THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7870, 4 August 1911, Page 2

THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

H GROW HEN lIA R REEDE R S

(Contributed.) Poultry farming is mating steady do vi-topment in tlie lloiowheuiui County, and tlie most satisfactory feature in connection with this is the fact that people who arc now taking up poultry farming arc si inlying the whole question with diligence and industry and arc: working on an intelligent basis, Tim recently formed egg circle in the l,eyiu district lias directly contributed to the development of the industry, and (lie membership is steadily increasing. A well-known poultry breeder stated to a reporter that at the present time ho was despateliing his eggs direct to a buyer at Wellington, but lie added that if (ho circle ineveased its membership ho jiiid ol‘hei«. who were at present standing out. would be compelled to join. Air Bishop, tho poultry farmer in question, regards the climate and soil as particularly good for poultry, hu t says that New Zealand is not a wheat growing country, and last season the Flour Millers' Association had been dealing nut pollard in driblets, apd so keeping the market up. Pollard had been a. lot too dear. What was wanted Was some of the large distributing companies iri Wellington to import from Sydney, local people would then buy pollard from them, and the result would not he very encouraging to the Millers' Association. At the Village Egg Farm, at AA’ernroa, Air 11. Legor has experienced a. vory busy year, and lin believes that there will be a great development of the industry in tho future. *At tho present time he has 170 breeding birds, and the laying from these goes in chieks. or for breeding pur* poses all over tho dominion. Tho AVcllingloii market is the principal factor in the development of the poultry industry in Levin, nnd when the farm is in full stock ho has been sending 200 dozen eggs a week to tho city. Air W. H. Wilson, who has only been in the business for fifteen mouths, j.s carrying put extensive additions to his continuous lionso system, while people in less ambitions lines are recognising that a small lint useful addition to their means of livelihood is to bo found in raising binis. TIPS PROM BREEDERS. Tho temperatures I employ for incubating ducks are, pays Air AV. Knight: Float week, 103 to 103 dog,; second and third weeks. 103 deg.; and the, fourth week, 103 to 10t deg. Ventilation: Ventilators are closed during first week, and then fully open till tho eggs pip, they are then closed to retain moisture. If there, arn indications that tho hatch will be a good one and thoro is plenty of moisture on tho glass door, the ventilators can ho opened when the. hatch is nearly over in order to prevent suffocation. Cooling: Little cooling is done, during the first week. After’ that the eggs aro cooled at the morning turning for about ton minutes, increasing the time as tho hatch progresse-s up to half an hour during tho last week. Moisture: No moisture is used during tho first week. After that the eggs are sprayed every morning with hot water. This is done till the. eggs pip, when they are sprayed for tho last time. Do not cool the eggs when sprayed, but place straight back in the incubator. Air S. If. Scott, Onchunga, remarks that: Ducks must have a good framo before a start is made to fatten them. Bran will strengthen tho bones, and give a healthy strong frame- Start with good stock or leave poultry alone. 1 f ducks aro laying soft shelled eggs, stop all animal food and feed bran and pollard. A Runner or Buff duck from a heavy laying strain will lay more eggs and live longer if sho starts to lay between six and seven months than one that starts at between four and five mouths. Feed the ducks all they, will eat. We. nso tho famous A. and IV poultry foods. AMATEUR ENTHUSIASTS POULTRYMEN OF THE FUTURE.

/Last week I became acquainted with two young city gentlemen, who arc making a hobby of utility poultry keeping* and accepted their invitation to visit ‘their homo in tho suburbs whore the poultry farm Is beiug established. Previously to taking possession of their present quarters these prospective poultrymeu had kept a. few selected purebred birds nearer the more thickly populated area. Owing to being cramped ror space they decided to go farther out to enable them to secure, more scope for their operations. In this they were fortunate in securing a xilaoo containing outbuildings that are for tho present being utilised for incubator and brooder houses.

At the present timo the flock consists of forty fowls (White Leghorns ami l>laok Orpingtons) and half a dozen Indium runner ducks, which will form the basis for the future. I t is at once apparent- to tho visitor that the joint owners aro. keen enthusiasts,. ami that their practical knowledge of poultry and ils requirements was gained by caroful study long before tho <feeision was made to launch out in a larger way of business. Tho too common error imulo by ma-ny beginners in spending a large amount of cash in furnishing the plant and purchasing stock birds indiscriminately has been avoided. I3y utilising spare time in the winter evenings and half holidays during the live months that they have, been in possession' wonders have been performed in getting tho houses and yards built and equipped. Everything had been carefully planned beforehand and methodical arrangement is an outstanding feature* of tho BUILDXNGSTho fowl houses, scratching pons and runs aro designed on models far superior ,to those existing on many long established farms. Tho buildings are constructed on the continuous principle and are divided into equal sized compartments seven feet by ten feet. A , partition separates the scratching pen from the sleeping compartment, tho uavo.iss Sutaq q-joq jo joog punoja with atraw litter. In tho front of tho lean-to structure light and air are admitted through open spaces that are protected by wire netting and aro supplied with calico shutters that can be easily adjusted by means of a simple pulley and oord. Tho inside partitions, that are in a lino with tho dividing fence in -the outside runs, are so constructed that access is given to the birds on either side to tho feeding and drinking vessels that have boon built into tho partition. The feed hoppers are* raised about two feet from the ground, and tho contents, consisting of dry mash, grit, water, etc., are always available. The advantage of this method is that, being well tiff (he ground, the food ami water are always kept clear of any refuse that might otherwise accumulate in them

BY 'tp^oWET^

when tho birds are .scratching in the Jitter. It also means a great saving in time in feeding, and to the city man, time, especially in the morning, is an imputunt consideration. IHIJ2OAIJTION.S AGAINST SICKNESS. Unusual can- has been taken to ensure tlie health of the inmates, and to this end precautions against harbours for lice and other vermin have received special attention. Tho rousts are built on standard* supported on a galvanised iron dropping hoard, that is clear of the builumg all round, and is raised about, two feet six incites from the ground. No nails are used as fastenings tor the perches, which are fixed by means of small hales hi either end that fit over projecting pins in the up‘rigiit standard. 'i his arrangement permits of their being easily removed, and leaves no crevices iu which vermin can find a refuge. The droppings aro removed from the board every morning by moans m a rather ingenious and simple scraper. It is made, by fastening a strip of galvanised iron about throe inches wide on to a .short length of ol(l broom • handle, tho melul being strengthened by being backed by a narrower piece, of lignt wood which leaves about; a quarter of an inch of iron edear at .the edges. With a small box to catch, tin* refuse, only n few minutes are required to clean half-a-dozen houses effectively. The egg boxes arc also built up well clear of the. ground, which is well strewed with litter, therefore no iloor space is lost. With (lie exception of tho studs and plates al) t)io material used in the buildings is of either corrugated .or plain galvanised iron. As it is not usual io use iron in building fowl houses, if might be well to explain that this x l;il fieular building is adjutant to a high, belt of trees which gives p rot potion from frosts ami will provide shade in the summer. KKA.HING THE YOUNGSTERS.

The first batch of youngsters to be hatcliod out by incubator cpnsists of twenty-nine -ducklings* They are now two weeks old, and are being reared in a hptne-niado tireless brooder. Without entering into the merits of heated versus cold brooders, it is interesting to note that the ducklings arc all doing splendidly and no deaths from any cause have* taken’ place* There is not a sickly or weak member among the clutch. Tho brooder in uso is a simple contrivance fitted together without nails, so that any of tho parts can bo easily removed, and the whole structure* taken to pieces and packed away during tfio off .season. Ail t hese trifles are a . consideration when space is limited* The first chicks for next year’s stock will be hatching out in a day or two, three incubators being in use for tho purpose. Tho chicks will also ho reared in cold brooders, which ayo now ready for their reception. By this timo nest year tho hobby should have developed into a fairly largo business, and the proprietors will soon bo known amongst those who aro making poultry-keeping pay* They have certainly started upon the right lines, bv not launching out iu a large way before a thorough primary knowledge of the business lias been attained as a foundation to build from. Enthusiastic men, such as I have mentioned, aro those that the future welfare of tho industry will depend upon for its development, and to supply the of those who may from time to timo retire from the business* If every beginner was to take tho same precautions these young men when they are, setting up r, poultry farm there'would be fewer failures.

N.Z. UTILITY POULTRY CLUB

SEVENTH EGG-LAYING COMPETITION. RESULTS TO DATE. SPECIAL TO THU ‘'TUOta.* CHRISTCHURCH, August 3. During the eighteenth week (ended today) ol .the Now Zealand Utility Poultry Club's seventh egg-laying competition for lowJtf, 1508 eggs were laid, bringing the total to date to 16,882. Details sire as follows; — Total Total for to Week. Date. A. H, Pad wan (Adelaide), W.L. 22 269 A. 11. Browne (Groeumeadows), W.L 31 389 T. Collins (Waiwetu), W.H 25 346 O. M* Peck (Avonsidc), 8.0 26 • 280 G, H. Harnett (Lees-ton), B.L. ... 21 265 Herotuuiiga Poultry Co. (Silvorstream), W.L 30 590 W. iiaipin (Grecumeudows). W.L. 29 333 W. Knight (Lliitt). No. 1. W.L. ... 27 290 A, E. Wilson (Shirley), WAV. ... 22 382 W. Knight (Hutt), W.L 23 272 Vorrall Bros. (Swannanoa), W.L. 25 337 A. E. Wilson (Shirley), W.L 19 271 Rangiuru Egg Rauch (Otaki). W.L. 29 326 U. Stewart (Normanby,. Tarar naki), W.L 25 165 A. B. Menzics (Addington), R.C.W.L 28 - 271 Edgar Hall (Lower Hutt), 8.0. ... 26 385 C. Hammond (Ruaknra), W.IMI. 23 294 U. Eian (Wellington!. W.L ol 275 Dominion Poultry Pliant (Coromandel), W,L 29 256 A- R. Browno (Greenmcadows), W.L 29 579 Mrs R- W. Hawke (Papanui). W.L. 22 526 Mrs J. Wills (Dunedin*. W.L 23 254 R. Willis and Sons (New Brighton), 8.0 28 316 H, Meadows (Sprcydon), W.L. 22 213 I*. j, Keller (Rollcston). Camjfinea 14 45 W. G. Goodwin (Thames). W-L. ... 24 263 R. Willis and Sous (New Brighton). W.L 27 298 A. W. Irvine (Epsom), W.L 28 250 T. Kennedy (Rangiora). S.W. 50 451 Janioa Ashton (Ilanmor), S.W. ... 27 283 P. J. Kelly (Rolloston), W.li. - 50 252 G. H. Bradford (Cust), W.L. 29 95 D. Y. Gibson (Herbert). W.L, 19 336 W. Nixon (Burwood), W.L 28 584 it. It. Banner (Riotrarton), W.ILR. 11 66 T. Eivthey (Martinborough). B.L. 29 346 C. L, Bridges (Wanganui), W.L. ... 17 248 Jamcvj Maxwell LUasterton) 8.0. ... 20 93 G. 11. Robinson (Cuch). W.L 23 196 A. E. Kent (Shirley). W.L 25 > 243 W. Batch (Belfast), W.u 28 197 llorotiunga Poultry Co, (Silrcrstroam), W.L 22 596 N. Solomon (Westport), W.L 25 352 A. W. Irvine (Epsom). W.L 26 213 G, 11. Robinson (Chch), 8.0 52 403 A. Stevenson (Wellington), 8.0. ... 24 > 136 11. l.eger (Woraroa). W.L 31 215 W. O. Sail (Cnstf), W.L 28 167 Mnsi-er Gordon Wilson (Shirley),

W.L ?4 330 A. E. Kinnear (Adelaide). W.L. ... 25 268 T. Dowthwaite (Auckland). W.L,.,. 25 133 A. TiscVU (Dallington), W.L 28 379 O. M. Peek (Avondale), W.L 23 284 A. F. H. Sutherland (Wellington), W.P.R - .. 23 79 T. Kennedy (Kangiorat W.W 27 354 A. W. Adams (Sheffield), S.W 23 257 W. Scully (Chch). a>.W 25 252 W. Nison (Burwood). W.L 34 309 Misses M, anil )». Bradlcvy (Papanui). W.L 32 474 J. \\, Green (St, Albans), W.L. ... 50;- 326 Totals 1508 16.882 COMPETITION FOR DUCKS. \ During the same week 307* eggs wore laid in the duck competition, making the total 3559 to date. The following are tho returns for tho different pens;— . Herotaunga Poultry Co. (Silverstream), Indian Runners 19 483 W. Knight (Hutt), I.R a) 459 W. Knight (Hutt), I.R, 41 235 S. H. Scott (Onchunga). I.R 13 39 T. Strong (Doyleston), I.R „ 29 195 S. H. Scott ’Onchunga), I.R 13 173 O, Hammond (Rnckura), I.R 33 223 A IL Browne (Greenraeadows), I.R. 3a 418 W. Hodgson (Cheviot). I.R 38 130 T. Dawthvrnite (Avondale), I.R. ... 15 311 T. R. Hall (Wernroa). I.R 0 261 B, A. O'Brien (Waihb. I.R 26 3&0 P, A. Keller (RoUeatcm), I.R 20 4C6 F. Wohb (Levin), I.R , 9 Totals 307 3539

Start with good stock or leave poultry culture alone. If you cannot afford the stock, secure eggs from a reliable breeder.

AAMNVERS OF THE WINTER TEST black orpinotoxs score. CMBISTCUOECJI. August 3. Mr C. H. Kotmixm’.-. M.-nsirmirch) pen ol Biark •Ji puiglour won !I:.-- winter lest at tho m-ilitv USt’.h's cgg-laring competition. Tho ben. wore bred at liurnhuui.

MT. SMART POULTRY FARM

Mr S. if. Scott, of Onclnniga. has just issued Ins lilll-ll' illustrated catalogue eoiilainins particulars relating to tho strains of ducks that ho lias originated at his farm on Mt. Smart road. The tamo of his “wonder" strain of Indian Funner ami '■ldeal ' Jinlf Orpington ducks is well known Ihrnugliom -New Zealand, and the Haltering testimonials that lie has received from satisfied customers is tlie best proof of quality. In addition to the two breeds of ducks Air Scott specialises ill Silver and AVhitc 'VVvandottiM. With four such well known utility varieties of poultry for disposal a large iiKpiiry should be forthcoming and intending purchasers should make early application to avoid disappointment. EGGS AND POULTRY LOCAD MAiUvDTS. The wholesale quotations for fresh eggs yes-t.eriJay were i'lvm Is 2d tu is 3d, with' a good inquiry* With flic advent of U’arnier weather the market will probably decline after a few weeks. Thoro is fair demand for preserved eggs at Is per dozen. Woll-coiulitioued poultry finds a ready wilo. Quotations at per pair, hops 3s* to 4s, roosters ds to 5a according 1o size; ducks, Gs to 7s per pair; turkeys, gobblers, 7<l to 8d per lb, hens* Od to 7d per lb live weight. SCRATCHINGS Dirty eggs don’t sell well. Idee' and strong chicks are not iu the same house. You get more eggs and they keep better if yon don't keep a mglp hird with luyingTiens. itJuccessfnl poultry farming requires tho use of (he brain more than tho muscle. .

Don’t wasio timo on weak, drooping chicks, kill them and give added attention In tho healthy onesDon't try to get along without an incubator, the old way is slow, tedious, and more work for smaller results. Start the lamp li few days before putting tho eggs into the incubator, so as to got it warmed up, as a number of pold eggs will lower the temperature when first put in. In. placing the thermometer in the egg tray bo sure ami put it so that the bulb will be. between and touching two eggs, ip order to get the correct' temperature of tho eggs instead of the air.