POULTRY NOTES

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 17, 14 October 1933, Page 24

POULTRY NOTES

Some Familiar Egg Troubles

STRAIN OF HIGH PRODUCTION

(By

“New Laid.”)

The remarkable egg-producing capacity developed in the domestic fowl of today has brought in its train a number of ovarian disorders with which the poul-try-farmer is all too familiar. It is surprising how many of these troubles can be traced to the over-feeding of forcing food such as meat and meat meal. One of the troubles most often encountered is the production of soft-shelled eggs or what are really eggs without shells. These eggs are not only a direct loss to the farmer, but they frequently lead to hens eating eggs, soft-shelled or shelled. Losses through shell-less and weak-shelled eggs can be minimised by keeping the birds well supplied with fresh crushed oyster shell or other sea shell, crushed chalk of limestone, broken burnt bone, or even old mortar. If it is'clear that lack of lime is not the cause of soft-shelled eggs, the cause may be looked for in the over-feeding of rich food such as meat or meat meal and the amount of forcing diet should be reduced. Egg-Eating Hens.

It is good policy to kill any hen which is a proved egg-eater so as to prevent the vice extending to other members of tne flock. The egg-eating habit is sometimes caused by an insufficient number of nests —a hen yyiH sit on the side of a nest waiting for another to come off and while so waiting an egg may be dropped to the ground and broken. The broken egg is eaten and the taste once being acquired the hens will learn to break the shells themselves. A remedy that is often effective is to obtain a basket, of fresh eggshells and throw them to the fowls without crushing them up. Give the birds all they can eat and keep a supply before them tor several days. It will generally be found that in the end the sight of egg shells will not attract the birds and egg-eating will stop. Emptying an egg of its contents and filling the shell with mustard has also proved an effective check on eggeating, while some farmers avoid trouble by using a special type of nest box which removes the newly-laid egg from the sight of the hen. Too Much Rich Food.

Protrusion of the oviduct is a complaint which is generally due to the overfeeding of rich foods, such as meat and meat meal, and the laying of doubieyolked eggs has also been attributed to the same overfeeding. It is a mistake to feed condiments in any form it ovarian troubles are to be avoided. Bowel protrusion is most frequent among pullets coming on to lay. If taken in time when the birds shows signs ot labour valuable assistance may be given. If the bird is allowed to overstrain ■herself until the oviduct is partly expelled it will be difficult to effect a permanent cure. In advanced stages, when inflammation of the oviduct sets in, it is as well to destroy the bird. Though temporary cures may be effected the bird will always be subject to the weakness. If taken in the early stages when labour is evident, the application of luke-warm water and a little oil round the affected parts will be of assistance to the bird. Cause of Blood Spots.

Blood spots in eggs do not necessarily indicate that a bird is suffering from any form of disease, but it is sound policy to dispose of birds which lay such eggs. They can be located by the use of trap nests. Spots or clots of blood are generally caused by the rupture of a small blood vessel near the ovaries in the envelope enclosing the ripe yolk or m the upper part of the egg duct, and they aie most frequently found where birds are being forced for egg production by the use of meat meat meal, or condiments. The condition known as egg-bound is due to failure to pass the egg in the normal manner. This happens frequently with pullets and sometimes with' Hens. With pullets the cause is very often the result of an attempt to lay a large egg before sufficient dilation of the oviduct has occurred. It may also be due to inflammation, malnutrition, stricture oi tumours which obstruct the passage ot the e™. Air egg-bound bird will make frequent trips to the nest to lay. and there will be much straining, resulting in inflammation and sometimes prolapsus of the oviduct. When it is evident that a bird cannot pass an egg naturally a feather dipped in olive oil and passed into the vent several times may relieve the trouble. If the oil does not prove, effective hold the bird’s vent over a jug of boiling water for a few minutes, after which place her on the ground, when she will make a big effort to pass the egg If all else fails hold the bird on her back and work the egg toward the vent until it slightly protrudes; then prick the. end of the egg with a nail, liberating Lie contents, and carefully breaking tne shell and taking it away. Finally oil tne finger and make certain that all the pieces of shell are removed from the vent, which should be washed out with water to reduce the inflammation. Toe-Punching the Chicks.

As a means of identification of strains, it has become usual for poultry farmers to mark their chickens nt hatching time —using a toe punch to make a tiny hole in the. web of one foot—the position ot this being arranged previously, so that all chicks of one strain are marked in the same web during each season. At the time the chicks are hatched, says “Ine Poultry Journal” (Etigland), their intestines are full of the yolk of the eggs, which has only been drawn into the bird s body within the last twenty-four hours before emerging from the shell, and to use a toe-punch for birds in this condition is the most disastrous action, although verv few appear to recognise this. The less handling the chicks have until they have absorbed the yolk the better, and this process has not been fully effected until each has been hatched for practically sixty hours. It is far better when more than one strain of birds are being placed in a foster mother together, to mark the youngsters so they can be identified at from seven to ten days of age, and the most effective method is to have indelible ink of as many distinct colours as there are strains, and then, with the cork from each bottle, put a spot of the ink under one wing of each chick. There are plenty of bright colours obtainable, and the ink, if properly corked, retains its properties for the following season, where required. Then, when the chicks are from ten to fourteen days old, they can be safely handled for toe-punching, and this should be done during the nite afternoon, before the last feed, lhere have been a good many chicks lost .eacn season as the result of toe-punching at hatching time, and this has been proved when the unmarked chicks from one hatch have thrived, and among., those which have been toe-pui;ched there have been losses which appeared to be unaccountable until investigated.

Dry-Mash Feeding. The question of labour becomes important on the poultry farm in • the middle of the chick-rearing season. An experienced poultryman urges that much labour and time can be saved by adopting the dry mash system of feeding tor the summer months. This, he states, can be done without adversely affecting egg production even though the birds have been accustomed to wet mash. Many poultrykeepers regard wet mash as essential to heavy winter production, but contend that it is not essential to heavy summer production or to rearing chickens. The best wav of introducing dry mash is to give it in the first instance as an addition to wet finish, and then gradually reduce the quantity of the latter until in a fortnight or so the birds have only dry mash. Any sudden change in the method of feeding or iu the foods used is very liable to cause an upset and adversely affect production. Ample feeding room should be available at the hoppers. One feed of grain a day should be given in addition to the dry mash. It may lie given early in the morning or in the evening,

EGG-LAYING CONTESTS

Massey College Competition

but most experienced men favour the evening. General Notes. Cockerels should be separated from the pullets as soon as they can be distinguished This is particularly the case with Leghorns and other quick growing br'eeds of cockerels because they develop sexually very early in life and begin to annoy the pullets.

Monotonous methode of feeding do not give the best results. There should be seasonal slight modifications, but sudden changes must be avoided. » • » •

Hatching on an extensive scale is now over for the season. The only circumstances which may justify prolonging the hatching season for egg producers for a short time are where chicks are to be run on new ground all through the various stages of rearing, and can be given free range pn grassy runs. Late hatched chickens seldom develop as do those hatched early.

A hen that is to be treated for worms should be fasted for twenty-four hours and then given ten drops of a mixture of equal parts of olive oil and oil of turps. Follow this an hour afterwards with a tcaspoonful of Epsom salts.

Chickens kept for any length of time on a bard floor such as wood or concrete arc apt to suffer from leg weakness. To obviate this trouble, thickly litter the floor with chaff, oat husks, or short straw-. '

“Do not be tempted to feed dry mash out of doors,” says an experienced poul-try-keeper. Heavy wastage, he says, is caused by wind blowing the mash out of the hoppers while wild birds consume much of the feed.

Heavy egg production involves heavy food consumption. Experience has proved that when dry mash is fed fowls consume more food when the water vessel is close to the mash hopper., so that they can readily quench the tliirst caused by drymash. ■

The value of free range for the growing chicken cannot be overestimated. It is their natural order of life to roam about hunting and scratching for seeds and insects. The exercise thus obtained, as well as the food,- strengthens their muscles, which means increased vigour and vitality. It also promotes growth and improves their general health.

Bran is a much more important article of diet than the average poultry-keeper gives it credit, for, comments “The Australasian.” It is rich in phosphates and bone-forming material, mid should be included in all mash, either dry or moist, and fed to both the developing chick and the adult fowl in fairly large quantities. The trouble of intestinal complaints that some attribute to the feeding of bran can usually be definately traced to some other cause.

While most diseases are assisted by any- form of dirt, the spreading of such ills as infestations of worms and coccidiosis in the chicken flocks are directly due to foul litter and foul ground. Warm, wet weather makes the best environment for the breeding of these pests, and where chicks are let out only on to bare patches of ground that have been in use for fowls for some time, disaster is bound to occur when they eat their food from the ground or drink from the pools! that occur whenever there is any rain.

Dry mash feeding, says Mr. Tom Newman 'in “Eggs,” is the greatest labotirsaver ever introduced to the poultry yard. With a dry mash and a water system the poultryman can have a day or a week off should he fall sick or want a holiday. But there are feeds that one can only use wet. and here the wet mash comes in. Milk, scraps from the table, soups, etc., may be mentioned. It would seem that with judgment the poultry keeper can use both systems with benefit.

Following are the 27th week’s results of the egg4aying contest at Massey College:— Section I!.—Mrs. Diniant, 8.0. (5), 112; T. Do-uthwaite: 8.0., No. 1 (4), 132; 8.0., No. 2 ((i), 154: A. G. Frankbani, 8.0. (0), Dllx; Mrs. Ilellaby, 8.0., No. 1 (4), 150; 8.0., No. 2 (6), Hl; Larsen Bros., 8.0., No. 1 (7), 103; 8.0., No. 2 (—). 466; 8.0., No. 3 |5). 135; Mrs. Scarrott, 8.0., No. 1 (6), 119; 8.0., No. 2 (5), 143; Mrs. Waddell, 8.0.. No. 1 (4), Hix; 8.0.. No. 2 (6), 131 x; W. E. Watson, 8.0. (1), 124; Mrs. Davey, L.S. (1), Sl)x; Mrs. Youngson, Blk.W. ( —), 7Sx; K. Mouldey, 1i.1.H. (0), 117.

Section A.—Chas. Barker, IV.L., No. 1 (5), 133; IV.L., No. 2 (5). 88x; A. Strawbridge, W.L., No. 1 (0), S 3; Mrs. Cannon, IV.L. (7). 148; G. 11. Cross, W.L. (5). 85; E. M. Galvin, IV.L., No. 1 (3). 134 x; IV.L., No. -2 (6), 147 x; W.L., No. 3 (fl), 68; J. T. Hazelwood, IV.L., No. I (5), 141; IV.L., No. 2 (5), 127; Mrs. Hellaby, IV.L. (6), 150; Mrs. Dimant. IV.L.' (6). 84; J. Ibbotson, IV.L. (5). 110; IV. J. McAloon, IV.L. (fl), 116; D. Kruse, Anc., No. 1 (6), 123; Anc., (No. 2 (01, 117 x; Miss Mitchell, IV.L. (5), 141; A. G. Muniby, IV.L., No. 1 (0), 133; IV.L., No. 2 (5), 124; Mrs. Stewart. IV.L., No. 1 (3), 124; .IV.L.. No. 2 (4). 147; A. Strawbridge, IV.L., No. 2 (5), 114; IV.L., No. 3 (CL 78; IV. 11. Barker, IV.L., No. 1 (5). 97; IV.L., No. 2 (0), 109 x; IV.L., No. 3 (5), 96: J, Smith, Anc., No, 1 (5), 97; Anc., No 2 (5), 07; IV. F. Stent, Mln., No. 1 (fl), G 4; Mln., No. 2 (5), (19; A. R. Watson, Br.L., No. 1 (7), 123: Br. L., No. 2 (5), 84x; Mrs. Youngson, Blk.L. (0), 102. TEAM RESULTS. Section D (All 8.0.).\ M. L. Boyce, 101, 140, 161 x, 87, 134, 128 (38), 751. Mrs. Hellaby, 50, 102, 128, 71, 105, 147 (34), 609. Larsen Bros., 104 x, 89x, 113, S9x, 93x, 100 (41). 594. Mrs. Warren, 73, 71x, 102 x, 112, 84, 57 (38). 499. Mrs. Searrott, 69 , 59, 04x, 85. 45d, 81 (31), 403. Section C. P. B. Harrison, W.L., 13Sx, 128, 148, 118, 118, 100 (35), 750. F. S. Allen. W.L., 131, 107 x, 143, 141, C7d, 153 x (32), 742. Mrs. G. Hillman, W.L., 110, 116, 111, 120 x, 121, 13Sx (33). 710. H. A. Lucas, W.L., 130, 108, 135, 127, 54, 90 (20), 650. E. B. Wainscott, W.L., HOx, 123, 131, 92, 60d, 120 (23). 636. F. T. Wimble, W.L., 77, 124, 88, 81, 111, 134 (34), 015. Mrs. Hellaby, W.L., 93. 89, 100, 136, 144 x, 37d (27). 005. .1, T. Hazelwood, W.L., S7x, 101, 75, 89, 127 x, 111 (32). 51)3. Miss Mitchell, IV.L., 115, 110, SC. 105. 711 103 (28), 590. A. G. Muniby, W.L., 100, 79x, 75, 89, 81, 93 (31), 523. A. Strawbridge, IV.L. 70, 104, 115, 45d, 67x, 89 (22), 490. S. D. Morris, W.L., S2x, 109, 19d, 107,-43d, 118 (22). 478. IV. G. King, W.L., 74x,' 79, 29. 6Sx, 03, 81 (28), 424. G. E. Manning, W.L., 250, 82. 44, 91, 54, 71 x (23), 307. IV. F. Stent, Mln.. 66, 26, 41, 90x, 46, 92 (22). 301. “x” Disqualified egg-weight clause. “d" Bird dead. Taranaki Competition Followin'’ arc the results of the 28th week (ending October 11) of the Taranaki Society's sixth competition:— White Leghorns.—H. Moreland, No. 1 6-148, No. 2 5-139, No. 3 5-100; G. L. Gaylard, No. 1 5-76, No. 2 6-132, No. 3 5-112; M. Loveridge, No. 1 5-92, No. 2 6-153. No 3 5-106; Gibbons Bros., No. 1 5-96, No. 2 7-131, No. 3 6-110; Mrs. R. It. Cannon. No. 1 7-165. No. 2 fl-122. No. 3 5-111; A. J. Cadman, N<>. 1 7-1115, No. 2 5-138, No. 3 6-134; A. V. Hopkins, No. 1 0-61, No. 2 0-22, No. 3 5-148; 8. Pope, 6-119; W, Crompton, 5-73;

J Meuli, 6-113; T. Bruce, 6-146; Miss E. Ladd, 7-189. t Brown Leghorns. —Mrs. A. J. Hopcrolt, 5Minorcas.—C. Strang, 5-65, J. T. Brice, 6- Miss D. Swadling, No. 1 5-81, No. 2 4-47, No. 3 5-94. Anconas.—A. J. Bloomfield, 5-139; T. J. Bates, 5-114. Wyandottes. —Thos. Dowthwaite, No. 1 7- No. 2 5-147. Light Sussex.—T. J. Bates, 5-119; Mrs. K. K. Cannon, G-163. Black Orpingtons.—Mrs. S. Paterson. No. 1 6-160, No. 2 5-117, No. 3 5-131; Mrs. F. A. Warren, No. 1 5-142, No. 2 5-147, No. 3 5-111; H. W. Smith, No. 1 8-166, No, 2 6-155, No. 3 5-1031 Larsen Bros., No. 1 6-171, No. 2 5-131, No. 3 5-122; Mrs. D. M. Waddell, No. 1 6-154, No. 2 7-197, No. 3 6-174; Miss D. Swadling, 5-146: G. L. Gaylard, 5-103: Mrs. V L. Gane, 5-138: E. J. Poswlllo, 5-109; E. R. Marshall, 0-180. DUCKS. Fawn and White Runners.—Mrs. F. A. Warren, No. 1 5-64, No. 2 6-107, No. 3 0-116; Thos. Dowthwaite, No. 1 5-178, No. 2 7-192; Mrs. V. L. Gane, 0-93; T. J. Bates, 0-59. White Runners. —H. G. Emeny, 0-03; K. Mouldey, 6-40; Stan. Beauschamp, 6-75. Fawn Runners. —Stan. Beauschamp, 7139. Khaki Campbell.—T. J. Bates, 6-63; H. G. Emeny, 6-144; W. Rowlands, 6-115. Pekins— H. G. Emeny, 6-65; H. A. Lucas, No. 1 7-S5, No. 2 *O-32. LIGHT BREED. Three-bird Teams.

DUCKS. Mrs. F. A. Warren, F.T.R 5 6 C, 17 '.’B6 ‘Signifies bird dead. M. —Moulting.

Total ■Weekly to 1 2 3 total, dale. IT. Moreland, W.L... 6 5. i) 1G 406 G. L. Gaylard, W.L. .. O H . 1 16' :«D M. Loveridge, W.L... 5 6 16 351 Gibbons Bros., W.L... 5 7 6 IS 340 Mrs. R. R. Cannon W.I 7 6 IS 39S. A. .T. Cadman, W.L... 7 15 6 18 437 A. V. Hopkins. W.L. 0 0 .1 234 Miss D. Swadling, M. 5 4 i) 14 222 HEAVY BREEDS. Black Orpingtons. Mrs. S. Paterson .... 6 5 5 16 408 Mrs. F. A. Warren .. . i 15 400 H W. Smith G 6 n 424 ft 16 424 Mrs. D. M. Waddoll .. 6 7 6 ID