POULTRY NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 116, 12 April 1930, Page 11

POULTRY NOTES

(By “Brooder.”)

The long dry spell, and the consequent parching of the paddocks, is no doubt, partly responsible for the complaint that eggs with very pale yolks are numerous. That nice deep yellow in the volk of the egg is much appreciated by consumers, and when it is absent there is an inclination to believe that the egg is not fresh. But producers should know that paleness of yolk is only an indication that something is missing from the feed supplied to the birds. Recognising that maize will give that attractive yolk so many people desire, many feed a good mixture with the other grains with good effect. Remembering, though, that maize is more or less a fattening grain, it is wise not to overdo it. Also, it must be remembered that whole maize has a tendency to give crop trouble. A good proportion of bran in the mash is recommended when maize meal is used to a large extent. This helps to balance the meal. To make absolutely certain that the egg when shelled will look well, and be as good as it looks, feed plenty of green feed, and especially if tire paddock or the run is deficient in grass as has been the case during tho last few weeks. The welcome rain which we have had this week will benefit poultry-farmers considerably and pullets on free range should soon respond. The belief that ducks need little food, given plenty of range on good swampy ground, is not borne out by an authority who states that a laying duck should receive not less than oi ozs of concentrated food each day. This man (at Home) states that lie ran a flock of Khaki Campbell ducks numbering 400 to 500. These had free range oh land supplying a considerable amount of natural food. At 7 p.m. daily tho birds were given _ a mash averaging 5i ozs for each bird (dry weight), pollard and flaked maize being tho chief constituents, with a good proportion of fish meal. Regarding the fish meal, it is recommended that only very best quality should be used or the eggs would give off a flavour. This duck egg producer, it is stated, got a flock average of over 200 eggs per bird, and did well, doubtless augmenting his income considerably by the sale of table birds, for which the duck is suited. We may, therefore, say that ducks may lay, if left to their own devices, but the above will conclusively prove that proper feeding, and plenty of >t, is necessary to secure the best results. Regarding fresh lisli,ineal, there is not a great lot of it about, but any good meat meal should prove an efficient substitute.

It is stated that the Government, of the Hutch Hast indies will be sending two drakes and TO ducks of the Indian Kunner breed to the World Poultry Congress and Exhibition, which is to be lieid at tire Crystal Palace, and some interesting facts about this i>opular breed have come to light. A correspondent of the Ministry of Agriculture m Buitenzorg, Java, states that the Indian Runner is a native of the Hutch East Indies, where it is maintained in very large numbers, particularly on tho island of Java, lii 'legal and Kedoe. Many Javanese farmers have flocks numbering as many as- 10U0 ducks, winch are driven to pasture much as geese are driven in Central Europe. A duckherd takes charge of the birds, which lecd along the roadsides or in the rice fields, and lay their eggs where they please, the duckherd’s duty being to gather up the eggs and sell them in tne villages througli winch he wanders with his flock. The Runner “clucks travel freely from one part of the country to tne other, and the Ministry's correspondent refers to flocks that have covered, doubtless by easy stages, the 2UO miles between Tegal aud Ruitenzorg. In England tho mdian Runner duck has been bred mainly for egg-production, and to some extent tor exhibition purposes, so that an opportunity will be afforded of comparing the English birds with the puie native strain. The choosing of cockerels to head the breeding pens is always a very important part oi a poultrymau's work. Have you chosen yours yeti The breeding season will soon bo with us once again and the right class of bird must be ready when tho time comes. Always remember that it is not enough to get chickens; that is comparatively easy. Rut, to get those which will prove of genuine good service to the breeder, care must be taken at mating time. Tt should always bo remembered that it is through the male bird that laying powers are largely transmitted. To be content with the appearance of a bird is not enough, even admitting that type and other good points are necessary; but the birds must have good parentage and have in them the inrluence received from others strong in egg laying powers. tjhoose now, in order that those not required may be sold or otherwise quitted. In the judges’ list, poultry sections, for tho next exhibition of the Manawatu Association we find that the personnel is almost exclusively made up of local judges. To “Brooder” it seems then that this is a splendid chance to get an idea of what will guide these judges in awarding the prizes. Exhibitors would welcome, it is certain, any hints or helps to decide wliat class of bird is the most I itted for the exhibition pen. “Brooder, ’ therefore, intends to approach tire judges individually so that a pen portrait may be given weekly of one or more of tlie different breeds which will be represented at the show. “Brooder” feels certain that judges will willingly give what is required.