USEFUL HINTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1265, 28 May 1896, Page 29

USEFUL HINTS.

Look out for schedules of coming shows. If undecided as to which birds to enter, call in the assistance of some experienced fancier. New beginners often show the wrong typo of bird, through ignorance of tho points required. In breeds fostered by a specialist club the standards of excellence issued by them are used at all important shows. Exhibitors talk about showing a certain type under certain judges. There is only one correct type in each breed, but differences of opinion on minor points will always exist. Tho early shows have good prospects of a largo entry, as tho birds generally aio moulting well. Hints on show preparation must be taken to apply generally, as so much depends on tho conditions under which birds are kept. Any birds which appear to suffer from close confinement in moulting pens should have their liberty for a few days. Linseed meal mixed with tho soft feed will have a beneficial effect on thenplumage. Sunflower seeds rtro nlso useful for a similar purpose. When confined in pens or houses a good supply of green food should be given daily. , , . . Now is tho time to look up exhibition hampers and see to any necessary repairs. Many a good bird has had its chances spoilt by being carelessly packed. _ Oblong wicker baskets, divided in tho centre to accommodate two birds, are the best to use. „ The round wicker baskets generally sold are not, as a rule, large enough for show birds. , . Always have the lid to open from the top, those having small doors at the side being entirely unsuitable. AU show hampers should bo lined inside with calico or hessian. Exhibitors should always use strong, well-made packages for their birds. If this were always done complaints about bad packing by show committees would bo scarce. Even town poultry-keepers arc waking up to tho fact that it might be as well to keep a breed suitable to their roquiiemonts. If a supply of eggs is all that is required, Minorcas answer the purpose well. Unless you require a few chickens, there is no occasion to keep a male bird at all. The hens will la y as well without one, and you will save the cost of his feed. Chicken rearing in small yards is, in most cases, a mistake. Better far to buy a few early pullets of a good laying breed, and replace them every season. One great mistake town poultry-keepers make is to feed their birds too much and at irregular times. All the household scraps should be put on one side, and the birds fed at regular hours. The poultry run should not be made a refuse heap. How some fowls manage to exist at all, considering tho circumstances under which they are kept, is simply marvellous. A frequent fault is to neglect to supply grit. Oyster shells, old lime, mortar or builders’ refuse, should be broken up and given occasionally. Green food should bo given at regular intervals, not a barrow-load to-day and then none for a month. Somo poultry-keepers manage to make their birds pay their way, even when the space is limited. In duck-keeping, much dopenus on the facilities for getting cheap food.