Notes for the Poultry Keeper

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6628, 15 August 1931, Page 13

Notes for the Poultry Keeper

The Wyandotte ' Ouco one of the most popular dualpurpose breeds "in Now Zealand, the vVyandotto has not increased in numbers to any great extent, Tho silverlaced variety wero well known for their quantity and quality of flesh, winter laying and ability to sit well. Their beautiful feathering makes them an ideal fancier’s breed, although double mating must be reported to if both males and females of the correct markings are wanted. The Wyandotte was originated in America, about 1660, ’though the White, Golden, I’artrulgc, and tne Bull varieties were introduced ’much later. Tho Columbian variety, with very.similar markings as the nowpopular -English Light Sussex, attracted a great deal of attention and there are some excellent strains in Australia today. ■ ./By Mize of egg is small in must Wyaudottes and not enough attentiou has beeu paid to quick maturity to make the breed a rival to the Orpington, which is undoubtedly New Zealand’s most popular heavy breed, ihe Wyandotte will always nave many admirers, especially amongst fanciers and if oui) these breeders would persevere with a strain built up on sound lines combining both exhiuition points and utility characteristics, the breed would make more headway. it is interesting to note that a Golden Wyandotte is emcred in tho Taranaki egg-laying contest and is laying veiy well. A, ALr Parker of New Plymouth brought out some English stocK some years ago,, and ho exhibited several birds at the. recent . Manawatu show which on handling proved to bo good utility birds. This Variety is one of the prettiest and if sufficient fresh blood is introduced they may become popular. In the- past very few good scores have been put up in our egg . contests by Wyandottes, and to-day the public demand good layers as well as line feathers.

The While Wyandotte was ono of the most popular breeds iu England and many large flocks are still maintained for their utility value. Unfortunately we suspect that Leghorn blood has been introduced to these strains for they are smaller than the standard calls for; also 1 they have lost favour on account of their small eggs. Undoubtedly tne white variety is the best to keep as double mating is not needed, and the breeder has no trouble over markings. Some massive exhibition birds were shown at our shows this year, and with their snow white plumage and neat rose comb head, they attracted much attention. We sadly need a greater variety of breeds iu New Zealand and here is a breed that anyone can taKc up with confidence. IVlanav/atu Egg Producers’ Assn. This society is having a field day at the Poultry Department of -Massey Agricultural College at 1.30 p.m. to-day and invitations have been sent to all interested persons to attend. Whilst this is a busy time for all poultrymen they should endeavour to be present. Cheaper Peed. The wise poultryman is always on the lookout for cheaper methods of feeding and very few arc aware that good barley can bo obtained at a price much lower than wheat.- Barley is fattening but during these winter months half the. grain mixturo can be made up of this' grain. Barley meal is also obtainable and a good mash consisting of three parts pollard, one part bran and one part barley meal, will reduce costs. Borne poultrymen prefer to use hulled barley*as the husk contains too much fibre. If you arc feeding barley do not feed maize as well, as both arc fattening foods and if you have ample supplies of skim milk, feed more barley or maize. Watch the quality of tire oats you are feeding, good short plump grain is best even if the price is higher. Growing chicks do well on oats as they build body, without forcing the youngsters too much; Shedding. During this cold damp weather keep your fowl house floors dry and covered with at least six inches of straw. If the grain is scattered in the litter the birds will gain exercise scratching for it. Damp doors will make your sheds smell, but if they are quite dry you need only clean them out every few months. If the front of your shed is too open, and the rain blows in you must either build art over-liang verandah, or else use calico screens to prevent this happening. Keep the door level six inches above tho outside ground level, and dig a drain to take away all flood water from near the shed. Sunshine is needed this weather and when tho chicks are old enough get them out of doors as much as possible. If you use dropping boards they must be cleaned daily, and you will find that if you scatter some line earth or sand about after cleaning they will smell less and be easier to clean. Avoid the use

of too much lime as it releases tho ammonia in the droppings. Watch all broods of chicks this showery weather. Many a brood has been lost through the chicks getting drenched, and even those with a good broody will suffer unless you are about to drive them under cover. If the grass is long in their run it will pay to keep them shut up till the dew is off, but do not over coddle them. Move the coop every week to fresh ground and see that when the chicks are old enough to leavo the mother, that they do not crowd at night. The sooner they arc taught to perch tho better, and the old saying that “a chicken p'crclied is a chicken reared” is very true. Care of Incubators. With several broods of chicks hatched poultrymen aro inclined to grow careless with their last few hatches. Many a lire has been caused by carelessness when filling the lamps. Take care to wipe off any hcrosono that has been spilt, and clean tho char off the wicks every day. New w-icks should be used for each hatch, and the lamps should bo well cleaned with a stiff brush to remove all dust and fluff that has collected. After a hatch is over, the whole machine should bo well cleaned and washed out with disinfectant. Inspect the thermostat and check all controls and above all make certain that your thermometers aro correct. When you have linished hatching for tho season, dismantle the whole machine and pack away all delicate parts. The water in the pipes should bo drained off, and a little oil used to prevent rust. It is a good plan to cover tho whole machine with dust proof cloth, and if any repairs are needed do them now, instead of waiting till you aro rushed with work next season. A coat of varnish will add to the appearance of tho machine and takes little time or expense. Do not keep eggs in your incubator room during the latter part of the spring as the heat will dry them down very quickly and to avoid this it is as well to sprinkle the floor with water each morning. Use your judgment over the amount of moisture to use whilst the hatch is in progress. To those novices who arc running an incubator for the first time the temptation to open the machine during hatching is very great, but they will spoil ail the remaining eggs if they do so, as the warm moist air, so necessary for easy hatching, will escape and those eggs just pipped will dry off, before the chick can free itself.