POULTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 246, 16 September 1932, Page 4

POULTRY.

EGG-LAYING

MASSEY COLLEGE CONTEST.

Thn following are rlie results of the twenty-third week in the Massey College egg-laying contest:—

SINGLE PENS. Section A.

E*. M. Galvin 9* TEAMS. Section C. F. Ecob 120 111 112* 92 78 105 (33) 618 M. L. Bovcc 96 86 96* 104 83 62 (26) 527 M. Macrae 47 78* 114 55* 99 86 (29) 479 Mrs Stewart 91 49 67 74* 47 94* (31) 422 P. B. Harrison 89 93 63 41 66 41 (29) 393 Section D. Mrs Hcllahv 72 123 95* 82* 61 92 (31) 525 McLean & Whitworth 59 80* 94* 62* 98* 108 (26) 501 W. E. Jones 84 56 79 77* 49 95* (37) 440 \Y. Bish 109 9* 25 66 80* 604 (17) 349 Larsen Bros. 45 69 44* 67* 36* 33 (29) 294 ‘Signifies disqualified for egg weight clause. fßird dead.

NOTES.

(By "Brooder”). Breeding birds, despite all that is said to the contrary, do require a diet wherein meat is included. It lias been stated that good, wholesome grain, clean water and grit comprise all that is required—even mash is not allowed. This ration, it is said, will not

induce rapid laying, hut with it a fairly regular supply of eggs can ho maintained. Many, however, overlook the fact that birds fed with such a ration are usually on a wide, extensive range, having access to all the insect life to be found in the daily rambles to and fro. But, how many have this? it is feared that not many enjoy such liberty. Hence, meat must bo given if healthy .vigorous chickens are wanted. From TJ to 10 per cent, dried meat meal should be added to the mash, if fresh meat is possible, more may be given without fear of such unduly forcing eggs, ft is probable that bigger percentages and more healthy hatches would Ik> reported if attention were given to this part of tho birds’ diet.

I Turning of eggs is very necessary, land all authorities arc agreed that it should be done every 12 hours, beglnjning on tho third day of the hatch. |lt is astonishing to find some chick rearers disregarding tlris important work. Those content themselves with occasionally turning the eggs, looking upon tho work as irksome and unnecessary. Hence at the end of the hatch there are many live chicks unable to get out of the shell. Turning of the egg prevents the germ adhering to the membrane of the egg. It is a floating substance in the initial stages, and when the egg is turned well for a moment the germ is turned also, but it returns, as it should do, to the top which is now, of course, the other side of the egg. This turning, then, has given movement and any chance of adherence is thereby lessened. Good hatches are the outcome of careful attention to details. Turning of eggs regularly is a detail worth considering. All modern machines now provide trays to allow for rapid turning of eggs; makers, of course, know this work to be very necessary.

Uneven temperature causes many troubles, to say nothing of poor hatches. Too low a temperature at a late period in the hatch, it is thought, is the cause of non-absorption of much of the albumen in the eggs. Tire chicks hatch maybe, but they are oft times covered with a sticky substance, causing many to be half glued to the tray. A hatch like this is very unpleasant and not satisfactory. Kjeep the thermometer strictly within the prescribed limits. Clean hatches will eventuate.

Jt is not often that prolific laying birds in egg laying competitions put up record scores, and at the same time add weight to their own frame. Indeed, the complaint is that the heavy laying of these days is too much for birds. But it is reported that “Ardmore’s Pride,” a White Wyandotte, at the Dublin Royal Show, not only laid 313 eggs in 360 days, but she added 21bs to her weight whilst doing it. Rightly fed, most birds should be able to stand up to their work. Birds like the above are the kind wanted just now'. Tho dust bath and the spray are going to be required soon. Egg yield lias to be maintained just now. Egg prices have dropped to an alarming extent, and every bird must be a layer. Help your birds to maintain condition ; stop the ravages of the red mite and free the birds from lice and the like. A good dust bath is helpful. but a death ensuring spray to rid the house of insect pests is much more efficacious. An egg a day is not possible from birds swarming with red mite, or lice. Free them of these and they should maintain condition until well past Christmas.

Definite arrangements have hern completed for a shipment of 15,000 dozen Canterbury eggs by the Port Iluon. leaving Lyttelton on September 17. The indications are that good prices will be realised

in England for this gives' formation from the Home /calam] ®. ggs every indication tiiat *>e . r ; co3 will find a ready demand at good prices-

W. H. Barker ... 1 52 2 73 3 89 E. M. Galvin ... 1 96* 2 125 G. II. Cross ... ... — 55 F. Ecob ... - ... 1 115 2 96 3 115 A. R. Watson ... — 124 C. Goodson ... ■ —• 39* L. B. Mannsoll ... 1 90 2 106 3 95 Mrs Stewart ... 1 80 2 91 3 107* S. G. Ballon ... 1 104 R. R. Cannon ... — 102 Miss Mitchell ... 1 2 94 97 109 3 4 85 5 116 6 117 T. Bruco ... 1 77 2 107 3 50 A. J. Sliailer ... 1 102 2 91 H. Riishton ... 1 95 2 108 3 101 4 101 S. G. Batten ... 2 81 3 121* 4 86 5 115 6 73 Section B. 7 85 Mrs Hellaby ... 1 101 2 110 Mrs YounRson ... — 95 Larsen Bros. ... 1 132* 2 60 3 84 4 141* T. Doutliwaito ... — 79