POULTRY NOTES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 133, 29 February 1936, Page 24

POULTRY NOTES

Care of Birds* During the Moult

ADVICE ON FEEDING

(By

New Laid.)

Discussing the moulting process and factors affecting it, Mr. L. Robiueou gives the following advice, writing in the official journal of the Scientific Poultry Breeders’ Association, England : —“The casual observer of a moulting fowl will probably conclude that the feathers are dropped indiscriminately, but this is hardly the case, since the moult proceeds in a fairly well-defined order, beginning at the head and neck, followed by the body; the wing and tail feathers usually falling after the body moult bad commenced. As a rule the primary (or flight) feathers of the wing are dropped in regular order, and by an. examination of the wings it is possible to distinguish between the fowl moulting rapidly and one moulting slowly, although observations should not be confined to the wings. No one claims to understand fully the nature ol the moult and the various factors concerned with it, but there are certain points with which all poultry Keepers should be familiar, for even to-day the moult appears to cause some anxiety, and certainly results .in financial loss unless the fowls are properly managed during this period. In the past all kinds of special rations have been advised during the moulting period, but the moult is a perfectly natural phenomenon, and the introduction of special items in the menu is entirely unnecessary provided the fowls arc in a condition tv moult. Where the stock iw iu a run-down condition the addition ol cod liver oil to the mush would probably be of more benefit than anything else, more particularly when the moult is taking place late in the season. It is, however, important to see that the fowls are free from insect pests and have adequate protection from the heat of the sun. Any good layers’ or breeders’ mash will be suitable, preferably one containing a fairly high proportion of bran; but wire should be taken with the use of maize in the grain ration until the fowls httve come into production again, as there is n tendency for them to become fat following the moult, particularly in the case of some heavy breeds. As prevention is better than cure, maize should be fed sparingly or omitted ’ altogether should the condition of the stock indicate the need for a less-fattening ration. In questions of this kind, it is impossible to give advice that would be applicable to all cases, for in feeding it is the condition of the stock that should decide what rations should be fed.

Early and Late Moulters. Generally speaking, pullets moult earlier than hens, but whether dealing with, first or second-year fowls it is found that the poor producers moult early in the season, frequently in January. They cease, production when they commence to drop their feathers; they moult more slowly and more completely than the best layers. The latter usually continue to lay well into the autumn or winter, and remain in production for some time after the onset of the moult. When they cease to Jay the moult proceeds rapidly, but so long as they remain in production while growing the feathers, the rate tends to slow down, as a fowl laying and moulting is doing two jobs simultaneously, Very poor producers are more or less constantly moulting, laying a few eggs during the brief intervals. These individuals may be recognised by their clean new feathers. Unless fowls have been “forced” into the moult, all those which have completed their moult by the end of March may be regarded as early moulters; fowls moulting in April and May arc late moulters; the early moulter may be distinguished by the bright plumage. On handling, the new feathers are sappy, the quills near the body often being filled with blood. The plumage of the late moulter, on the contrary, is worn and ragged, particularly on the tail, due to the wear and tear in the nest boxes, etc.- . ,

By examining the wing feathers it is possible to decide whether a fowl is moulting rapidly or slowly, and whether she has moulted any flight feathers prior to taking a full moult. The rapidity with whieh the moult is proceeding may be ascertained by observing the difference in the length of the growing primary feathers. If several are bein'; renewed at about the same time, and the new feathens are of approximately the same length, the fowl is moulting rapidly. Should a great difference In the length of the new primaries be found, the fowl is moulting slowly. As the growth of a primary feather occupies six or seven weeks, ful-ly-grown feathers would indicate that the wing moult commenced six or seven weeks before the examination wais made, but it would not indicate that a fowl had been out of production for that time. The body of a fowl moulting rapidly is frequently seen almost devoid of old feathers, and often the tail is conspicuous by its absence. As stated, the best layers moult rapidly when they cease production, usually easting their old body feathers and growing new ones in a remarkably short period: but duo allowance should be made for a fowl moulting and laying at the same time, for though this will have the effect of slowing down the rate of moulting, such a fowl must be a prolific layer possessing an abundance of stamina. Other factors being equal, she is preferable to a fowl which ceases to lay prior to the moult There are several factors having a direct influence on the time and rapidity of moulting. Fowls whieh are in poor condition as the result of'disease or bad management will moult earlier and more slowly than they will if conditions are entirely favourable to health. Similarly. fowls which have not been bred for egg-production, or lack the necessary stamina, will moult, early mid slowly as compared with the more prolific and more vigorous individuals. weather conditions also influence the moult by the effect on the general health of the flock; fowls exposed to the hot sun are liable to moult earlier than others provided with adequate shade.

Selecting Breeding Hens. In view of the fact that the signs which go to indicate usefulness mostly disappear when the moulting process begins, and that just before that time certain signs which indicate vigour, constitution and production, manifest themselves inn marked way. no time should be lost now, says the Chief Government Poultry Inspector Mr. <*. Cussen), in selecting the breeding hens for the coming season. "As the breeding-hen is the foundation of the poultry industry,” adds Mr. Cussen, mid the poultry-keper’s future success depends very largely on the class of bird he places in his breeding pens, this work of selection is perhaps one of the most important and interesting jobs of the year. The art of breeding is the ability to select birds which, when mated, will produce offspring nearest to the standard or model aimed at. 'The successful breeder who year after year maintains, and even improves, the high quality of his stock knows what he is aiming at, as he has a definite model or standard to guide him. and has an affection for his birds, together with a great faith in the breed in which he is specialising. He is) a real enthusiast and spends considerable time studying the various points of the individual birds, mid finally be has that gift of weighing up at a glance the characteristics of n bird. Further, the successful selector mid breeder of utility 'stock is not set back by a few disappointments. No doubt the art of selection Is easier for 1 some than for others, but when we think i that tbo many breeds of poultry have I been evolved from the jungle fowl it indicates that the art of selection can be cultivated. The three main points to

keep in view when selecting utility breeding birds are—(l) purity of blood; (2) vigour and constitution; and (3) capacity to produce and reproduce., Whatever breed the poultry-keeper takes up lie should study the recognised standard for that particular breed, so that he becomes able to make the best possible selection of the birds at his command. For instance, to the uninterested person all Leghorns appear alike, but the more a person studies his breed and the more natural aptitude he possesses, the more difference he w-ill see in each individual. A study of the standard is necessary in order to give a model to select by, for unless one hns a definite model or object to aim at when selecting breeding-hens much permanent improvement can hardly be expected. , Purity of blood is mentioned first, as experinece lias shown that mongrel birds are not profitable in comparison with a good strain of purebred ultility birds. As type and carriage are the chief characteristics of n pure-bred bird, these matters should receive consideration when selecting. Unfortunately, some utility poultry-keepers underestimate, or fail to appreciate, the value of these important items with the result that one often sees manv different types in a flock of the same breed and strain. The best breeders are known by the evenness of type in the birds they raise. Though the object should be to breed birds as near to the standard as possible, it is well for the beginner to bear in mind 'that the liner arts of breding cannot be mastered in a season or two. It is a good policy to start with a few birds of good tvpe. and once that good type becomes well set in the Hock the minor, or fancy points, can be given more consideration. EGG-LAYING CONTESTS Taranaki Society’s Results The 4Stli week of the Taranaki Egglaving Competition Society’s eighth test resulted as follows:— White Leghorns.—l. R. >4 h ?’ r * ’ 4 ini • No 2. o—lu0 —lu ; 3, o—2ol. Mrs. 1< R. Cannon. No. 1, 5—100; No. 2, s—2u(J; No 3 0—157. Emery Bros., No. 1, o-— •<74- No. 2.0-210; No. 3, 0-206. E. B. Wainscott, No. 1, 5—242: No. 2, 6—318; » No 3 No’ {; H-275 No. 2, 5-242; No. 3, 4-228 A. J Sliailer, 0-232. M. Stephenson, £- 254 Miss E. Ladd, 5—213. 11,. H. Melvllle, 3—226. Ramanui Poultry Farm, 190. ’ G. Quinn, 0—195. Brown Leghorns—Mrs. V. Busby, No. 1 4—1(11- No 2, 0—22(1; No. 3, I—l9a. Hall Bros.. No. 1, 3—204; N0..2, 4—218; No. 3, 2—204. G. Harding, 4—230 Mlnorcas.—Miss D. Swadling. No 1. 0141; No, 2, 3 —188; No. 3, o—loS.0 —loS. J. Donaldson, 0—228. n ioAnconas.—P. J. Mailman. O—W. Welsummers. —Mrs. D. M. TVaddell, 1 139 Australorps.—W. A. Larsen No. 1, 0— 193; No. 2, 0—61; No. 3, 4—226.. Black Orpingtons. —Mrs. D. M. Waddell, No. t 5—27(1; No. 2, 2—175; No. 3, O—lS3. J H.’Sutton. No. 1, 3—208; No. 2, 1—187; X’ o .3, 4—253. Mrs. F. A. Warren, No. 1, 0—110; No. 2, 4—187: No.. 3, o—loo. Tbos. Dowthwaite, .No. 1, 0 —190; No. ‘2, 4—233; No. 3, o—ll4>0 —114> Miss E. Ladd, 5 —lS7. Miss D. Swadllusr. 0—133. H. W. Smith, O—lSl. E. J. Poswlllo. o—2ol.0 —201. Rhode Island Red. —K. Mouldey, 2—138. C. C. Cleaver, 3 —UH. Light Sussex.—Mrs. It. R. Cannon, I—--211. D, Nf. Waddell. 3—211. DUCKS. Fawn and White Runners.—L. P. .lames, No. 1, 0—70;. No. 2, 3—274; No. 3, o—lso. Bliss Bros.. o—lo2. Fawn Indian Runners.—Stan Beauchamp, No. 1, 0—111|; No. 2, 0—139; No. 3, 3—11)4. -White Indian Runners. —J. O. Law, 2— Campbell.—S. Pope. o—lo2. C. Gibbons, I—ll 7. LIGHT BREEDS: THREE-BIRD TEAMS.

Massey College Competition Results of the 48th week ot the egg-lay-ing contest conducted at Massey College are as follow :— SINGLE PENS. Section B. —T. Dowthwalte, 8.0., No. 1, 5—257; No. 3, 5—235; Mrs. D. M. Waddell. L.S., 8.0., No. 1, 2—220; Miss E. T. Somer, R.1.R.. No. 3, 4—214; V. J. Billington, 8.0., 6—208; T. Dowthwalte, 8.0., No. 2, 0-184;. E. Hansen, 8.0., 0—177; Miss E. T. Sinner, K.1.R., No. 1, 7—103; No. 2, 4—100; W. A. Larsen. 8.0., No. 2, 3— K. Monldey, R.1.R.. 59d. Section A.-—H. Polson, W.L., No. 2, 5— 281 x: A. G. Mmnby. W.L.. No. 2, 261; H. Moreland, W.L., 2—254: Whenuapal P.P., 2—243; J. T. Hazelwood. W.L., No. 2. 5— 231); Miss E. Ladd. W.L.. 5—239 r; .1. A. Annan, W.L.. 5—231: A. .f. Davey, W.L. No. 2. 5—228; IL Polson, W.L., No. 1, 4— 223: A. J. Dndson, W.L., 0—222; E. B. Wainscott, W.L., 3—229; J. T. Hazelwood, W.L., No. 1. 3—211; ,T. Reilly, W.L., 6— 209; F. Lang, Anc., No. 2. 4—203; A. J. Davey, W.L., No,. 1, 5—206; 11. Polson, W.L., No. 3, 5—203: F. Lang. Anc., No. 1, 4— A. G. Mmnby, W.L., No. 4, 3—188; No. J. 173 d: Emery Bros., W.L., No. 2, 5— 172; No. 1, 0—114: A. G. Mumby, W.L., No. 3, 1-97. TEAM RESULTS.

J . ' < , . Total .Wkly. to I' 1 2 3 TH. Date T. It. Wright, W.l 4 0. 0 •I 592 Mrs. R. R. Cannon, W.L. 0 10 (too Emery Bros.. W.L 5 0 0 5 690 H. B. Wainscott, W.L. .. 6 .10 SOI D. M. Peek, W.L 4 0 3 7 591 H. Moreland. W.L 4 4 14 745 Mrs. AV. Busby, B.L. .. 4 0 1 5 582 , Hall Bros., B.L. ■i 4 0 020 Miss D. Swadllng, B.L. 0 3 (1 3 -187 HEAVY BREEDS. AV. A. Larsen, Aus 0 0 4 4 470 Mrs D. M. Waddell, B.O. o 0 7 034 ,T. H. Sutton. B.O 3 1 4 8 048 Mrs. F. A. Warren, B.U. 0 4 0 4 400 Tlios. Dowtlnyaito. B.O. 0 4 0 4 543 DUCKS. L. 1*. James 0 a 0 3 494 Stan Beauchamp ...... 0 0 3 3 445

Section D. It. JJ. Morrison. B.O., 212x, ISO, 210, 227X, 178x. 207x (21), 1220. Mrs R. Wlllcrs, 11.0., 217, 203(1, 229, 130(3, 228x, (10). 1179. W. A. Larsen, B.O., 158, 103, 220x, 201, 138. 239x, (24). 1125. G. A. Edge. R.I.R., 170, 121, 193, 201, 224, 209. (IS). 1118. F. A. Dewhurst. It.LIL. 188, 164, 219, 150, 194. 195. (18), 1110. i Mrs. N II. Short. B.O., 139r, S4d, 131X, 195r, 229. 189. (14). 907. .1. B. Duthic. It.I.IL, 204, 97. 201, 140, 142. 154. (8), 917. IV. E. Jones. It.Lit., 131, 213x, 17SX, 133, 5-1(1. 1S5x, (17). 894. A. Wood, Lang., 191, lllr, 193x, ,120, 73, 142, (19), 814. M. L. Boyce. B.O., 107, lllr. 3011(1, 50, 210, 58, (9), 741. Section C. M. Stephenson, IV.L., 208, 210, 192 r, 217, 232. 230. (29), 1349. Miss II. Kecldell. W.L., 170x, 250, 1S8, 219. 203. 239. (30) 1209 A. J. Davey. IV.L.. 190. 228. 206, 209, 221, 119d, (17). 1173. E. B. Wainscott. W.L.. 206, 211, 117d, 111. 235x, 20s, (11). 1121. 11. Polson. No. 2, W.L., 220, 221, 189, 209, 146. 120, (19), 1105. 11. A. Lucas, W.L., 217, 152,' 195, 237; 175, 118, (12), 1094. ,1. Graham. W.L., 235, 1G1, 165x, 203, 113d, 185, (24), 1002. S. D. Morris, W.L., 197, 120, 8Sd, 214, 218. 184, (19), 1027. C. J. Hubbard, No. 1, W.L., 223, 185, 139. 181, 200. 06(1, (18), 1024. Mrs. It. It. Cannon. W.L., 175, 143, 179, 212, 151. 162r. (20). 1022. Miss Mnreslionil. W.L., (J3d, 182x, 238, 160. 231. 108x. 120’). 1)88. II. Polson, No. 2, W.L., 140, 90, 111, 171, 183. 185. (111, 1113. Mrs. M. L. Williams, W.L., 86, 140, 220, 179. 83d. 20flx; (7), 908. C. J. Hubbard. No. 2. W.L.. 131, 189, 96d, 122. 109, 128, (7). 835. “r” Replacement; ‘‘d’’ bird dead; “x'L disqualified. ess weight clause.