Poultry.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 999, 24 April 1891, Page 25

Poultry.

RATIONAL METHOD OF FEEDING POULTRY. The next decade is likely to _ witness a much more rational system of feeding poetry than has the past—a system that will not only be much cheaper but more promotive of health and more productive of eggs and growth. While it is true that quite an amount of food, rich in certain elements, is necessary for the formation of eggs, it is equa’ly true that there is and has been an almost universal wasto of couoeutrated foods in the manner of feeding that is customarily nraotised. This can readily be seen when the character of poultry droppings is considered. Its great richness-particularly m the nitrogenous elements—show how muoh valuable food has passed through the system unappropriated either for egg production or growth. There are too mauy evil* attendant upon feeding poultry almost wholly on concentrated food, such as grains of va'ious kinds, particularly com. In the first place, they are too expensive ; nor is the expense less because one raises the grain. It is not sufficiently bulky, and is too fattening, thus bringing on a condi ion which is not favourable to egg production hut disposes the fowls to diseases of various kinds, and also has a tendency to bring on the incubating fever, since a hen scarcely ever desires to sit while unduly lean. The best method is to feed fowls as other stock is fed, upon a varied ratiou of bulky and concentrated foods, such as ensilage, roots, chaffed clover, oatmeal, and bran. Clover is one of the best foods that can be given provided, of course, that the ration is properly balanced by grain and other food. The idea of feeding hay to poultry may seem absurd to some persons because they have never seen its good effects. Moreover, it is not to be fed dry, but in a finely divided and moist condition. Where clover oan be made into ensilage cheap’y it will he very valuable In that form, but the most convenient method for general nse Beems to be the following, ■which the writer has practiced with success : The c'over should be cut when in tho blossom, either of the first or second crop, and cured without much exposure to the sun. Let it be out, and when wilted put it into bunches. Before it begins to heat it should be aired by being rebunched. When it has enred enough in this way to keep well if thrown on a scaffolding, or on top of a mow, it should be taken in. Special clover cutters are in the market, or tho hay may be put several times through a common hay cutter, the advantage of the former being economy of time, since the clover cutter cuts fine enough when the hay is put through but ot Thi3 finely out material should be steamed by pouring boiling hot water upon each bucketful that it is desired to usa, and allowing it to stand until well softened. The moist hay can then have equal parts oatmeal and bran mixed with it, when it will be eaten by fowls with great relish. Clover in itself is a valuable egg-forming food, and also assists by its bulkiness in keeping the system in a more healthy condition. It may well form half the ration consumed by a fowl during the day. The other poxtion, if egge or growth are desired, should be largely of such articles as wheat or bran, oats, lean meat, and milk, with little or no corn. CROSS-BRED FOWLS FOR MARKET. The advantages of a good cross in the breeding of poultry may not be understood by many, particularly when eome special object is to be gained. However much the different pure breeds are praised and recommended for their good qualities it is a fact that no one kind as yet combines them all, and persons wishing to raise chickens for market purposes can do better with a first cross of those coming nearest what is wanted than with any pare breed as now used, unless they are intending to combine the sale of fancy stock with their market business. I have found that in dressing young cockerels, as I do from very early soring, when they are fit only for boi'ers, tilt Christmas time, a muoh l etter formed bird can be obtained by crossing a Brown Leghorn cockerel oa a L’gbt Brahma hen than by using either or any other breed pure. No matter what care may be taken in the mating, the small breeds will always be too small, and the larger ones will be too long and thin, and Blow to develop the wide back and thick breast so much desired, while the cross mentioned makes this in every case, and the cockerels are always ready for market, being_ short, plump, and yellow. The pallet too is handsome, of an even buff colour and a great layer of dark brown large eggs. Another important advantage to be derived from this cross is the certainty of the good health and thrift of the progeny.