POULTRY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23332, 26 October 1937, Page 3

POULTRY NOTES

By Terror

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS “ Blind Chicks ” (Mosgiel) —From what you explain that the hen was dusted with sulphur after, and_ not before, the chick turned blind, it is clear that the blindness and death were not caused by the sulphur. Dr Bayon, who is one of the present-day leading authorities, in his book “ Poultry Diseases,” in describing forms of paralysis, mentioned a form which attacks chickens (Avian EncephalsMyelitis), which develops as early as two days after the chicks leave the incubator and not later than six or seven weeks after. Going blinc is one of the symptoms, also dropped wings, blood in droppings, and leg weakness. Under the heading “Leg Weakness Induced by Vitamin Deficiency,” he says: “ This condition occurs in chicks from six to twelve weeks old whose diet and management have allowed them to run short of vitamins, more particularly D and A.” This suggests that sunlight and plenty of fresh green food (or the substitute, cod liver oil) would prevent the disease. My advice is (presuming the disease is paralysis) kill and burn all showing signs of the trouble. Exported Eggs Quoting the “Egg Review” issued by James Oillanders, Ltd., of London: “ The new year commenced with very uncertain markets, and early in January a complete collapse set in, Danish eggs being offered in the middle of January at the unprecedentedly low price for that time of the year of 5s 9d per iong hundred; in consequence, colonial eggs in cool store had to be sold at enormous losses.” Of this, Australian producers were made well aware, many having to make refunds on advances against eggs exported on consignment, and, in order to avoid a repetition of these circumstances, those exporting on consignment might do well to consider the advice tendered in the concluding paragraph of the review, which reads: “It is impossible to say what may be ahead, but from last year’s experience it seems evident that while Empire shippers can use to good purpose the high prices in our autumn market, it is dangerous to allow shipments to arrive too late in the season, when unforeseen happenings may create unfavourable conditions, causing severe losses similar to those which occurred in January, 1937.” British Imports of Eggs Imports of eggs in shell into Great Britain during July totalled 1,085,000 great hundreds (a great hundred is 120 i.e. 10 dozen), compared with 2,175,000 great hundreds in June. The figures for July. 1936 were 2,070,000 great hundreds. Six hundred tons of dead poultry were imported in July, as against 340 tons in June. The July total in 1936 was 520 tons. Fanciers Still to the Fore At the Royal Show held in Victoria great interest was taken in the high class poultry shown. In the pavilion in which the birds were benched, 1467 birds were to be seen. Of them 236 were bantams 245 utility birds of every description now favoured, 78 ducks, and 41 turkeys and geese. So it will be seen that once again the credit of staging an attractive display must in Victoria, at least, be given to the fancier. It is reported that Old English Game, Black Spanish, Minorca, Anconas, Andalusians, Hamburgs. Dorkings, Partridge, Wyandottes, Silver-laced Wyandottes, White Wyandottes, and Columbian, all of which may be regarded as “fancy” breeds, were also outstanding exhibits.

In the utility section White Leghorn and Australorps lead the way, both breeds being represented by over 60 birds. In ducks, though Khaki Campbells hold the records at egg-laying competitions, Muscovy ducks and Pekins made the largest entries. Veteran Fancier Passes By the death of Mr T. W. Tyzack, which occurred at his home, Padeville, Victoria, on Thursday, August 5, this side of the world has lost one of the oldest figures associated with the poultry fancy. To New Zealand fanciers of 30 to 50 years back Mr Tyzack was recognised as an anthority on all poultry matters, and respected as such. The bringing forward of his name one man will recall many pleasant memories >and many will regret his passing. A Good Mark A Home poultry authority writes:— “Laying through the summer is encouraged by keeping the mash palatable yet non-fattening. The true test of a good ration is when it enables the layers to keep up egg production at a high level without loss of weight or condition on their part. It will be difficult to devise a more satisfactory mixture than that which has produced wonderful results in the Lancashire County egg-laying trials. One bird laid 339 eggs in 12 months on a mixture composed of 40 parts weatings, 24 parts maize meal, 15 parts home-milled bran, 11 parts white-fish meal, 10 parts Sussex ground oats. This mixture not only supplies all a layer requires both to make eggs and to keep her body fit and well, it is also palatable and is therefore eaten with enjoyment and without waste.” Here in New Zealand a good sample of pollard may be substituted for “ weatings,” meat meal take the place of fish meal, and good fat oats (ground up) represent the English Sussex ground oats. agpie Hatch Bantams Some years back we were told of a sitting of eggs being hatched out by a hawk in Southend! We are now told that a tame magpie, owned by Mr James Bird, of Ballarat, recently hatched chicks from two bantam eggs The magpie had built a nest in a hedge, in which Mr Bird found only one egg. He placed two bantam eggs under the magpie, which turned out its own egg and sat patiently in all kinds of weather until the eggs hatched. The magpie attempted to feed the chicks with beetles and grubs which she attempted to force into theii beaks, but which, of course, the chicks refused. The chicks were finally removed from the nest and provided with a more suitable diet. To place the eggs of domesticated birds under a hawk the poultry-keeper’s great enemy) or under a magpie may be considered impositions on Nature, but this cannot be said when we read that a poultrykeeper, who lacked a broody hen, took a setting of eggs to bed with him, and stayed there till the chicks hatched out! Ducklings with influenza Ducks seem to be immune from ordinary roup, which is common with poultry, but they are subject to a form of influenza. It is hardly worth the while dealing with affected duck lings as *hey seldom make good even if they may be cured. Affected ducklings should be killed off and .heps taken to prevent the trouble spread ing to the flock. All water drinking or otherwise should be treated with i powerful antiseptic Permanganate of potash is the handiest, but it soon loses its effectiveness if the sun is strong, and has to be repeatedly used. The sun’s rays will turn the water brown which is a sign that the permanganate has lost its power. As long as the water remains palish purple colour it is all right. It is dangerous to leave the water in the brownish state as affected ducklings using it will spread the trouble. Formalin is much safe' and lasts longer. To every gallon of water 40 drops can be added and this treatment will be effective for 12 hours Another good antisepth can be made with chloride of lime Take onh tea spoonful of chloride ol lime in a smah cup. Add some water and mix same into a thick cream This can her be mixed into two gallons of drinking water This retains its power for six hours and durum that time no d ; seas' "'erm can live in the water. It is, however. quite harmless to (he ducklings -The Weekly Scotsman A Good Sex-linked Cross We are told that a.i Indian Game and Light Sussex cross cannot be beaten, as me chickens carry an abundance of breast meat, and the chickens are sex-linked. The cockerels will be

light coloured like their dams. The chickens at four months old will be ready for the table. Sexing Rhode Island ,Reds Eighty' per cent, of day-old Rhode Island Red chickens can be accurately sexed by their down colour, according to investigations made by the United States Department of Agriculture. Most of the female chicks in a purebred strain, according to this authority, will show some black down, varying from a few black-ticked down feathers at the base of the head to complete black striping on both head and body, while the majority of the males will show complete absence of black down. These spotted or striped chicks which happen to turn out to be males will bear relatively little pigment. Breaking Broody Hens A broody hen caught and “ broken ” at once will come into lay again within four days, but one allowed to sit undisturbed for three days may take a fortnight to return to lay, and one .left for a week will dry up and be as long as six weeks before starting to lay eggs. A Fixed Price for Eggs It has been suggested that a minimum price should be imposed for eggs. This is not likely to benefit the producer in the long run (writes a correspondent). Prices should always be governed by the law of supply and demand —and quality. A quality food will always fetch a good price—why should a low-grade food such as an egg which has been kept some time under bad conditions, realise the same? Customers would soon refuse to buy eggs at all. The poultrykeeper who produces a first-class egg of good size, markets it rapidly and in a proper manner, will always receive a good return —but strictly in accordance with the law of supply and demand. When eggs are plentiful prices are lower; when they are scarce they command a higher figure. A fixed minimum price would do a lot of harm to the poultry industry.— Smallholder (England). Polands Under the heading “ Potted History,” the Poultry World (England) speaks of Polands in the eighteenth century as follows: —“ Breeders of Polands have the satisfaction of knowing their favourites were always considered beautiful, but at one time their charms were actually surpassed by their utility- .... “The Polanders,” it was said, are not only kept as ornamental, but they are one of the most useful varieties From October 25 to the following September 25 five Poland hens laid 503 eggs, one of them only sitting within the time. An average egg weighed loz sdr, exclusive of the shell which in this breed is very thin.” Other virtues given are a disinclination to sit; a propensity for quick fattening: and very juicy and rich flavoured flesh. As the description of the fowls in which the peculiar protuberance of the head surmounted by the crest and the fleshy King David’s crow » consisting of four or five spikes ” as well as the advice to clip crests periodically is so accurate, I am inclined to, accept the laying record given without demur.— H. E. S.