POULTRY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22832, 17 March 1936, Page 3

POULTRY NOTES

<S» Bv Terror.

Moulting Feathers arc beginning to cover the fowl house, scratching shed and yard, and simultaneously egg production is dropping. It is not wise to retain birds about (o moult if they have done two years' laying, as the third-year eggs seldom pay for the food consumed. Those about to enter upon their first moult should receive the best attention possiMjust before and during the moult, so as to secure their getting through with it rapidly; otherwise they may prolong the operation so long that they arc not ready to re-eommencc laying before the cold weather sets in. and. ns a consequence, what should be their most profitable output is not forthcoming. The process of growing a new crop of feathers varies considerably. Some fowls lose nearly all their feathers at once. This imposes a very severe strain on the birds in providing new plumage. Others moult the old feathers and grow the new ones so gradually that the process is scarcely discernible.' Moulting generally takes from Jive weeks to two months, though ■ some take about three months. During this time the birds must be given a liberal supply of both solid and green food. The lime required in growing new feathers is derived from the succulent green stuff, and suitable stone grit jnovidcs the necessary silica. Food which contains n certain percentage of oil is also very valuable. Linseed, sunflower seed, and oilcake can all be recommended. As fowls are apt to become slow and mopy during the moult, some persons imagine that they arc sick and nroceed to dose them, blit, apart from appropriate feeding, all that is necessary is to give them a simple tonic such as a little Douglas mixture. Induce them to eat by su ing palatable food. It is a good plan to change from dry to wet mash.. As a means' of inducing them to exercise it is advisable to scatter the grain in short straw or other littler, so that they will have to scratch for it. Sixth World’s Poultry Congress The preparation for the Sixth World Poultry Congress, 1936, in Germany gives an increasingly clear picture of the whole world's participation in this gigantic show. Notional committees have already been formed in Italy, Argentina, Austria. Belgium. Switzerland. Hungary, Czechoslovakian Republic, Norway. Sweden, Spain. England, Denmark and Holland. Loading men in the poultry husbandry have already been officially nominated as presidents of the committees; for example, Professor Mariam (Italy), Attache of Agriculture H. von Fremery (Argentina), Dr Eckstein, League Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry (Austria), E. Mosimann, president of the Swiss Association for Poultry Breeding (Switzerland), E. von Bekessy, Ministerial Councillor (Hungary). Dr 0. Frankenberger, section chief (Czechoslovakian Republic), Director of Schools Kr. Grepstad (Norway), General Director L. Berglof (Sweden), Senor Inspector General Don Juan Rof Godina (Spain). Captain S. W. Clift (England), W. A. Kook. Staatekunsolent (Denmark), Inspecteur Ir. H. G. A. Leignes Bakhoven (Holland). The number of registrations received so far indicates that there will be an exceptionally large number of visitors at the Congress. Leading scientists from nil over the world will give scientific reports. The general secretaryship for the Sixth World Poultry Congress (generalsekretnriat fur den VI Weltgoflugelkongress). Berlin W. 9. Voss strasse 18, requests all those who are interested to inform them as soon as nossible to what extent and how they wish to participate in the congress or in the exhibition of stock. Time to Buy Those who intend to buy Septemberhatched day-old chickens or settings of eggs for batching should be careful to submit their orders as early as possible, otherwise they may be disappointed. Later applicants have to wait till, the “ early birds ” have been supplied with their requirements, and this often means, that October ov November-hatched chickens have to be accepted or go without, and the same applied to the settings of eggs. How to Test Grain The simplest test for quality in wheat or bats, we arc informed, : to put a tahlcspoonful in a tumbler of water and leave for 24 hours. If after that time only a few of the grains arc floating the quality is nil that it ought to bo. So we arc told; but I think a further test — viz., tasting a few grains for mushiness, —would add to the conclusion of the test. Fattening In fattening poultry for the table omit all green food during the last 10 days. Lucerne, particularly, may impart a disagreeable taint to the flesh. While growing and during the early stage of fattening feed plenty of good green food. Fowls and ducks can, with advantage he finished oft in pens, such ns arc used for spare cockerels. Place as many ns have just room in a pen, and feed well and keep semi-darkened. Turkeys and geese taken from free range should he first yard-fed until they become accustomed to it; then pen fed till fat. Bowel Protrusion I have heard of "iiilc a number of cases of bowel protrusion, or prolopsus, during the past few weeks. This trouble is very apt to occur amongst birds of good laying strain. They are fed.to lay, and respond well; but the digestion of too rich, or too plentiful diet, is a tax on the system which may cause internal disorders sometimes ruptures, tumours, or prolagesus, which, the latter, if not detected in time, soon attracts the other birds, with the result that bleeding at the vent happens through being pecked. Sometimes it happens that a large portion of the intestine is pulled out. When protrusion is first noticed the bird should be cooped separately and fed for a few days lightly on grain alone, and preferably on oats. Before cooping the protrusion should he gently pushed hack by means of an oiled finger. If the trouble has been overlooked till the condition has become serious, snv. bleeding has started, the best and kindliest thing to do is to kill the sufferer. Blacks and Whites Compared A study of the official reports of the Burnley egg-laying tests over the first four years reveals that Australorps equal nr excel the totals recorded for White Leghorns. .The figures compiled bv Mr W. Cullen, of Werribee Poultry Farm. Victoria, are as follows: — 1932-3. 1933-4. 1934-5. 1935-G . (to 15/12/35) Teams— Austra-

Burnley’s highest records to date stand at: —Teams: White Leghorns (dry mash), 1699; Australorps (wet mash). 1723. Singles: White Leghorns (wet mash), 337; Australorps (wet mash), 338. In New South Wales the comparative figures are similar. The report of llawkcsbury Agricultural College trials up to December 31, 1935, show that the leading scores in individuals were: —Australorps 1179 eggs and White Leghorns 1117 egas in 11 months, while the best summer lest figures were Australorps 394 and White Leghorns 426 eggs for three full months. Results An American authority estimates that of all eggs set for hatching: 10 per cent, arc infertile. 60 per cent, of the remainder hatch. 20 per cent, of the chicks that hatch (li fiV) per cent, of those that live are males. From this ho infers that we must set at least 750 eggs to got 150 females. Pullets for Eggs, Hens for Breeding The lirst year of a fowl's I'fc is generally her heaviest producing year. There are exceptions, but nine out, of every 10 liirds will lav more as pullets than as liens. A pullet eats less and therefore costs h'fis to keep. ’rite hen, however, shines as a breeder. They produce larger (‘"t'.s, stronger and healthier stock than do" pullets. Approximately two-thirds of any flock should bo pullets and one-third hens. Why Birds Won’t Eat Will 14 oo ley, F.Z.S.A.. relates how Nature’s little joke is costing poultry-

keepers thousands of pounds in excessive mortality. He reproduces a conversation with a grey-haired individual with large, horn-rimmed spectacles, as follows: — “Pardon me,” he said, “but 1 believe you give advice on poultry matters, and I want to have a chat about things, t believe you are acquainted with some of the older methods.” f answered modestly in the affirmative. “It is like this,” said the visitor. “ t have been reading a lot about diseases, and present-day dry-mash feeding seems to bo coining in for all 1 ho blame. Briefly, what is the difference between wet mash and dry? ” “The great difference.” I replied, ‘ is that in the case of dry-mash feeding the fowl has food before it all day and never need bo hungry for a single minute. In the other ease, the fowl is fed on a limited amount of food at intervals only.” “ Ip it not as bad for a low! as it is for a child to be eatimr all day? Does it not upset the digestion?” “Perhaps it is bad for them, but as tar as production goes excellent results have been obtained by dry-mash feeding, although it has possibly been pushed too “ But does it upset the digestion? ” persisted my visitor. “At the present moment, with many birds the answer is ‘Yes.’ The intestines are full of fermenting, gaseous matter; when opened, the intestines are filled with frothy, bubbling material.” “What 1 really meant was the appetite; is that affected? ” It was curious that my caller should have asked this, for recently dozens of people have written to ask me to give them something that would make their birds eat. It seemed as though Nature

were taking her revenge for a long period of unnatural feeding through successive generations, and now. although the fowls had plenty of food, they bad no appetite for it. “You think it is one of Nature’s little jokes? ” said the visitor when I had explained tins point. “ I am beginning to think so. You sec, a fowl was inleiulod to work for its living and not have it brought to it,” Theory Only A fond parent whose son has been learning poultry farming for the last six months has asked if 1 can tell him how the youth can become a poultry instructor, lie naively remarks that he docs not think George will ever do any good at poultry fanning, whereas if he can become an instructor lie will he able to earn a livelihood and probably a pension when lie attains the age which is supposed to denote degeneracy. Well, in the old days a man became an instructor through learning how to do things in the hard school of practical experience; but nowadays I believe he goes to a teaching institution. undergoes a course of swotting in certain subjects which are supposed to he slightly related to productive practice, passes an examination which entitles him to the use of any three letters of the alphabet which seem most appropriate. and then he has only to wait while county agricultural committees light for his services. If he happens to be a she T believe the prospects are all the better, since young women nowadays are sup-

posed to bo quicker in the uptake, and they can memorise the ingredients of 50 alternative mashes with more ease than a mere youth.—“ The Major/ ’in Poultry (England).

Reilly's report a fair penning of birds for Wednesday’s sale, prices for good quality being satisfactory. Hens —3 at 4s 2d, 6 at 4s, 9 at 3s Bd, 11 at 3s 4d, 9 at 3s 2d, 11 at 3s, G at 2s lOd, 9 at 2s Sd, 23 at 2s Gd, 50 at 2s 4d, 22 at 2s 2d, 185 at 2s; cockerels—l 6 at Gs Gd, G at 6s 2d, 8 at 5s Bd, 17 at 5s 2d, 1 at ss, 7 at 4s 4d, 3 at 3s Gd, *lO at 3s, 3 at 3s Gd, 25 at 2s; pigeons, 6 at Is; pullets—4 at ss, 1 at 5s Gd; ducks—s at 3s 4d, 5 at 3s; drakes, 4 at Gs 2d; bantams, 5 at Gd (all at per pair).

lorpg 1541; White 1410 1489 1074 Leghorns 1310 Singles— Austra1208 1204' 1039 lorps 287 White 273 283 219 Leghorns 282 272 285 215