POULTRY NOTES

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 59, 2 December 1933, Page 24

POULTRY NOTES

Care of the Growing Stock

PULLETS SHOULD NOT BE FORCED

(By “New Laid.”)

Forcing pullets with rich food in order that they may commence to lay at an extremely early age is a mistake persisted in by "some poultrymen, but one that is rarely made by old hands. The experienced man realises that great care has to be taken In the feeding and handling of the growing pullets if he is to get the maximum returns from the birds, and his aim. from incubation to the commencement of the laying period, is to develop the bird’s body and build up her constitution. Birds that are forced for early production cannot grow into vigorous "stock that will give a satisfactory egg yield, nor will they make desirable breeding stock. About six months old is a good time for a bird of a laying strain to commence egg production, while another month may be allowed in the case of the heavy breeds. Some birds may be thoroughly developed before this, and may be producing naturally, but they are a very different proposition from the pullet which is forced in to lay when only a little more than half grown. A mistake sometimes made is to allow the cockerels to run too long with the pullets. If the cockerels are to- be fed so as to have them in a good marketable condition at say four and a half months 'old the pullets getting the same food would be unduly forced and unfitted for the strenuous laying life ahead of them. Tile future table bird should be rapidly developed and should have a restricted range and rich diet, while the pullet should have good range and an ample but simple ration calculated to build up a strong body to withstand the heavy strain entailed in High egg production. The Breeding Cockerel. The cockerels selected for future breeding purposes should be treated in a similar manner to the growing pullets and be given every opportunity to make slow, sound development. This necessitates plenty of plain, nourishing food and ample exercise. As in the case of the'pullet, premature maturity should be carefully guarded against as a very early maturing male will rarely grow to the desired size for the production of the highest grade stock. Coddling, overcrowding, badly ventilated quarters and high feeding should be avoided if the best results are to be obtained. An adequate supply of freshly crushed oyster shell should always be available as it provides lime for bodily requirements ahd particularly bone-mak-ing. Another absolute necessity is regular supplies of green food such as chopped lucerne, clover, silver beet, lettuce, cabbage, or water cress.

Late Hatched Chickens. Referring to the special care necessary when .dealing with late-hatched chickens the Chief Government Poultry Instructor writes as follows in the “N.Z. Journal of Agriculture” : —Although the current season for the hatching of chicks of any breed has now passed, it is safe to say that in many cases where poultry are kept in small numbers, and where broody hens were not previously available, hatching operations will be continued for some time yet, as in such circumstances it means late-hatched chicks or none at all. While it is true that the chicken brought out later than the end of October is always more or less undesirable as compared with the early-hatched bird yet where the majority of the adult stock kept are old, and have probably passed their best period of usefulness, the question of hatching out some chicks is worthy of consideration, as the late hatched pullet, if given proper food and attention, can be depended upon to return a better profit than could an old worn-out hen.

The one and only way to counteract the drawbacks of late hatching is by judicious management, so that the birds will be encouraged to develop without check. The first thing necessary is to give a liberal supply of good, palatable food, and if the chickens are to make the best growth the greater portion of this food should be provided in moist form. This applies to the early-hatched birds as well as the bite ones. At this period of the year in particular, too much hard, dry food tends to retard rather than to advance growth. Even where a prepared commercial food is being used the chickens will do better, except perhaps for the evening meal, if it is moistened with milk (preferably) or hot water and left to swell before being fed. The importance- of placing late-hatch-ed chickens on fresh ground cannot be urged too strongly. Too often these birds make poor growth, and a common cause of this is that they have to follow stock hatched early in the season and are compelled to run on stale and tainted ground. The coop should be repeatedly shifted to fresh ground, and good shelter from wind, and shade from summer heat should be arranged, while a constant supply of clean water, charcoal and grit should be kept before the young birds, and green stuff should be fed in abundance. Cleanliness and the protection of the birds from vermin are also requirements of special importance.

Break the Broody Hen. Broody hens.,, which a short t ime hack were welcomed for hatching purposes, cannot be put to any profitable use now and the quicker they are broken of their broodiness and got Hack into production the better. If left to sit for many days broody hens not only make stale any eggs they chance to be covering, but they are much more difficult to break of their broodiness and they may even moult before they resume laying. If left to themselves, some bens will sit for many weeks and become so poor iu condition that it will take a long time to get them back into production, but if broken of the broodiness early, they may be laying again within a short period. Two outstanding mistakes are often made iu the treatment of broody hens. One is to neglect them because they are not at the moment .contributing to the earning capacity of the plant, and the other is to try and break them by starving them and shutting them up in a dark coop. None of these methods are advisable as they injure the hen and tend to reduce her production rather than increase it. The most successful method is to catch the hens immediately they show signs of broodiness and confine them iu special broody coops with slatted floors. The birds should be supplied with food and water and, while starvation is harmIful, it will do no harm to keep them keen for their food.

An Unsightly Malady. Althought white-comb, a diseased condition of the comb, face or wattles, may not lead to any considerable economical loss, it certainly spoils the appearance of affected stock. Some practical hints on how to cure the trouble are given in “Poultry” by Mr. Norman D. Kay, F.lnst.T.C., who states that although the average poultryman does not trouble to treat this malady he would be well advised to do so. It is invariably a chronic condition, and if allowed to go on for any length of time will ultimately result in a condition of ulceration. It is also contagious, both to any associated fowls and to man himself if the natural resistance happens to be low. Mr. Kay adds: “As the disease is caused by a living fungoid organism, it will immediately be clear that the system of treatment must involve the local external application of antiseptics to the comb or other affected parts; and as this particular fungus is very resistant the medicinal applications must be repeated until the disease is cured. Strict hygiene in the pens is also called for, and on account of the danger of passing on the infection to other birds, the affected birds should invariably be taken to u special hospital pen, where the individual treatment required is more conveniently given. The. usual remedies used for this complaint are sulphur ointment or tincture of iodine. Both are effective, but the first mentioned is too slow and the latter likely to damage the eyes of the fowls. For the exhibitor, whose requirements are rather exacting, the following safe, simple, inexpensive mixture may readily be obtained from any druggist: Resorcinol 40 grains, dilute acetic acid 2 11. drachms, and water to 1 fl. ounce. This non-irritating lotion

should be painted over, the entire comb or other parts three times weekly; and for quicker and more certain results the affected areas should be well washed with soap and warm water before each painting. This treatment will definitely cure the condition, and it will leave the fowl’s head or featherings quite unstained. “For Hie commercial poultryman here is a very inexpensive mixture employing as its active ingredient common photographic ‘hypo’; sodium hyposulphate (‘hypo’) loz.. glycerine. 3 fl. drachms, water 10 fl. ounces. This solution is also painted over the entire comb or other parts, and will be found equally effective. “After all such treatments the operator should thoroughly wash the hands with common yellow soap and rub on a little of either of the suggested solutions. “The actual time taken to cure whitecomb varies with the severity of the trouble. A mild case taken in hand as soon as the first signs of white powdering is noticeable, may' be cured by one or two paintings, but a more advanced and long-standing case may take several weeks.” Mr, Kay contends that the white-comb diseas," known in Australia is not the true favus known in older countries but a less serious trouble which may be quickly cured by the treatment outlined above. Removal of Tumours. \

The operative removal of tumours in fowls is feasible and often lastingly successful, but such fowls even if cured cannot be recommended for breeding purposes. From the practical standpoint it is not advisable to breed from any strain in which tumours of the inner organs occur with a greater frequency than two or three per cent. The above is the opinion of Dr. H. P. Bayon, who has for the past nine years been studying tumours in the domesticated fowl. In an address at the HarperAdams poultry conference, Dr. Bayon stated that whereas in man tumours make their appearance at middle age, the majority of affected hens he had examined were under one year old. Fowls, he added, developed tumours at a much younger age than other animals. Condition had no bearing, because tumours were found in both ill and well-condition-ed fowls. The removal of tumours in fowls according to Dr. Bayon is not worth while for although at time successful, as a rule it caused the formation of daughter tumours in about 60 per cent, of cases treated. Salt in the Ration. Common salt, given in the right quantity, and in 1 the right way, is as highly beneficial to poultry as it is to larger animals, but the susceptibility of poultry to poisoning by salt is very marked—by raw salt iu particular. Most of the cases of salt poisoning coming under notice, states a departmental publication, are .from eating grains of raw salt, notably out of dry mash. There is considerable danger in dry mash hoppers where salt is mixed in the mash, particularly where the hoppers are filled up to last two or three weeks. Dry mash hoppers should be emptied and filled each week. Where that is not done there is danger, especially in damp weather, of the grains of salt clinging together and forming a mass of over-salty material, which, when eaten by the birds, results in salt poisoning. The same danger lurks in brine in which meat has been pickled, whether it is mixed with the food or even thrown on the ground where poultry have access to it. Scraps from the kitchen containing salt are still another source of the same trouble, as it is the addition of salt to mixed mjshes which may already contain sufficient. The quantity .of salt used in the morning wet mash should not exceed twenty-two ounces to 1001 b,. of food, calculated on dry weight, and the salt should first be completely dissolved in the liquid with which the mash is to be mixed. As regards salt in dry mash, it will suffice to use only about half the quantity stated for wet mash, and to ensure that it is very fine, dry, free from lumps, and thoroughly mixed through the mass., Only by such precautions can immunity from salt poisoning be ensured.” —“Poultry World.”

Trea.tnienF for Egg-Binding. Egg-binding can usually be traced to an over-fat condition of the hen, fatty degeneration weakening the muscles of the oviduct. The general conception of the complaint is that it is brought about by the inability to pass an extra large egg. but this condition, says “The Australasian,” is comparatively rare. As a fact, a bird in ordinary ■ health and condition has seldom any trouble laying doubie-yolk or other unusual sized eggs. Occasionally young pullets suffer in this way if thqir first eggs are unusually large. A simple remedy that should be tried first is to administer a teaspoonful of olive oil every two hours, and syringe a little warm water into the vent, but do not use much pressure. If a cure is not effected in this way. hold the fowl’s vent over steam from boiling water, and pass an oiled feather up the vent. It is also helpful to administer one grain of calomel. Great care must be taken to see that the egg is not broken inside the hen. because if this happens there is very little chance of saving the bird's life, peritonitis usually setting in. General Notes.

By marketing surplus cockerels as soon as possible a considerable saving will be effected in the food bill.

One leaspoonful of oil of turpentine in half the ordinary quantity of morning mash- for every 25 fowls followed four hours later by the other half of the mash, containing loz. Epsom salts in each 101 b. meal used for the mash, is recommended by “Poultry” as an effective treatment, for -worms. The above treatment should be repeated in from four to seven days.

A method that is hardly ever known to fail to check hens eating eggs, says an exchange, is to soak some eggs in kerosene for three or four hours and leave them where the offending hens can get at them.

Tiie food value of oat husks when finely ground is, says “The Poultry Journal” (England) not fully realised by the uninitiated. When not very finely ground, however, they constitute a menace to the birds, as serious impaction of the intestines is set up owing to their being unassimilated.

Records for two years at the West Virginia experiment station of the layink of 178 fowls showed that the hens laid 20.1 per cent, more eggs in their first year, but the eggs laid in the second year averaged proportionately 7.36 per cent, more in weight, and the fowls averaged 15.3 per cent, more in body weight.

“Lucerne dried by artificial heat was found to contain approximately seven tinies as much vitamin A as that cured in the field. Lucerne artificially dried was green, while the field-cured was brownish-green. The lucerne cured in the sun without exposure t 6 rain or dew had more vitamin D in it than the artificially cured, but lost some of its vitamin A content.” —New Jersey Experiment Station.

Allow plenty of room on the perches for the birds, otherwise there is sure to bo quarrelling among them, and the weakest will suffer. For large breeds allow a space of a foot for each bird, for medium aliout 9 inches, and for light breeds 7 inches.

To make kerosene emulsion boil a gallon of water with lib of soft soap, and add while still boiling a 'quart of kerosene. stirring well all the time.

The assembly of large numbers of birds on limited ground will sooner or later lead to trouble in some form. Where adult stock are run in fairly large units, which often involves permanent houses, it will be found that the land for ten yards or so round such houses becomes

“poultry-sad” owing to the continual dropping of manure. Land in such a condition, is a frequent cause of disease and should be dug up each year for about ten yards round the house and sown with some quick-growing crop to clean the ground. An experienced breeder who has treated. many birds for tape worms states that he has found nothing more effective than equal quantities of olive oil and oil of turpentine. About 10 drops of the mixture is the dose given the average adult bird. The oil should be given while the birds are fasted, preferably morning, to be followed an hour later with a dose of castor oil or Epsom salts. If the salts are used, they should be damped and placed in the beak. EGG-LAYING CONTESTS Results from Massey College Following arc the 34th week’s results of the Massey College egg-lajlng couipctitlou:— SINGLE PENS. Section B.—MrsDirnant 8.0., (4), lot); T. Duuthwaile, 8.0., 1 (a), No 2 («) 200; A. G. Frankhaiu, (5); 131 x; Mrs. Hellaby, 8.0., No. 1 (u), lu, B O No. 2 (5) 147; Larsen Bros., 8.0., No. 1 (6) 201, 8.0. No. 2 (—) 46d, B O. No. o <6l 176- Mrs. Scarrott. L. 0., No. 1 (6) 16-, B O Nd 2 (5) 182; Mrs. Waddell, 8.0.. No. 1 (%?1-7J, 8.0. Nm 2 (-) 140 d; W E. Watson, 8.0., (4), 151; Mrs Lavey L.S., (O, 118 - Mrs. Youngson; Bk.lV. (—). <Bx, A. Mouldey, R.1.R., (6), 161. Section A.—‘Chas. Barker, W.L., No. 1 <4) 164 W.L. No. 2 (4) 124; A. Strawbruge, W L No 1 (7) 129; Mrs. Camion, W.L., (7), 191; G. H. Cross,’ .W.L, (3) 121; E. M. Galvin W.L., No, 1 (3) 16ix, W.L. No. - (41 181 W.L. No'3 (6) 106; J. T. Hazelwood, W L No. 1 (5) 175, W.L. No. 2 (5) 153; Mrs. Hdlliby, W.L, (6) 192; Mrs. Dlmant W ,L., (61 123;.J. Ibibotson, W.L, (4), 149, WJ McAloon, W.L, (6), 163; D. Kruse, Arse., No 1 (4) 157 Anc. No. 2 (2) 14Sx; Mi=>s Mitchell. W.L, (4), 175; A. G Mu mb y, W.L, No 1 (5) 174, W.L. No. 2 (0) 161; Mrs Stewart, W.L’ No 1 W W L. No 2 (21 171: A. Strawbriclge, W.L, No. - (4;, 148 WL No. 3 (6) 119; W. H. Barker, W L, No. 1 (4) 131, W.L. No. 2 (5) 150 W.L No. 3 (5) 133; J. Smith. Anc, No 1 (4) !01, Anc. No. 2 (4) 98; W. F. Stent, Min, No. 1 (5) 99, Min. No. 2 (5) 104; A K. W atsoii, Brl. No. 1 (6) 153. Brl. No. 2 (4) 109; Mrs. Youngson, Bkl. (6) 136. TEAM RESULTS. Section D.-—All 8.0. M. L. Boyce, 139, 179, 198 x, 115, 170, 172 Larsen Bros, 148, 1’29, 156. 131, 134, 153 (S 92, OSd, 165, 104, 144, 179 Mrs. Warren, 117, 110 x, 132, 155. 122, 97 (29), 733. ' Mrs. Scarrott, 111, 96, 101,, 124, 45d, 121 (25), 601. Section C. P. B. Harrison, W.L, IMx, 171, 197, 1-10, 158, 133 (22), 953. F S Allen, W.L, 173. 149 x, 184, 183, 67(1, 196 x (30), 952. . Mrs G. Hillman, W.L, 145, 157, 140, 103, 155, 153 x (25), 90S. F T. Wimble, W.L, 115, 163, 118, US, 145, 171 (29)', 830. ■ E. B.- Wainscott, W.L, 143, 101. 165, 132. 60d, 158 (25). 819. J. T. Hazelwood, W.L, 125, 143, 101, 130, 167 x, 152 (31), SIS. H A. Lucas, W.L, 170. 123, 159, 158. 83, llld (22), 804. Mrs. Hellaby, W.L, 134, 120, 140, 178, lS5x, 37<1 (27), 794. Miss Mitchell, W.L, 141, 150, 125. 142, 91, 136 (25), 785. A. G. Mumby, W.L, 140, 88. 98, 122, lOS, 129 (19), CSS. * A. Strawbridge, W.L, 105. 140, 141, 45d, 106, 113 (22). 650. S. D. Morris, W.L, 121 x, 149, 19d. 149, 43d, 147' (21), 628. i - W. G. King. W.L, 117 x, 115, 29d, IOSx, 133, 119 (25), 621. G. E. Manning, W.L, 253, 117, 78, 129, 77, 101 (22), 527. W. F. Stent, Min, 66, 56, 74, IOOx, 76, 125 (22), 497. x Disqualified egg-weight clause, d Bird dead. Taranaki Contest Following are the results of the 35th week (ending November 29)' o£ the Taranaki Egg-laying Competition Society sixth contest: — White Leghorns.—H. Moreland: No. 1, 5—186; No. 2, 5—177; No. 3, 0—132.o —132. G. L. Gaylard: No. 1, 4—111; No. 2, 6—173; No. 3, 5— M. Loveridge: No. 1, 4—129; No. 2, 6— No. 3, 5—140. Gibbons Bros.: No. 1. 5—132; No. 2, 6—176; No. 3, 6—147. Mrs. R. R. Cannon: No. 1, 6—206; No. 2, 6—165; No. 3, o—ll 7. A. J. Cadman: No. 1. 6—204; No. 2, 0—176: No. 3, S—l7o. A. V. Hopkins: No. 1, *: No. 2, 0—22; No. 3, S—ISS. S. Pope. 6—193; W. Crompton. 5—114; J. Meuli, 5—152. T. Bruce, 4—180; Miss'E. Ladd, 6-233. Brown Leghorns.—Mrs. A. J. Hoiperoft, 5—145. Minorcas.—C. Strang, 4—05; J. T. Brice,

5—157. Miss D. Swadling: No. 1, s—ll®l No. 2, 2—73; No. 3, 4—122. Anconas. —A. J. Bloomfield, 2—171; T. J. Bates. I—l4l. Wyandottes.—Thos. Dowthwaite: No. 1, 7—212; No. 2, 5—182. Light, Sussex.—D. J. Prestidge, •; T. J. Bates, 3—151; Mrs. R. R. Cannon, 6—264. Black Orpingtons.—Mrs. S. Paterson: No. 1 4—194; No. 2, 2—136; No. 3, 5—153. Mrs. F. A. Warren: No. 1, B„ 0—158; No. 2, 5—186; No. 3, 6—150. H. W. Smith: No. 1, 5—202; No. 2, 4—194; No. 3. 6—147. Larsen Bros.: No. 1, 7—216; No. 2, 6—170; No. 3, 5—157. Mrs. D. M. Waddell: No. 1, 4—190; No. 2, 7—245; No. 3, 4—211. Miss D. Swadling, 3—172; G. L. Gaylard, 5—203; Mrs. V, L. Gane, 4—168; E. J. Poswillo, 5—145; E. R. Marshall, 6—215. DUCKS. Fawn aud Whie Runners.—Mrs. F. A. Warren: No. 1, 3—S3; No. 2, 1—134; No. 3, 7—157. Thos. Dowthwaite: No. 1. 5—106; No. 2, 7—238. Mrs. V. L. Gane, 6—128; T. J. Bates. 5—87. White Runners. —H. G.-’Eineny. 6—93; K. Mouldey, 2—64; Stan. Beauschamp, 6 —113. Fawn Runners.—. Stan, Beauschamp, 7— 183. Khaki Campbell.—T. J. Bates, 5—93: H. G. Emeny, 6—181; W. Rowlands, 6—158. Pekins.—H. G. Emeny, 6—101; H. A. Lucas: No. 1, 2—US; No. 2, —. LIGHT BREED: Three-bird Teams. Tl. Weekly to

DUCKS. Mrs. F. A. Warren, F.I.R 3 17 11 373 •Signilics bird dead. B, Broody. M, Minorca. W.L, White Leghorns.

total date. FL Moreland. XV.L$ .. 5 5 5 15 514 G. L. Gaylard. W.L. . 4 6 5 15 436 M. Loveridge, XV.L. . 4 6 5 15 464 Gibbons Bros., XV. L. o 6 8 17 455 Mrs. R. R. Cannon, XV L 6 0 12 4SS A. ,T. Cadman, W.L. . 6 5 16 530 A. V. Hopkins, XV.L. . • 0 «) o 274 Miss D. Swadling. M. i) 4 11 311 HEAVY BREEDS: Black Orpingtons. Mrs. S.. Paterson .... 4 n o 11 4-S3 Mrs. F. A. Warren .. 0 5 6 11 494 H. XV. Smith 4 6 15 543 Larsen Bros w 6 5 18 543 Mrs. D. M. Waddell .. 4 7 4 15 644