THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1704, 22 March 1913, Page 13

THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

(By Chantecler.)

Answers to Correspondents! 'M.K.8.," Ohutu.—(l) The ago at which Indian Runners tegia to lay differs with tho method of feeding. If maturity is gained slowly by access to plenty of green feed, tho laying period will bo sis to seven months. If forco food is ■used the birds may be brought to lay at fivo months. Aim at tho former, as it preserves tho birds' constitution if delayed till full maturity is reached. (2) In Indian Runners you mny safely mate eight to ten ducks. If all the birds aro laying, this number is sufficient. . In heavy breeds six are sufficient. ■ • . . "W.D.," Napier.—At the conference nil poultrymen can take in the discussion of papers. The,constitutional or legislation work will bo dono by credentialled delegates, and they only havo the power to vote. Tho eligibility of a delegate is so simplo that any halfdozen producers can form a olub and affiliate. All poultrymen are welcome at tho Auckland sessions. Personal. ' ' Messrs. J, B. Memtt, Christohurch. and n. V. Vincent, Ashburton, passed through Wellington this week, en routo to tho Auckland conference, •

The World's Record. To-morrow or Monday a gTeat poultry event takes place' at Ohri6tehurch. A world's record will be established by the famous pen of White Leghorns owned by Mr. W. A. Nixon. '• Last year the record was 1559 for 6ix hens in one year. This record is likely to bo broken in Australia again this month, but none stands the/! splendid chance of the birds at Papanui, Last night their total stood at 1581. and_ to-day and to-morrow's laying should just' about pass the Australian record. The birds then have sixteen days to go, and will no doubt take their record on to the IGO0 —the enviable goal of poultry-breed-ers of tho last five yeaia. This splendid achievement will advertise New Zealand far and wide, and Mr, Nixon may justly be regarded as tho "White Leghorn King" of New Zealand. The birds look none the worse for their ordeal, and maintain their fine constitu-, tion. Thoy do not show the weakness that makes us fear egg-laying in these figures will ruin the constitution and stamina of the breed. Tho effcct is not apparent, at anyrate, and it will bo interesting to note what their J>ro|»ony will do, and how tho birds lay in thoir second year. ... Moritz Brothers Make a Record, Moritz Brothers have won twioe at Kybybolite. They are also going to win tho competition that finishes on March 31, and with a elico of luok it is on the cards that they will beat tho existing record of 1589—threo wins and in succession, This is a record which will take a lot of beating. Pacinian has won throe times at Gatton, in Queensland, with 1538, 1532, and 1520, and they w6re successive although not iii successive years, as he dropped out one year, and then came again.. It is hard enough to score one win, ao that the achieve-, ment in doing it three times in succession stamps the man who can do it •as something extra special. The Moritz Brothers are spund breeders and straight men, and it is pleasant to note thcii; success.