POULTRY KEEPING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 194, 18 August 1933, Page 12

POULTRY KEEPING.

HIGH EGG PRODUCTION. STRAIN VERSUS BREED. (By ORPINGTON.) In reply to the question "What is the best breed?" the small poultrykeeper probably would name the White Leghorn, but the expert would 6ay, "There is no best breed; it is mainly a matter of strain." Because the Leghorn is the most popular breed it is reasonable to conclude that it is the most profitable and most suitable for the novice to commence breeding. Likewise, owing to its popularity, more good strains are procurable than in some other breeds. Keep in mind that type makes the breed and colour the variety; and that a strain is established only by a breeder establishing a particular family which possesses and reproduces with marked regularity certain individual features which distinguish his strain from others. When considering the question of the best breed, a study of the final results of egg-laying competitions over a number of years will reveal that several breeds top the list at different times in different countries, though the White Leghorn and Black Orpington have the highest averages. But high egg production is not always the only quality required in a. breed, and this will affect the decision when considering which to choose. Just at present the Rhode Island Red is one of the most popular breeds in England, though authorities state that care must be exorcised lest stamina be sacrificed for too high egg production. The first requirement in any breed is good health. Stamina, constitution, and vigour are necessary, otherwise a flock of fowls will not_be profitable. Stock which is pampered and fed on too concentrated rations will break down under normal conditions.

High Averages Wanted. If high egg records arc allowed, tc influence decisions on health points, it would bo better that records were not kept. Never under any condition should a sick bird be later used as a breeder whilst every bird in the breeding pen should possess plenty of character. The eye, the plumage, and the general behaviour of' a bird will assist tin selector in picking his breeders. Higli flock averages are required rather than a few outstanding record-breakers. Body size must be maintained at all costs for while a small bird will often lay very well, she lacks the reserve to prove a 'first-class breeder. Size of egg, quality of shell, and rate of maturity are other important points to consider. The closer breeding stock can be kept to Nature the better. One of the chief reasons why stock imported from England does well in New Zealand is possibly because it has been accustomed to a more rigorous climatic condition, and therefore responds to a milder climate such as we are favoured with in New Zealand. Whatever breed is chosen, its breeding must bo mastered before success can be achieved. The best strains usually come from breeders who have specialised in one breed for many years, and who can demonstrate from their flock averages the value of their birds. Points About Breeding. August and September are the two busiest months for the poultry breeder, and the "dcad-in-shell" problem frequently crops up. Given that the breeding stock is in good condition and that the temperature has been kept close to 103 degrees throughout the 21 days' incubation period, the percentage of chicks from eggs set should average about 70. The most common cause of failure is lack of vitality in the- breeding stock; secondly, faulty management during incubation; and, thirdly, faulty ventilation, with which moisture Is associated, both inside the incubator and in the shed containing the machine. Artificial incubation is not difficult, . and there should be no necessity for > frequent watchjrig of the lamp and temf perature. Kegular attention night and i morning is essential, and if the weather I be changeable, such as is often the case with spring conditions, it may be neces- .' sary to turn up the lamp on a frosty . night, or down a little ou a.hot, sunny « day, but otherwise most machines will I "ive good results with common sense ■ management. Fresh eggs of good hatching quality are most desirable, and when • eggs varying in age from one to 14 • days aro incubated together, the results • invariably will be poorer than when eggs of the same age arc set together. With most machines the testing of the eggs on the seventh and fourteenth days must ' be faithfully carried out, otherwise the , remaining good eggs will suffer. Protect Chicks Against Chills. Chills contracted by chickens during ' their brooder stages cause enormous ' losses every breeding season, and the : utmost care should bo taken to assure an even temperature in the brooder boxes, while at the same time providing effective ventilation without draughts. The best means of gauging the correct heat to be maintained in the brooder is the behaviour of the. chicks. If they are well spread out, - look comfortable, and show no inclination to huddle, it is safe to conclude that a correct heat is being maintained. A tendency, to huddle suggests that more heat is required. The most pronounced symptoms of chill are drooping wings, excessive | thirst,. no appetite, and disinclination to leave the brooder. There is alway6 a tendency to huddle, which leads to 'sweating, followed by the all too familiar spreading of the legs and general indications of grogginess which precede death. It is not only allowing the temperature to fall below the desired degree that leads to a chill. A temperature that is too high can cause as much damage as one that is too low. Overheating not only over-forces chickens, but lowers their vitality, "and makes them more susceptible to chill when they leave the brooder to face the tem- • perature of the runs. If the youngsters are seen gasping for breath and -"ith winss drooping it is an indication *hat the heat is too great. The brooder should bo so constructed that the chickens can get away from the heat when it is excessive. Three of the main essentials in good brooding are a regular temperature, good ventilation, and cleanliness.