HEAVY WEIGHT IN FOWLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2674, 14 June 1905, Page 32

HEAVY WEIGHT IN FOWLS.

Our attention has been called tc- the great demand there is for very large fowls; this demand being on the increase. Buyers when writing to breeders make a great point of large size, in many instances staling that they cannot purchase the fowls unless they are such and such a weight. One poultry dealer was told that unless he could supply a Plymouth Rock cockerel Which weighed 121b it was no good to the inquirer. Such a bird we should consider to be good for nothing except to look at. As a stock bird he would not be a success. If there is anything which tends to lessen the laying and useful qualities of fowls it is this craze" for large size, which is obtained by breeders who are anxious to supply the demand for exceptionally large birds, to the great detriment of the breeds. One has to but carefully observe the birds exhibited at our large- shows to 6&e that ve.ry much is being sacrificed for size, so much so tha'fc the birds are bcooni-ag coarse in. appearance.

We have always endeavoured to encourage the breeding of utility fowls, and to improve the birds of all breeds so that they might come; up to the. standard requirement©; but it bas also been our aim to discourage any particular point which was receiving consideration to the detriment of the birds; as, for instance-, the enormous- combs whiek redcap breecJera persisted in- producing; the hug© crests of ' the Houdans, which are neither useful nor- ornamental ; anef the fifth toe in the- Dorking; and Houdan, which, to us, has always appeai*ed! superfluous. Now, this question of weight and size is affecting, the utility qualities of our breeds of poultry, and therefore demands our careful attention.

Those who have had any large experiencewith birds of a number of breeds- know that the largest specimens of each breed are invariably the. worst layers. We have heard the question asked 1 as to whether there is an "egg type" in fowls — that is to say, whether any particular shaped fowl has been found to- lay a larger number of eggs than any other type of bird. The laying- qualities are denoted by the appearance of the birds' heads more than by the- shape of their bodies ; but certain it it that the largest birds are never the best layers. The question of size in fowls and the value of it- depends upon the purpose for which, the birds are required. We all like healthy, vigorous stock, but we must consider' the question of the laying qualities in preference to size, as there are about five poultry keepers who go in for fowls for the production of eggs to every one keeper of poultry who makes table qualities his aim.

We have come to the conclusion that the question of weight must be considered according to the individual breed. Provided that we do not sacrifice laying qualities to get it, weight is a distinct advantage in such, breeds' as Dorkings, Brabnias, Cochins, Rocks; and Orpingtons. We do not admire Wyandottes which are of exceptional -size, because the symmetry of form so adniired by the American breeders who were responsible for their manufacture is destroyed when we get into the Dorldng style of bird. Now, with reference to Leghorns and Minorca's, the extra size is undoubtedly detrimental to laying qualities. These are not breeds for table, and therefore as the extra size de-creases the laying qualities it is unwise to develop the size of the bird to the detriment of the profitable side of the bird's.

We harve invariably found that the smaller birds are the most profitable, and this we assert in. face of public opinion differing from this. For table purposes we must cultivate size ; but when we require eggs we can reasonably expect tbe largest litimbei? from sinalJ and nredium-sized fowls. — Farm and Field.