POULTRY FOR SHOW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 87, 13 April 1934, Page 12

POULTRY FOR SHOW.

A Green Lane correspondent asks for advice on preparing, entering, and classing Black Orpingtons for show, and as the show season commences in May many others may be interested. Intending exhibitors should take an early opportunity of getting in touch with tlio secretary of the show selected and obtain general information. The usual fees for poultry arc 2/6 an entry for members and 3/ for non-members. The preparation of Black Orpingtons for the show bench is quite a simple matter. They do not require to be washed, but the feathers should be well wiped with a piece of damp silk to remove all trace of dust. The feet and shanks should be scrubbed with a nailbrush, using warm water and borax, afterwards polishing with a trace of olive oil to bring up the natural colour. A little of the same oil should be applied to comb, wattles, and the red parts of 0e face. Do this about three days before the show, and just before crating clean off with a cloth damped with vinegar. These are the essentials, and contact with other exhibitors will soon enable beginners to pick tip minor points.

HENS EAT WATTLE SEEDS. "Arc wattle seeds injurious to poultry?" asks a New Lynn correspondent. It would be unfortunate for poultry keepers it they were, for there must be comparatively few farms in tlio Auckland district where wattle trees are not being utilised for shelter, but though we know of numerous cases of birds eating the wattle seeds, wo have never heard of any harmful results. It is questionable if these seeds have very much food value, but where the birds are well supplied with good grain they are not likely to eat such quantities as would be detrimental.