POULTRY INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19612, 14 April 1927, Page 20

POULTRY INDUSTRY.

FOWLS AND THEIR HOUSES. RULES FOR MANAGEMENT. ROOSTING AND 'EXERCISING. BY G.H. Iri the ordinary fowl house, for roosting purposes only, each bird requires 10 cubic feet. To arrive at the number of fowls a house will hold multiply the length (or width) of it by the depth, multiply that result by the average height, and divide by ten. Or, reckoning the average height sft., simply multiply the length by fhe depth, and divide by two. Example: A house 6ft. long, 4ft. deep, and sft. (average) high will " roost" twelve birds. In the open-front fowl house, for roosting purposes only, reckon by porch room. To do this, place the perches length wise, lft. from the back of the house and from each otlier, but not less than 2ft., from the front —to enable the birds to get up and down with ease. Example: An openfront house 6ft. long, 4ft. deep, and sft. (average) high will " roost ' eighteen pullets. , i . In the intensive house —for roosting as well as exercising purposes —allow at least 4 square feet each (floor space) for pullets of the light or non-sitting breeds, and 5 square feet each for other kinds. Multiply the length by the depth and divide by 4 or 5 as the case may be. Example: A house sft. long, 4ft. deep, andsft. (average) high will hold six Legorns or five Wyandottes.

In the ordinary fowlhouse, as well as the open-fronted fowlhouse, it is advisable to provide birds with a scratchingshed as this tends to prevent them tearing the ground to pieces. Moreover, some such method of keeping fowls dry and warmfooted is essential throughout winter for the maximum of 1 egg production. The necessary amount of floor space for each bird is the same as that in the intensive house. These are the lowest measurements to prevent overcrowding and ensure health.

Preparing for Pullets. When the poultry-house that is to accommodate the young pullets is vacated it should have a thorough cleansing before they are admitted to it. It is not enouyh to lime wash the house. There must also be a thorough fumigation of the house to make sure that all insect pests are destroyed. So minute are some of these vermin that they can be cleared out only in this way: The fumigation to be carried out must be rigid in its nature—half-and-half measures are of no -use. Every crevice and opening of however small <1 nature must be closed, so that the house when the fumigation is going on is as tight as a box with the lid on.

Enough sulphur must be used to " smoke" the place well. The quantity must be judged according to the size of the house, but it is always safer to burn too much than too little. Where the floor is of earth, the tray or other receptacle must be put over a pail or 011 stories or bricks to raise it off the floor, otherwise there is the danger of the wood, catching fire and the whole place being burned down. The usual procedure is to place some live coals on the jfcray, which should be an old one, and then put the sulphur on the burning coals, withdrawing as quickly as possible, as the fumes rise very quickly and may cause much discomfort if inhaled. 'Shut the door tightly and take a look round the house to see that there is no escape anywhere. If the least is found, secure the place by stuffing up with rags or paper or any other pliable material there is to hand. Let the sulphui do it's work for 24 hours, and at the end of that time open the door and windows wide to allow the sun and wind to clear the place up, leaving it thus for a few days.

Value of the Lime Wash. To freshen up the walls and other parts, apnly lime washing, which may now be done any time before the entrance of the birds. This has a cleansing effect; but not only that, it helps to make the house more light, which is a great advantage, a dark house being objectionable. When preparing the wash, add lib. of lime shell to a gallon of boiling water, with a little salt, and also a small quantity of soft soap. When this thorough clean-up is going on it is necessary not to fo,rget the perches, the nest-boxes, the feeding troughs, the water-vessels, and all other utensils used in connection with the birds. Scouring with disinfectant solution is the best way of cleaning fiiich articles, finally scrubbing out with clean, water and placing the thing to dry in the sun. It must not be thought, however, that these articles need nothing more till the house is done again. Every week, at least, fhev should be attended to. while' feeding and drinking vessels require more or less daily attention.

Management of Moulters. At the present time a good many hens are in the moulting condition, while some early 'moulters are over and done with it. This'is an advantage, as they will be coming on to lay now when the others are stopping owing to the moult. Such early moulters keep up the egg supply, which is very welcome 011 a rising market. A really good moult should take place in the early autumn, when the weather is warm, and it should be almost imperceptible. Our present-dav methods help to dclny the moult till late autumn, when days are getting colder and weather conditions are all against an easv moult. The period is a critical one for the birds, and they should have special care till they are over it and have completely replenished their wardrobe. Warmth and comfort and good ventiliation are necessary.