POULTRY NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 28

POULTRY NOTES.

(By

“New Laid.")

Export of Eggs. It is now possible to announce that arran'- p mcnts have been finally made for rhipments of eggs to be made from this country to London during the coming flusn season. It is expected that the first shipment will be dispatched early in September aud thus reach the English market sonic time in October. The last shipment will probably be sent not later than the beginning ef'November. It will thus be seen that, unlike such produce as butter, cheese, and meat, which are exported during practically the whole year, the eggexport period is a remarkably short one. The prices of eggs ou the English market are at their highest from October until about Christmas, after which t'hey decline sharplv, and unless eggs from this part ot the world arrive there during that brief portion of the year, the heavy freight and other charges make the proposition the reverse of profitable to those engaged in it at this end. Producers who have packed eggs for this purpose during past years do not require to be reminded of what is necessary in this connection, but for those who have not had this experience it may be said that clean two-ounce eggs, white, with firm well-shaped shells, not more than three days old at the time of dispatch to the grading depot, will about fill the bill. Washed eggs are not desired, as they evaporate more than those that are packed in their natural state, and consequently appear older by the time they reach their destination. It is to be hoped that all interested will do their bit to make the business a success. Queensland Egg Board. The following report in connection with the egg business in Queensland, which appeared in the Brisbane “Courier” recently, will be found of interest to many on this side of the water, particularly on account of the necessity which was never more pressing than to-day for better grading of eggs for local consumption. The egg grades were reviewed at the June meeting of the Queensland Egg Board (states the article), nnd were' determined as follows, to take effect as from July IG_ n< No; 1 Grade.—All eggs weighing 1 7-Soz. and over, clean, sound, and new laid. Discoloured or stained eggs will be classed as No. 3 grade. . No. 2 Grade.—Eggs of l)oz. and over clean, sound, and new laid. Discoloured or stained eggs will be classed as bo. 3 grndc. No. 3 Grade.—Eggs of l)oz. and over, clean, fresh, and sound: also discoloured, and stained eggs from grades 1 and 2. No. 4 Grade.—Eggs of inferior quality, and eggs weighing less than lloz. No. 5 Grade.—Eggs received in a dirty, stale state, and otherwise defective condition. . , . , In order to be classified as new laid eggs must be gathered at least twice a day, kept in a cool place, and marketed at least once weekly, during the months of April and October, both inclusive, and twice weekly during the months of November, December, January . February, and Jlarcli. The question of export and relative business was very fully considered. A contract has been completed for the shipment of 5000 cases of gggs to Great Britain, and negotiations are proceeding with respect to further shipments. It is almost certain that from 10,000 to 12,000 cases will be packed for export during the current season. Already 000 cases have been packed. It is intended to use a new type of case for future oversea shipments, if obtainable nt nn attractive price. Its onepiece ends are to be impressed with the board's brand. To minimise breakages suitable mattresses are to be procured on which to lower the tray when eggs are being stowed in ship holds, and there will be supervision of the operations. Packers' slips, bearing necessary particulars, will bo included in every ease exported, iu case of complaint.

A Most Encouraging Sign. There is no more encouraging sign of the extraordinary prosperity of tlic poul-’ try industry and proof of the fact that.it is a remunerative business than the success of the various firms that manufacture or sell supplies to poultrymen. It. affords great encouragement to those who expeet to take part iu the raising of poultry, either to secure pocket money or an independent living. Tliird-year liens.

liens arc past their usefulness as layers in two years, but tills does not mean that all must lie sent to the market. A few should be kept for raising chickens. Like .Begets Like.

In mating purebred fowls, the nrinciple to remember; is that “like begets like.” Never cross two bad points together. You may have a'bird good in all points except one, that will make him an excellent breeder, but in mating him be sure that his mates are especially good where he fails. Dis-nfect Drinking Vesaels. Every week disinfect all drinking vessels by scalding them in boiling water. It is a preventative against infectious diseases which are rapidly spread by these vessels. ....

Freshly,Killed;Fowls are Tough. ; Poultry should not be eaten the, day it is killed. The most tender fresh killed chilled chicken will be tough ns soon as tlic animal iheat has left the. body. In about twelve ; hours, however, the muscles will relax, arid it then becomes acceptable for food.