POULTRY NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5737, 4 November 1905, Page 16

POULTRY NOTES

CAUSES OF INFERTILITY. It may perhaps bo thought that it is full early in the season to be considering this subject, but it is now that the selection of the breeding stock must oc made, and it is better to discuss tho question early rather than late in the season, when the eggs are being produced. The management of the birds destined for stock purposes during this and the succeeding months goes far to ensure fertility during tho coming winter. - Tho first question thus suggested is the oft-ropeated query; “How many hens to a male bird ?” This can only be determined by circumstances, as so much depends upon the breed of fowls, upon the conditions under which they are kept, Ul»n the quality of the soil, and tho situation. The Mediterranean races of poultry, owing to their vigour and activity, can bo relied upon to fertilise the eggs from a greater number of hens than can the heavier, less energetic Asiatic breeds. It is also very evident that a cock with au unlimited range can serve a greater number of hens, with good results, than can his less fortunate brother whose walks are confined to a small garden plot. .Speaking generally, it may he taken that tho light, non-sitting varieties may have from eight to twelve hens to each male bird, and the heavy, gyneral-pur-p;se breeds from five to eight. Tho poultry-keeper will do well to study the individual nature of his birds, as they vary to such an enormous extent. What would be too many liens for one cock, may not bo nearly enough for another, oven of the same variety. So it would bo quite fertile to attempt givinug tho exact number that ought to be allowed for each of tho many different breeds. In this connection another factor must ho taken into account. Perhaps one season the mating of the. stock birds, ns far as fertility goes, leaves nothing to bo desired, the percentage of infertile eggs being reduced to a minimum. The following year tho same lines are followed, but with most disastrous results. The season •»»'' ho very wet and cold, winds maj;. prevail, and this will entirely alter the whole state of affairs, especially if one is breeding from a two-vear-old cock mated with pullets, ns old male birds are less able to withstand the inclemency of, the weather. Experience has taueht us that in such a season eexual vigour is considerably lessened. The nature of the coil largely determines the age at which fowls reach maturity. On a henw. damp soil growth is retarded, tho birds mature slowly: but when they are mature a greater state of perfection is attained, and, as a consequence, the germ is stronger. Nothing in the way of forcing should he attempted , with fowls intended for stock purposes. Another cause of infertility, seldom sus--coted, is that the birds, especially the hens, are too fat, this being more noticeable in the u,.nodtrig season. Exhibitors of larger stock, suck as cattle and pigs, present their animals in an abnormal state of gross fatness, and I have frequently been assured by owners that after the “shows” tho animals have to be reduced to their normal condition before breeding from them. The same rule applies to fowls—keep them in lean, hard condition, and tho breeding results will bo far more satisfactory. This may be accomplished bv plenty of exercise, making tho birds forage, and feeding upon foods containing elements for retaining their natural vigour and stamina instead of feeding to repletion, as is so often done, upon fat-forming matter. This is liable to cramp the energy, and cause a great deal of sterility. Many breeders prefer using two male birds to each breeding-pen, using the cookc each alternate week or fortnight. Extra accommodation has then to bo provided for tho cocks when not on active service. It is preferable, when two males are used, to change them each day, as a single pen, or even coop, will accommodate the cocks for one day, although not providing sufficient space for a week or a fortnight. When this plan is adopted, it means a saving of appliances, and at the same time attaining the same benefit ftpm tho service of both males. Too often all the fault of infertility is laid to the charge of the cock, whereas the reverse may he the ca6c._ Seldom is the importance of preserving the breeding powers and maintaining the virility of the females fully realised: but this is of utmost importance, especially for those who _ desire very early chickens. Fertilising the eggs is a tax upon tho female constitution equally as great as upon the male. Again I would emphasise the evil of forcing pullets during their early days, as then when their reserve power is called upon they do not resnond. The eggs from each indivunl hen should be periodically tested to know whether sterility is general or restricted only to certain hens. If the latter, such hens should he removed, os not infrequent!;- the male obiects to some of his mates, and distresses the remainder of the flock by toe much attention.

Care must be taken in the choice of foods supplied to the' fowls, ns upon this not only depends ero- production, but fertility and strength of germ. Small quantities of well-cooked meat and large quantities of green stuff should, enter largely into their dietary. An entire change of food is also very beneficial. Where the space at the poultrykeeper’s disposal will permit, moving the birds on to fresh ground is of great importance, and it is inadvisable to utilise the same piece of land for the breeding pens as has been in use during the period of ehickenhood.

HINTS ON PREPARING POULTRY FOR SHOWS. It is now time to commence to get the show birds in condition. Not only is it necessary that they should be -roporly fed and finished, their legs, heads, and plumage looked after, before being sent to the show room, hut they should bo handled daily. The successful and experienced exhibitor trains his birds for the show room as carefully and thoroughly as tho Horseman trains his horse for the speed ring. Every bird that stands any chance of going to a show this winter should bo put into training'at once. It is a good plan to confine them in an exhibition coop a part of each day at least and train them to pose. Many a good bird fails to win a prize in tho show room simply because ho has not been properly trained. It is often impossible for a .fudge to get any intelligent idea of a bird’s shape, and ho has to guess at it. When the judge approaches the crop, unless tho birds have been properly trained, they will bo half soared to death, and will make frantic efforts to get away, roughing up their plumage, and assuming every posture but their nautral ouc. The more the judge fusses with them the worse they will get, until finally, out of breath, weakkneed, and half dead, they are dragged from the coop and the judge makes a guess at their shape and lets it go at that. All this can bo avoided if the owner of tho birds will spend a little time training them before taking them to the show. A bird caught up off the range or out of the poultry house and taken to the show, without any previous handling is seldom in good show shape, and the breeder who makes a practice of doing this works an injustice to both himself and his fowl. As wo said above, a bird intended for tho show room should from now on be confined in an exhibition coop a part of each day, and continuously for two or three weeks before tho show. Ho should be carefully handled each day, taught to pose in a natural position, and made as tame as possible. It is a good plan to wear different clothes and a different hat occasionally when training the bird, as in this way you will get him used to strangers. In removing a bird from the exhibition coop, never grab him by tho legs, throw him and haul him toward you tail first; but, instead, grasp his right wing close up to tho body with your loft hand and bring him gently toward tho door of the coop, place the right hand over tho left wing, tho fingers under tho left side, and carefully remove him from the coop head first. It is important that birds intended for the show room bo handled gently. They will soon learn that their owner or attendant is their , friend, and instead of becoming frantic with fear will be as docile as kittens. Tho legs should bo greased occasionally with sulphur and sweet oil or sulohur and lard; care should be taken that the birds do not get into a fight and get the comb injured: strict attention should bo paid to tho feeding and general care of the birds, so that they may be in the pink of condition when the time conies to show them. Birds cannot be properly fitted for the show pen in a week or two. It takes time and patience, an incessant watchfulness, as well as a knowledge of standard requirements and careful selection of specimens. It is an easy matter to teach a bird to pose, but the “teacher” must have patience. Set the birds on a box or barrel, and “pet” him until you gain his confidence, which is half tho battle. Then gently “chuck him under the chin,” and in this way teach him to assume an erect position with head well up.