POULTRY BREVITIES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 437, 7 February 1912, Page 6

POULTRY BREVITIES.

Overfeeding has its evil effects. It leaves the blood full of material which furnishes a good seat for disease. If the perches are fixed so that they can be moved, the ends should be examined, and well rubbed with kerosene. The straw in the nest boxes should be changed, and the old straw burnt.

The texture and appearance of the comb is influenced by the condition of the digestive organs, and unless these

ate kept in good working order the birds lose their bright look, and their combs thicket.

As a rule the fowls will eat less in warm than in cold weather. A change of diet occasionally is advantageous. Soft food need not be given more than twice a week. The grain can be varied by giving wheat, or oats, or peas. The door of the house ought to be left open night and day, so as to assure plenty of air. If foxes are known to be in the neighbourhood a temporary wire door, made of coarse wirework on a lath framework, will prevent the etrance of any would-be intruders.

All broody hens not required for sitting should be removed from the nest directly they attempt to remain there for the night. They must be put in a coop in a light situation — not in the dark, as is often clone—and be given some wheat or oats, with plenty of fresh drinking water. Plenty of green food should be given. Cut grass, lettuce, cabbage leaves, and chick weed are ea3ily procurable. But as during warm weather greenstuff of all descriptions quickly withers and dies all not eaten by the next morning must be removed, and not allowed to lie about and rot. When fowls look bare and naked about the throat insect vermin are almost sure to be present in great numbers. If thH happens the birds will be relieved of the insects by using some kerosene and water—one third kerosene to two-thirds water-mixed by boiling with some soft soap, and dabbed on to the fowls with a piece of rag.