THE AUSTRALORP

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 128, 1 June 1935, Page 28

THE AUSTRALORP

The Australorp holds nearly as many egg records as the Leghorn, and the winter egg production from a flock of this breed will usually be better than that from Leghorns. Unfortunately, however, there are still far ioo many of the old type show Orpingtons about, and these are crossed into the utility strains with most disappointing results. It is in the second and third years' laying that the heavy breeds break down. They take longer to moult, are more prone to go to fat, and a higher proportion break down internally. In the hands of a good breeder such birds are quickly culled out and fetch good prices as table birds, but the novice finds' difficulty in picking out such birds. Then there is the broody element so common in some heavy breed strains, and if excessive causes additional work and loss of eggs. Fertility is not generally nearly as good, and the lazy types are very liable to heavy infection of body lice, demanding extra

attention. The selection of a breed is important, but if full attention will be given to producing a good strain; almost any of the commoner breeds lend themselves to improvement, whether the desired improvement be along exhibition points or more intense egg production. Under no conditions should the novice attempt to combine fancy points and exceptionally high egg production in the same matings. By all. means maintain , standard points if; possible, • and certainly avoid any birds \ with very serious defects. The margin of profit in poultry-keeping today is so small that high egg production, is essential. '