POULTRY NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 67, 16 February 1939, Page 5

POULTRY NOTES

(By “Brooder.”) As the result of the oppressive heat in Australia this summer, and perhaps the bush fires, in overseas journals there are appearing all sorts or advice to pouitrymen. Birds badly affected by heat should not have their heads dipped in water we are told; better is it to immerse the body only, which tends to draw the blood away from the head, thus relieving the pressure. A fowl suffering from overpowering heat stretches the neck on the ground and requires the suggested treatment, afterwards placing it in a cool place. To have breeders ready when the time comes for them to be used is not a provision one can make in a few days, or a few weeks for that matter, unless steps are taken to provide them. There is by far too much breeding witli pullets. “Yes,” says a confirmed pullet breeder, “it is all right saying one must not breed with pullets; what is to be done when birds are wanted for the breeding pen and either through prolonged laying or disability, or coldness of the early breeding season, are prevented from coming back to laying condition in time?” This query covers most of the difficulties with which one certainly has to contend. But they can be overcome. Prolonged laying is a good fault, but what of the birds which began last February. Surely there are amongst these evidences of a moult; careful selection from these should provide early breeders. The question to ask here is, was a record kept of when they began laying; did they cease laying in December or January and were thrown out as early moulters and therefore no good? If so, then, of course, the manager must take the blame for this.

Regarding disability, no birds suffering from such a limitation should ever be considered fit for the breeding pen; if they developed such symptoms during the moulting period such is unfortunate, otherwise they might have been thrown out when laying finished. Of a certainty, though, they cannot be used for breeding. The owner relying on such birds is indeed unfortunate and has an excuse for using pullets. The kind of breeding season we are likely to experience is something we cannot foretell. However, as intimated, if breeders can be induced to moult early enough, they should be more or less able to withstand the rigours of the worst winter. As to whether they can be induced to moult early enough depends upon the owner. If eggs are valuable the temptation is, as shown, to allow the birds to continue. Some argue they' cannot stop them which is ridiculous. Change of diet, irregular feeding, laxatives, or anything which upsets the ordinary_ routine of life will stop laving. A tonic to birds, slow to return “to laying, is sometimes required. Now we come to the owner who perforce must use pullets, some Here it is advised that at least 50 per cent, hens should be in. the breeding pen. Such a combination assures ot early chicks amongst which there is a fair proportion from matured liens. There will be less harm still if the pullets are well matured birds, lay mg well and of strong . vitality. AA itn such there should bo little wrong with the progeny. ' ~ We come back now. however, to the point, it is necessary to begin breeding pen provision long before they, the birds, are required. It would not be too soon to begin now. Carrying a fowl is easy.. I-ollow fbese instructions: If a fowl, is to be carried any 7 distance, put it undei one elbow, bead to rear, your arm gentlv pressing its wings to its body (and "up against vour own). The palm of the hand should bo passed under the l>odv so that the lower part of the thighs may be gripped lightly between the”first, and second, and third and fourth fingers, respectively. Ihe towl thus rides very 7 comfortably, but is unable to struggle in any way.