold weather invariably shuts off the production at once, and it is some days until the hens recover enough of their usual cheerfulness to being laying again.

Added to this fact there are comparatively old biddies in the country, and last spring’s pullets will not begin operations until February. The old hens brought such and excellent price int he local markets all spring and summer that nearly allof the farmers of this section sold out their poultry close. There are a great number of young fowls in the country, but they do not help at the present time.

(Editor’s note: The inflation calculator I use puts the price of 28 cents in 1904 at $6.71 in 2010 prices and 35 cents in 1904 at $8.38 in 2010. I recently bought a dozen and a half egg package for $2.98 and was not happy with that price. I should have been counting my blessings.)

Tags: 1904