SOME HINTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 8 July 1903, Page 58

SOME HINTS.

During moulting time preparing for show, it is a good plan to give poultry a little hemp seed daily. This is very warming, and assists greatly in bringing out the feathers easily. Many fanciers also give linseed, the oily properties of which also are beneficial, whilst it is believed to have the effect of adding a soundness and glossiness to the plumage — a very important matter where exhibition specimens are concerned.

The habitual use of hot "spices" is entirely to be deprecated ; at this season, however, a little tnice- occasionally in the soft food will he found helpful. Thie should not, however, be of tho burn-the-mouth-out style so generally sold, but should only contain a very email quantity of cayenne, and depend more for its virtue upon tonics, such as carbonate of iron, gentian, and similar harmless ingredient.

Most fanciers either use cayenne pepper too freely or else go to the other extreme and abjure it altogether. Both are equally mistaken plans, in the latter case as much as in tho other, because a very small doae of the pepper acts as a mild hepatic, and by stimulating the liver to fresh exertion often has a most salutary effect, especially if fowls are overfed and inclined to drop off laying. But, naturally, whilst a little may prove beneficial, a larger quantity may do great harm. There is no better general disinfectant for fowl pens, in my experience, than carbolic acid. This should be added in the proportion of a small tablespoonful to two gallons of water, and is best put into a jar with a cork "and well shaken, when the water will dissolve tho acid, which otherwise would float on the top. Carbolic acid is very dangerous, and bums the skin at once. Nothing is more injurious to poultry than damp. Fowls which do not have comfort and dryness in their sleeping quartere never do well.