THE COUNTRYSIDE POULTRY YARD

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12459, 29 May 1926, Page 19

THE COUNTRYSIDE

POULTRY YARD

SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE NOTES ON BROWN LEGHORNS (Written for the “Times* 1 by G. H. Ambler.) My object in penning these notes on one of my old favourite breeds, Brown Leghorns, is to give a little practical advice to those thinking of taking up this breed as a hobby. I have bred most kinds of poultry in ray time, and I unhesitatingly say that I know of no other breed or variety (unless it is the White Leghorn) to surpass the Browns. The cockbreeding pullets which I had prior to my leaving Yorkshire beat anything I had for laying, and in midwinter I was never without eggs. It is just 34 years since I came in contact with Brown Leghorns, for it ■was in the beginning of 1892 that I saw a team of Browns exhibited by a ’gentleman recently returned from i America, at Kettering show, which I caused quite a sensation. The winIning cockerel was eagerly reclaimed, land natnrally I took the first opportunity of finding out the home of ♦ jso beautiful birds, and being, I suppose, a born fancier, I was soon captivated bv their charming blend of colour. The result was I purchased la cockerel, and afterwards bought a ! couple of hens, but my first attempt iwas not a success, as I failed to get | fertile eggs. Not to be denied, the next season I purchased a sitting of [eggs from a then well-known exhibitor. and from this sitting I raised two pullets and two cockerels, and with one of the former T made my debut as an exhibitor of Brown Leghorns, but alas! I was among only the “also rans.” This pullet, I remember well, was of a very game-like type, and it had a Ivery stiff comb which never went (over, with a good base and was . very evenly serrated, and an exceptionally good pair of thick lobes. At this *how, Rothwell, Northants. there was exhibited a Brown cock which took first prize, which possessed the largest comb, lobes and wattles I ever saw on a Brown. On the advice of an old friend, Mr R. Stainthorp # (the wellknown judge), I claimed this bird and mated him to the aforementioned pullet and her sister, and I bred about ;30 cockerels, and there was not a waster in the lot! MAKING A START To those wishing to take up Browns I would advise them to go to a reliable breeder with experience of cock breeding or pullet breeding (according to which they intend to breed for,. For example, ‘if cock breeding is pursued, go to a classic show (Christchurch, New Plymouth or Wellington, for instance), where in all probability vou may be able to secure a good bird from tho selling class, then get a couple of hens from the same breeder, and commence to build up your strain. If you want to have a try at pullet breeding, the initial expense may be a bit heavier, as I should advise purchasing at least two pullets well up to show standard, and then go to a renowned pullet breeder for a stock cock. Or, as an alternative, buy a sitting of eggs, and do as I did when I commenced. I know there will be those who will disagree with me, but I contend the Browns need a boost up. They are splendid layers and are nearer the type cf a true Leghorn than our muchboomed pedigree laying Whites. Space will not allow my fully into the points which constitute typical specimens for the breeding pens. I may say I have bred quite as good birds in confinement as on unlimited range. -The essential rules to observe are to avoid overcrowding, a mistake so often made. Many who have succeeded well with half-a-dozen birds think there is no reason why they should not succeed in the same space with a dozen. The result is that disease attacks the birds and they give it up ; r. disgust. Another rule to be strictly observed is cleanliness, particularly with regard 'to' drinking water. Fresh, clean water daily to your fowls is quite as essential as for your own consumption, and vessels should be cleaned out at least every other day. A plentiful supply of green food, grit and shell are also quite necessary if you want healthy and vigorous stock. Lastly, make a point of joining the Leghorn Club. The subscription is only 5s a year. It is money well spent. AFTER THE MOULT Many of the hens that fell into moult during the hot weather are now fully feathered, and ara recovering condition. Keepers will find the combs are shrunken and the faces pale, due to the low condition to which they have been reduced, and some time must elapse before the normal condition is regained and the birds get hack that rosy look about the head which denotes fitness and indicates early productiveness. It all depends upon how birds moult whether they require any particular care afterwards, and if they do it must be because they have felt the moult severely, or else they are of inferior physical character. All that the normal hen requires after moulting gradually and easily is regular feeding and exercise, with a run in the garden once a day while digging is going on, which -is the best thing she can have. Plenty of green food must be given, and if the birds are looking pale it is a good plan to add a little sulphate of iron to the drinking water. But in these cases do not give spices or stimulating foods until the birds have naturally recovered good condition and are in a fit state to be encouraged to Btart laying again. HINTS TO POULTRY-KEEPERS Get scratching sheds and intensive houses into clean and wholesome condition foi the winter. Do not let the bad weather come iinon you before you are ready to mako the hens comfortable.

There is plenty of good food for poultry of all kinds on a farm during the autumn. Fallen grain and seeds, worms, and inserts of all kinds will be found in plenty by birds on free range.