POULTRY NOTES

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 182, 29 April 1933, Page 18

POULTRY NOTES

Gizzard Compaction: Causes and Remedy

RAISING AND CARE OF TURKEYS

(By

“New Laid.”)

The danger attaching to feeding to fowls long fibrous material such as long grass, lawn clippings, etc., has been stressed repeatedly, but the practice continues in spite of warnings and the poultryman pays, Several cases have recently come under the notice of the Chief Government I’oultry Instructor, who states that while lawn clippings make an ideal green feed for fowls when such clippings are short and succulent, they are likely to have a decidedly injurious effect on birds of all ages if supplied in long fibrous condition, so they become a tangled mass and will not leave the gizzard. In the great majority of cases reported regarding losses of stock from this cause, the owners observed that the birds usually dropped dead at feeding tiiue from, no apparent cause—birds which in most cases were in heavy producing condition and gave evidence of being in a healthy thriving state. The suddenness with which birds die from this trouble frequently leads their owners to believe that they must have picked up some kind of poisonous matter, but this is not so. Mr. Bevan states that the many post mortem examinations he has conducted in investigating this mortality, usually the heart was found to be in a badly ruptured condition and the gizzard packed with fibrous material such as long pieces ot grass, while in some cases the gizzards contained husks of eats, barley, etc., and little or no grit. What caused the heart to rupture was dillicult to say, but it would appear that this was first due to compaction of the gizzard with fibrous material, causing the digestive system to become deranged, then excessive blood pressure, resulting from excitement at feeding lime followed by a ruptured heart. Mr. Brown states that most cases that have come under his notice of late lawn clippings have been responsible for the mortality, while in others the deaths were duo to the birds eating grass hay which was used as litter, and this had a similar effect in packing the gizzard. Once this trouble shows itself in a flock, the only safe course is to withhold from ibe ration so far as possible any grass, lucerne, green oats, etc., which is not in a decidedly succulent form and finely chopped. Other foods with husks such as oats, barley, etc., should also be eleminated for a time from the ration. The birds will then be given a better opportunity of freeing themselves from any fibrous matter that may be. contained in the gizzard. At such a time the green material should consist solely of silver beet, cabbage, rape or similar tender plants. It is most important that plenty of sharp stone grit should be within reach of the birds at. all times. Seashell will assist, but if gizzard and crop disorders are 1o be avoided, gravel or stone grit should be provided as well. Fowls have no teeth, and they must have grit to aid digestion. Distribution of Medicines.

One of the greatest drawbacks to the use of medicines for poultry insofar as the treatment of Hocks is concerned is the difficulty in the way of an equal distribution of it. "Place it in the feed and all the birds will get it,” is the usual dictum of tho poultry farmer. 'The morning wet mash or the drinking water are the usual means through which such a distribution is made. But in the matter o£ general application one is confronted with the use of dry mash in some cases, and automatic watering in others. Then aga n some medicines are not suitable for both; in fact, lew are. For instance, neither sulphur, for tho protection of birds from fowl pox, nor tobacco for worms, can be given per medium of the drinking water, ami they must of necessity be distributed through the feed. But here again, while sulphur can be placed in either dry or wet mash, tobacco cannot be given in the dry mash, or, at any rate, it would not be eaten by the birds. Epsom salts may be administered through feed or water. Sulphate of iron and all liquid tonics should be given in the water. Tile difficulties in the way of distributing liquid medicines in the case of automatic watering of the birds has boon largely overcome by the use of specially designed cisterns placed in the circulatory system. These are made in suitable sizes to meet almost any requirements. In attempting to distribute medicines in the food, says Mr. 3. Haddington, in the “Sydney Morning Herald, what has to be taken into account is the difference in the food consumption of the different units of the Hock. No matter how well they may be mixed through the mash, some birds will get twice as much as others, in accordance with the amount of food eaten. If each bird ate the same amount there would, of course, be an equal fdstribu tion, but that, unfortunately._ is not the case. For instance, the laying hen or pullet must eat more than the one not laying. There is also difference in appetite; furthermore, there are the individuals that will ent but little or none of the food containing the medicine. Herein lies the explanation why many birds supposed to be getting, say., sulphur. as a protection against chicken pox. fail to be protected. How to eliminate these adverse factors is not always easy; every poultry-keeper must study tho problem for himself in the light of his own circumstances. Care of Moulting Hens. AVith the variable weather experienced at this season of tho year, it should be remembered that moulting birds should bo protected from exposure to cold ami wet weather. They should not be clewed to stand in a cold wet yard waiting

for feeding time, but should be fed in the house and not be allowed to go out into the open on cold wet days. It. is shortsighted policy to try and economise on the food bill when birds are moulting. The moult makes'a great strain on the hens system and at this period only the best feed should be given, and plenty of it. According to the Chief Government Poultry Instructor (Mr. F. C. Brown), it is better to reduce the flock by half and feed the birds thoroughly, than to put the whole flock on half rations. . Although feed may be high in price, nothing will be saved by stinting the moulting hen. It a good moult is to be gone through and early egg-laying promoted, the food should not only be good, but must be liberally supplied. General Notes. While the exact time for reproduction of lice and kindred parasites cannot be definitely stated, au English authority says: "That the third generation from a single louse may number more than 120.000 in a period of eight weeks.” Such a rapid increase being possible, the results from an infestation —which is not attended to—can be readily imagined. » » » Linseed meal (in limited quantities) is rich in protein and mineral elements, and has a slightly laxative effect It is of especial value as a tonic for fowls iu poor condition, will give a gloss to the feathers, and is a good preventive . of ovarian troubles. Its use is aarticularly beneficial during the moulting season and for growing chicks, as they are continually renewing their feathers. At least 2 per cent, or up to 5 per cent, can be added to I lie mash with advantage. « « ♦ A satisfactory method of feeding birds going through the moult is to let them have as much grain as (jiey can eat, and to give the laying bens a little laying mash as well, says the "Australasian.” 'The grain builds up the body weight. Old hens wanted for breeding purposes can be fed the same way. It is not advisable Io hustle them through the moult by using forcing foods, but such forcing is justified if they are wanted for egg production. • * * The score of Mr. F. Ashworth’s three Khaki Campbell ducks has broken the New Zealand Utility I’oultry Club’s record for all breeds of ducks by 55 eggs, laying a total of fISI eggs in 52 weeks, which is claimed as a record for Khaki Campbells. One of Mr. A. G. F._Hosss three Indian Bunner ducks laid 350 eggs iu 305 days, and beat the club’s existing record by’ 33 eggs. Another meritorious performance was that of the White Leghorn pullet of Mr. J. Maitland (Orari), whose bird got within two eggs of the I record put up by Lady Venus in the | 1025-26 competitions, when she laid 010 eggs in 305 days.

EGG-LAYING CONTEST Taranaki Competition The results of the fourth week (ending April 20) in the Taranaki Egg-laying Competition Society’s sixth contest are as follow: — , , v . , While Leghorns.—U. Moreland No. 1 G til No. ii G—IS, No. 3 5 I'D ; Cl. -L. Claylard, No. 1 G—2o, No. 2 5—20, No. e> _—2., M. Loveridge, No. 1 o—2l, No. - a—li. NO. :; 0—11; Giubons Bros., no. 1 o—lb, No. . 5-20 No. Ji 5—111; Mrs. It. It. Cainion. No. j u Xo. *' T —27, No. 3—3 ; ,1. J. Ladman, No. 1 5—24, No. 2 u—ls, No. 3 s—ll, A V. lionkins, No. 1 -I—lo, No. 2 O—IL No. 3 G-lb; 8. Pope 0—21; W. Crompton o—G; J. Memi 5—11; T. Bruce u—2o; Miss L. Leghorns.— Mrs. A. J. Hopcroft, ° Minorcas.—C. Strang, 5—G; J. T. Brice, 5— Miss I’. Swadlmg, No. 1 3—l, No. _ o——o. Ro. o o—o, n — Anconas.—A. J. Bloomfield, o—IS; ±. J. Bates, s—lo. , __ - Wyudottes.—Tbos, Dowthwaitc, No. 1 7 —20, No. 2 G —ls, , nLight Sussex— D. J, I’restidge, b^-11, 1J Bates. 0—0; Mrs. It. B. Cannon, u—L Black Orpingtons.—Mrs. S. Paterson, No. 1 7—20, No. 2 li—2o. No. 3 6—21; Mrs. 1. A Warren, No. 1 o—2o, No. 2 G—3 0—0; 11. 11. Smith, No. 1 0—26, No. - No. 3 6—6; Larsen Bros., No. 1 7—26, No. - o—o No. 3 4—20; Mrs. D. M. Waddell, No. 1 5—21, No. 2 B—2B, No. 3 8 —28; Miss L’. Sw.adling. 6-22; G. L. Gaylard Mrs. V. L. Gane, 5—11); E. J. Poswillo, o—l, L. It. Marsnall, 6—27. DUCKS. . Fawn and While Bunners.—Mrs. 1. A. Warren, No. 1 6—21. No. 2 o—o. NO. 3 6— Thos. Dowlhwaite, No. 1 o—o, No. - 7 g.>; ills. V. L. Gane, 7 —27; T. J. Bates, White Bunners.—ll. G. Emeny, o“®j K - Mouldey, 0—0; Stan. Beausehamp, o—o. Fawn Bunners. —Stau. Beausehamp, 1 iKhaki Cainpoell—T. J. Bales 0—0; 11. G Emeiiv, 6—18; W. Howlands, 7—l'J. Peknis.-H. G. Emeny, 0-0; 11. A. Lucas, Ko. 1 o—o, No. 2 o—o. three-bikd teams.

MrS A:i3- "' arreU .’. G 0 6 . .12 , 3G *s";-nliiej Bird Dead. iUnderweight Eggs. S Sick M.—. Moulting. B. Broody. M.—Minorca WL—White Leghorns. Results from Massey College The third week's results in the egg-laying competition conducted at -Massey College arc’ as follow: — Single Pens. « n rn Section B.—Mrs. Diinant, 8.0. 0—0; r. Doutliwaite, 8.0. I—“Vi l n’ » . n n Frankham. 8.0. 0-2; Mrs. Hellabj 8.0. 1— 2—4; Larsen Bros. 8.0. I—l 3. -—O, *» p». Searrot, 8.0. I—l. - —Mrs. Waddell. 8.0. I—4. 2—13; W. E. AVatson, 8.0. 0—16; Mrs. Davy, L.S. 0-0, Mrs. Youngson, BI.W. 0—12; K. Mouldy. L.1.1-° ° Section A.—Chas. Barker 'y- L c. 2— A. Strawbridge. M.L. I—J. sl rs - Fannon. W.L. 0-11:, G. 11. Cross. ML. o—o- ]•: M Galvin, M .L. I—lo,1 —1o, E. 31. vin W L 2—16, 4-12; J. T. Hazelwood, w I, I—’ll 2—16; Mrs. Hellaby. W.L. 0—17: Mrs. - Dima nt. W.L. o—9;0 —9; .1. Ibbotcon W L o—6; W. .T. MeAloon. M .L. o—•>, i) Kruse, - A o—7. 2—7; Miss Mitchell, W.L. U—l 7; A. G. Mumby, W.L. L—lL Mrs. Slewart, W.L. 1-IL 2-17: A. Strawbridge. W.L. 2-1 L 3-0: W. IL Barker, W L. I—l2. 2-14. 3—3; J. .Smith, A. I—L 2—o; W. F. Stent. Min. I—o, 2—o; Mrs. Youngson, Br. In 6—o. TEAM RESULTS.

Light Breed. Total. Weekly to total, date. IT. Moreland. M’.L. G G 5 17 G1 L. (Ta.via rd, W.L. b o 13 49 M. Loveridge, W.L. G 5 t > (ribbons Bros., AV.L. u u v> 15 oo Mrs. R. K. Cannon, W. Ta A. .1. Cadman, W.L. 6 i r. 1G 15 50 A. V. Hopkins. W.L. 4 0 G 10 Miss D. Swadling, M 3 0 0 BLACK ORPINGTONS. Heavy Breeds, Mr s. S. Paterson .. 7 G 19 01 Mill. s. P. A. Warren . W. Smith G G G 7 0 G 12 r.i 59 46 Mr 1). M? Waddell o 3 S 21 DOCKS.

Section D. M. L. Boyce, B.O. .. 5 11 17 7 18 18 3G —70 Mrs. llellaby, B.O. .. 1 12 14 ”, 7 IS 19—55 Larsen Bros., B.O. .. 7 11 7 3 o 5 5—3S Mrs. Warren, B.O. .. o n 13 0 0 1 4—16 Mrs. Scarrott, B.O. ■ ■ 0 O o 0 0 0 0— 4 Section p. S. Allen. W.L. 17 13 10 1G 17 3G—90 1’ B. Harrison. W.L. .. 17 1 .7 t 20 1 13 1 :g s 31—91 Mrs. Hillman, W.L. .. 15 1 11 15 1G IS 2S—S2 S. I'. Morris, W.L. .. 1'i 15 >’ 15 12 17 21—77 II I'. Lucas. W.L. .. 11G 15 12 9 12 27—7G Mrs. Hellaby, 11 2G—71 W.L. ■ • 13 12 Q 1G 1G Miss Mitchell W.L. .. 15 12 10 0 « 13 23—61 J T Hazelwood, W. L. .. 4 11 S 12 9 29—19 E. B. Wainscott, 11—IS W.L. .. 11 11 13 0 G 4 A. G. Mumby, W.L. .. 8 15 0 5 9 9 15—4G E. G. Manning. W.L. U 7 4 13 0 11 10—41 F T. Wimble W_L. 0 11 S 0 9 12 20—13 A. Strawbridge, W.L. .. 10 — 8 0 1 10 IS—37 W. F. Stent, Min. .. 3 0 0 12 1 11 9—30 W. G. King, W.L. .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0— 0