AMONG THE BIRDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21325, 28 October 1932, Page 17

AMONG THE BIRDS

SEASONABLE HINTS Once again the novice chicken-rearer is reminded to feed the chicks "little and often" up to six weeks old. After that period hoppers containing suitable dry mash can be before them always; see they have a plentiful supply of green food, grit and water. Toe-pecking among brooder chickens is a very troublesome complaint, and is deoidedly difficult to cope with. Yellowlagged and yellow-toed chicks seem to be the most liable to be attacked by the others. If possible let the Thirds out intQ a,n earth i;un with grass in it; this will occupy them. One method sometimes employed is to dip the chickens' feet in a strong solution of quassia water. Heavy laying dulls the lustre of the plumage and lightens the colour of the skin and legs o! yellow-skinned hens, so if toward the middle or end of season a yellow-legged( hen still lias bright yellow legs, it is a fairly sure indication that she is 4 poor producer. If a baek-yarder is ever at a loose end he can always take the spade and dig over the runs; the hens will appreciate it, following him up and, looking for Ihe worms and other unconsidered trifles that "turn up." Constant turning over of the soil in small yards is tiro only sure method of keeping the birds in good health. Lack of occupation is the most froqucnt cause of vices, such as feather-pulling and egg-eating, appearing among the birds. Keep them busy hunting for Thoir tucker. There is loss fear pf overcrowding on sandy soil than on any other. On clay Soils the top is apt, to become f<?ul owing ta the excrements lying on the surface, and if this is not attended to trouble can be expected.