POULTRY NOTES

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 30, 29 October 1932, Page 18

POULTRY NOTES

MARKETING SURPLUS COCKERELS

Drawbacks of Late Hatching

It is only in exceptional cases, and where specially favourable conditions are present, that it will pay to hatch November chicks (according to the Chief Poultry Instructor, Mr. F. C. Brown). If, therefore, more chicks are required there should now be no further delay in securing them, for the later the hatching the lower will be the productive capacity of the flock. Too often the late-hatched birds are turned into stale quarters and runs, and also have not the protection from hot weather which nature demands, with the result that they fail to make satisfactory development as compared with chickens hatched earlier in the season.

The drawbacks of late hatching can be counteracted to a great extent by placing the chickens in a clean fresh run which has the advantage of being well shaded. Their quarters should be scrupulously clean, as a preventive against parasitic infestation making its appearance and the young birds receiving a set-back as a consequence. At all eosts guard against overcrowding, remembering that the smaller the number of chickens in a flock the better will they thrive. Do not attempt to rear weaklings or deformed stock, as these should never be bothered with. Better far to destroy them at the outset and save the worry of trying to rear birds which, even if they come to maturity, may never pay for their keep. Again, it is the weakling which usually catches every passing ailment, and may thus be the means of introducing serious trouble into the flock. The late-hatched chickens must be supplied with ample good palatable food. If birds of any age are to thrive and do well plenty of good nourishing food is necessary, and this applies especially where late-hatched pullets are concerned. With the advent of summer conditions, growing birds are apt to leave their food, especially on very hot days, and consequently are likely to receive a set-back from which they never recover. The fact of the birds not appreciating their food does not necessarily mean that they are being overfed, and more often it indicates that they are tired of the one class of food that is being provided. When this occurs it is advisable to change the ration and make it as appetising as possible. Where milk is available, the mash mixture should be moistened with this. It not only makes the food more appetising but also tends to promote good health and sound development in the growing bird. In addition, milk has great value as a drink. If there is any doubt, as to the merits of milk for chickens the poultry-keeper should conduct a test, giving one lot of chickens milk and another hot water, and watch results. It may be contended that milk adheres to the feathers of the birds, giving them an unsightly appearance. Admittedly this .applies where the milk is provided in an open receptacle, but not so where proper drinking vessels, specially made for the purpose, are used. It goes without saying that the drinking vessels should be frequently 'washed in hot water and maintained in a clean, sanitary state.

Then again, if the chickens are to make sound development succulent green material cannot be oversupplied. Indeed, when hot weather conditions prevail they will half live upon green food, if given the opportunity. Where watercress is available this will prove an excellent food for growing stock or, indeed, for birds of all ages. This valuable food grows in close reach of many poultry-keepers who never use it, simply because they do not realise its value. Probably there is no better green food grown than watercress for toning up the system and generally promoting good health in all classes of poultry stock. Surplus Cockerels.

There should be no deJay in marketing all surplus cockerels that have reached the age of about five mouths. If these are got: rid of it will not only mean better conditions for the remaining stock, but will also save labour and money. It should be borne in mind that once a bird passes the chicken stage it costs more to feed and grows less in value every day. Cockerels which have been well fed and managed up to, say, five months’ old will be found with good frames and in good table condition, but when kept longer they commence making feathers and bone, and are not then in a fair condition again until they reach mature stage. Even if a fully developed cockerel is marketed in absolutely prime condition, it is not favoured by tie high-class poulterer, to whom it is known as a stag. The fact of its having a well-grown spur sharp at the point condemns it as a desirable roasting fowl, and its value is reduced accordingly. Sneh a bird is coarse and larger than is generally desired for the high-class trade. It is the flesh of the prime four to five months’ old bird that is most sought after and which commands the highest price. Cockerels intended for market should be separated from the pullets as soon as the sex can be determined. It is practically impossible to prime cockerels when on range and having the company of females. When the priming process begins. at. about three and a-half months, exercise must be curtailed, as too much ?f this does uot tend towards rapid flesh brmation.

The poultry-keeper should not try to prime cockerels on inferior or damaged food. If a maximum amount of flesh is to be produced in a minimum of time the food should be sound and fed with a free hand. Only soft food should be given. A suitable mash may bg made from two parts of bran and one part, each of finelyground wheat-meal and maize-meal, with 5 per cent, by weight of meat-meal added, the whole being moistened with hot water or skim milk, and mixed into a crumbly mass. Feed three times a day as much as the birds will eat. up clean. Succulent green food can be fed in abundance, but separately, and where skim-milk is available it may be given in large quantities to drink, while grit should be in reach of the birds at all times to pick at. Above all. see that the birds themselves, as well as the quarters, are free from vermin, for however good the food may be. the birds will fail to put on the desired weight if insect pests are present. In view of the high prices which the consuming public are being asked to pay for prime table chickens, as compared with the ruling rate for fresh eggs, there should be every inducement to the producer to feed and manage his surplus cockerels in such a way that they will command the highest ruling prices. Especially should this apply during the forthcoming festive season

Soft-shelled Duck Eggs. S.M.H.—Tf your ducks lay soft-shelled eggs it suggests that forcing food is being fed to excess, or that tho necessary shellforming material, such as crushed oyster shell, is not available. The trouble is also sometimes due to the birds being over fat. The general management points asked for will be published next week. General Notes.

The bills of ducks are different from the bills of fowls. If you open a duck’s bill yon will find it. has a fringe. This fringe is used as a sieve, so that as a duck grovels in the mud at the bottom of a Jpond it can sift out anything it desires by means of this natural sieve. It is a very sensitive part, and if the bird is fed hot food Ihis fringe is apt to be damaged beyond repair, and will thereby prevent the proper formation of the bill. Therefore, do not give hot food to ducks.

When constructing poultry yards do not put a rail on top unless the top is to be covered up, as this encourages the birds to fly up and alight on it, and so they discover a way of getting out. If a rail is necessary, as over a gate, a piece of netting should be placed over it at an angle inclined inward.

The action of liquid milk upon new galvanised troughs and fountains is Io produce a poison: therefore, when first using any receptacle of a galvanised nature, first allow some milk to stand in the trough for a few days, after Web Berub

it out well with soap and water, when it will be perfectly safe for chieks or flock use. Cases of heavy mortality have been proved to have arisen from milk standing in these troughs, which develops poisonous action. It is. usual to feed soured slum milk in such tins, and the souring hastens chemical action. This fact must be stored away in the mind for future guidance.— “Poultry.” A poultry farmer informs an exchange that for influenza in fowls he finds that lime dusting is the best remedy. He said he had used many medicines, but, in his opinion, nothing gave results equal to lime dusting. * • • All fowls arc the better for having some bulk in the ration, which is generally supplied by feeding green stuff. ♦ * » Some Important “Dont’s.” Don’t forget that good equipment is necessary to successful brooding operations. Therefore, sec that your houses, brooders, and coops are of the best and ready for use before you buy any eggs or birds. Don’t forget to disinfect your incubator, and then run it a couple of days before putting the eggs in. * « * Don’t forget, when buying hatching eggs, to buy the best. » * * Don’t neglect starting the brooders at least forty-eight hours before the chicks arrive. This warms up the room and checks the brooder stove. * * * Don’t forget that the first week is the critical period of the chick’s life. * * • Don’t forget that crowding often proves disastrous. • * * Don’t put too many chicks under one brooder. ♦ * * Don’t fail to have sufficient regular heat • • • Don’t forget that fluctuating temperature is not conducive to good growth and development. » » » Don’t forget the cold ehicks will crowd and suffocate one another. • » » Don’t forget that chicks will learn easily to crowd, and that once the habit is formed it is hard to break. * * * Don’t forget to keep your chicks busy. • * * Don’t forget that idle chicks become restless and will sooner or later cause trouble. « * • Don’t forget that clean litter will add considerably to the chick’s health and comfort. • » » Don’t forget that good feed is essential. Cheap feed usually proves the most expensive in the end. » * » Don’t fail to furnish plenty of fresh clean water twice or thrice a day, and succulent, leafy green food. » » • Don’t forget to have the water lukewarm the first week. It takes the yoke more than a week to absorb fully, and warm water is helpful. » » * Don’t forget that for the first fortnight chieks should be fed six times a day. » * * Don’t forget to keep the chicks’ environment sanitary. Drinking vessels, feeders, and floors. » * * Don’t forget that the most reliable thermometers are the chicks themselves. If they crowd around the stove, they are too cold. If they bunch around the walls,, they are too hot. Chicks spread out over the floor indicate the correct temperature. » » » Don’t neglect your brooding' work when the chicks are fire and six weeks old. Some poultrymen get careless at this stage, and many chicks are lost by smothering as a result. * • • Don’t forget that the proven method or system of brooding will give the best results. It does not pay to experiment too much. Don’t fail to remember that it is better to have too much floor space than not enough. Build a brooder house large enough for your needs, and to spare. * » » Don’t neglect to provide plenty of fresh air without draughts. * * * Don’t forget that the floors, side walls and back of your brooder house should oe airtight. * * » Don’t, forget that if your floor and walls are of wood to have them doubleconstructed with roofing paper between. This construction is very necessary where cold, wet weather is encountered. EGG-LAYING CONTESTS Massey College Results The results at the close of the twentyninth week of the egg-laying contest at Massey Agricultural College are as under: — Single Pens. Section A.—AV. H. Barker, No. 1 87, No. 2 102. No. 3 122; E. M. Galvin, No. 1 126 x, No. 2 159; G. H. Cross. 91: F. Ecob. No. 1, 152. No. 212 S. No. 3 T 46; A. K. Watson, 165; C. Goodsou, 61x; L. B. Maunsell, No. 1 121, No. 2 140. No. 3 128: Mrs. Stewart, No. 1 115, No. 2 122. No. 3 145 x; S. G. Batten, No. 1 135; . R. Cannon, 135; Miss Mitchell, No. 1 125, No. 2 128, No. 3, 148, No. 4 117, No. 5 151, No. 6 155; T. Bruce, No. 1 122, No. 2 135. No. 3 81: A. .1. Shailer. No. 1 135, No. 2 122; H. Rushton, No. 1 127, No. 2 128, No. 3 130. No. 4 134; S. G. Batten, No. 2 112, No. 3,162 x, No. 4 119, No. 5 147, No. 6 104, No. 7 110. Section B.—Mrs. Hellaby, No. 1 143. No. 2 141; Mrs. Toungson, 131; Larsen Bros., No. 1 168 x, No. 2 95, No. 3 117. No, 4 181 x; T. Dojithwaite, 113; E. M. Galvin, 40x. Team Results. Section C.— F. Ecob, 158. 143. 141 x, 121, 100, 135 (31), 798; M. L. Boyce. 126. 115, 129 x, 140. 112, 92 (34). 714: M. Macrae. 79. 114 x. 153. SOx, 131. 120 (33). 677; Mrs. Stewart. 120, 81, 96, 106 x, 73, 130. x (31), 600: P. B. Harrison, 124. 124, 93, 71, 97. 73 (30). 582. Section T>.--Mrs, Hcllabv. 108, 157, 132. x. 122. x. 92. 124 (37). 735: McLean and Whitworth. 91, mix. 97x, 100. x, 126 x, 150 (30). 680; W. E. .Tones. 118. 92. 117, Ills, 86, I3lx (37), CoS; W. Bish, 142, 30x, 46, 100, 115 x.

cot (27), 493; Larsen Bros., 73. 101, 77x, 99, 69x, 55 (29), 477.' x Signifies disqualified egg-wciglit clause. tßird dead. Taranaki Competition The close of the thirtieth week of the Taranaki egg-laying competition shows the following results up to October 26:— White Leghorns.—Turuturu Poultry Farm. No. 1 6-131, No. 2 7—144. No. 3 0— 330; Barkers, Nolantown, No. 1 6—114. No. 2 6— go No. 3 5—94; A. J. Cadman, No. 1 6—164, No. 2 6—171, No. 3 0—149, No. 4 5 X 47. No. 5 5—146. No. 6 6—157; It. IlCannon, No. 1 7—167, No. 2 6—114; No. 3 6—137; M. Scanlon, No. 1 o—l6B, No. - 6—109, No. 3 6—157; G. L. Gaylard, No. 1 Uy jso 2 6—126, No. 3 6—125; Gibbous Bros.,’ No.’ 1 7—170, No. 2 6-151, No, _3 6—148- ,T. Meuli. 6—156; T. Bruce, 7— l.m; G. Kent, 5—70; W. Crompton, 7—163. _ Brown Leghorns. —C. Goodson, No. 1 5— 82, No. 2 5—84, No. 3 6—77. Black Mlnorcas. —A. Hopkins, 7—136; D. Swadling. No. 1 6—Bo, No. 2 C— lol. Light Sussex.—C. Murray, 0—14 o; R. It. Cannon, C—ll 9. Black Orpingtons.—l). M XVaddell. No. 1 6 143, No. 2 4—103, No. •> i — l4o; F. A. No. 1 6—HO, No. 2 5—109, No. 3 6— 139; V. L. Gane. No. I 6—133, No. 2 6—135, No. 3 5—106; S. Paterson, No. 2 5— No. 3 6—169; Larsen Bros., No. 1 6— No. 2 7—205, No. 3 5—132; G. L. Gaylard, 6-133; R. -T. Youncson. <-164; W Wordsworth. 7—132; n. Swadling, u 98; T. King. 6—115. , „ „ ... , Rhode Island Red. —J. W. Carrick, No. 1 6—161, No. 2 5—130, No. 3 5—132. Ducks.—Fawn Indian Runners.—F. A.

Warren. No. 1 5—S5, No. 2 6- 131, No. 3 5-6"; T. Douthwaite, No. 1 6—90, No. 2 6 70. No. 3 7- 97; V. 1.. Gane, 6—137. While Bunners.—.l. <l. I.aw. 5—63: S. Beauchamp, 5—139, T. Dowtliwaite, 2—711. Klnki Campbell.—Cleaver. 6 —129. I’ekin. —11. A. l.ueas, No. 1 6—lol, No. 2 7—74. THUEE-BIRD TEAMS. Light Breeds.

1 Weekly 2 3 total. Total to date. Turn turn Poultry Farm, W.L 6 7 6 19 406 Barkers, Nolan town. W.L 6 6 5 17 29S A. J. Cadman, No. 1, W.L 6 6 6 18 484 A. J. Cadman, No. 2, _ I, 5 6 16 450 R. R. Cannon. W.L. .. 7 6 6 19 413 M. Scanlon, W.L 6 6 6 18 431: G. L. Gaylard, W.L. .. 6 6 6 IS 368 Gibbons Bros., W.L. « •7 6 6 18 469 C. Goodson, B.L. ..... . & 5 6 16 243 Hoary : Breeds. D. M. Waddell. B.O... 6 4 7 17 39t F. A. Warren, B.O. •• 6 5 6 17 367 V. I.. Gane, B.O . 6 6 5 17 374 S. Paterson, B.O. .... • 5 6 11 :m Larsen Bros.. B.O. ... . 6 w .> 18 451 J. W. Carrick, R.I.R. 6 5 16 423 DUCKS. F A. Warren, F.T.R. 8 s 16 279 T. Dowthwaite, F.T.K. 6 <5 7 19 266 W.L.—White Leehorns. B.r. Brown Leghorns B.O.—Black Orpingtons. R..I.R.— Rhode Island Red. F.I.R.--Fawn Indian Runner Ducks. *S1; unifies bird dead