POULTRY INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20598, 24 June 1930, Page 14

POULTRY INDUSTRY.

BT UTILITY.

SEASONABLE HINTS. THE LAYING SEASON. KEEPING BIRDS FIT.

High prices for eggs, such as have been ruling during tho past few weeks, are often a temptation to try and forco fowls to lay, but this is an unwise procedure, as tho birds veiy rarely respond safely to a forcing menu. This applies particularly to pullets, for they aro suro to suffer 'before long if they aro inducod to lay too soon, instead of fully maturing first. The aim should not be to forco them to lay by giving them rich food, with an oversupply of meat, but to let them develop naturally to their full maturity. When they reach that condition—and not when eggs happen to be dear—it will bo plenty of time to give them a little extra meat if they do not commence to lay at once. " Kobe" has lost two pullets, after showing great weakness, unable to walk steadily, with comb turning very pale. This seems to indicate ovarian trouble, rather unusual so early in tho year with pullets, and probably the best precaution would bo to feed less grain, letting the birds depend more on what they can pick up when on freo range. It is most essential to let them have access tc plenty of grit. Variety In Grit. An inquiry as to which is preferable for birds on freo range, shell grit or limestone grit, again opens up the question recently touched upon, as to the real function of grit. Tho answer to tho inquiry is that neither is sufficient, for both are deficient in some properties that birds requiro in tho form of grit. A common impression is that tho grit serves only two purposes—to help in masticating tho food in tho gizzard, taking the place of teeth, and to supply tho liino that is required for making egg-shells. It was explained last month, however, that grit serves another very important purpose, in furnishing tho birds with some obscuro minerals in very small quantities, and this can usually bo met by giving them variety.' If the lime grita rnenLioned are readily available, the deficiency in their composition could probably bo met by giving them some of tho small red gravel that is obtainable in most localities. It has not yet been definitely ascertained how theso minerals operate, when they are in such minuto quantities, but they undoubtedly keep tho birds in better health, and thoy have also been found to increase tho egg production. Instinct seems to tell them what they require, for they quickly select theso red pebbles, if they have access to a mixture. However, with the limited knowledge at present available regarding tho exact purpose served by theso obscuro minerals, tho best plan is to givo them tho best mixture obtainable, for they seem to havo tho capacity to select what they require. On no account must reliance be placed on oystor shells or cockle• shells alone, if egg production is to continue without exhausting tho birds. Cure lor Scaly Leg. " A Subscriber" asks for a euro for scaly leg, as his hens are very bad, and sorno of them can hardly walk. The correspondent must have missed a detailed reference to this ailment some months ago, but there aro probably many others troubled with the same complaint. Scaly leg quite spoils tho appearance of a flock of birds, besides being most painful to them, resulting in reduced egg production, besides almost tho certainty of being passed on to tho chickens in a few months. Fortunately tho remedy is fairly easy, and there is no doubt about its effectiveness, being one of tho few euros for poultry ailments which can bo guaranteed. The trouble is caused by a. minute parasite, which burrows under tho scales, and the birds fail to reach them by constant pocking. Tho best remedy is kerosene, especially when they aro hs had as described, for it serves tho doubjo purpose of killing the parasites and softening tho scales in readiness for new scales to grow. An ordinary 31b. fruit tin is a very convenient size to hold tho kerosene, and the feet and legs must bo dipped into it. They will probably appear lamo ior a few hours next day, but this is because the insects havo burrowed right into the quick, and tho skin is very tender to tho penetrating kerosene. However, they soon get over any lameness, so it need cause no anxiety. It will ho found that the best timo to take on the job is when tho birds havo just gone to roost, when it is dark enough for them to take iittlo notice of the disturbance, and still light enough to see without the troublo of taking a lantern. After the experienco of handling tho first 10 or 15, it will be found quito easy to continuo doing the rest in tlio dark. The Proper Grip.

The way to handle a bird is to _ carry it tail first, comfortably resting on tho left forearm and wrist, when tho loffc hand will ho in a porfoct position to hold both legs. Grasp tho right leg, just near tho hock, between tho thumb arid first finger, and tho loft log between the first finger and tho other three, a position which gives perfect control. Tho wildest or most timid cockerel will lie quito contentedly in that position, for it soon discovers that its feet aro free, kicking merely at tho air, whereas tho pressure on the hocks can be instantly incroased or released, according to whether the bird is restless or still.' Its head will project under tho upper arm, and in that position it cau neither bite, kick nor flap its wings. If it is dusired to cxamino its head or back, as at a show, it j'k- in a perfect position for grasping the legs with tho right hand, and resting in the left hand, thus again retaining absolute control.