THE MOULTING PERIOD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2805, 18 December 1907, Page 35

THE MOULTING PERIOD.

A -.varm^summer will have the effect of causing most of the fowls to go into moult early, which is desirable for many r«a-( sons. The birds then get through the process before tho cold weather sets in with the ill effects that often result, if the moult is deferred until the variable temperature and heavy rains have arrived. The stock birds commence to lay sooner and are in better condition for producing strong and healthy chickens. Those fowls, too, that moult have a better and Jess trying time than those that change their plumSome fowls shed their feathers without any apparent ill effects, and these generally make good winter lajwrs, but those that take a long time for their moult and ap-. pear weak and in bad health aro not likely to lay during the coming winter. There is no truer teat of the vigour end constitution of the fowl than its condition while. moulting. If the birds appear well, if they eat freely and the new quills are seen sprouting fast, there is no occasion to take any special trouble, except to sco that they have access to shelter during heavy rains. Stimulants, such as cayenne pepper and ginger, are not necessary at this period. The food should be- nourishing and cooling. Green vegetables are of value to fowls while moulting, and a good supply should be provided. Lettuce is especially useful. Wheat and barley are satisfactory ac whole grain. Some poultry-keeper* give a little hemp seed twice a week. The fowls must not be - overfed, for a fat fowl usually " moults badly. Fresh bones are -particularly valuable for poultry at that time, broken into small pieces. A small quantity "of sulphate of iron added to the drinking water twice, a week is beneficial. April rs a trying time for those fowls that are losing their feathers. Not only are they,, baro when inclement weather is generally experienced, but the pores of the skin are open and the young quills arc beginning to grow, so that they are particularly sensitive to atmospheric changes. This is a

great strain on the system, often causing • any hereditary weakness or any previcu* malady, such as roup, to show itself. There have been a good many complaints this summer of fowls having oolds v . When they have only a simple cold, tho symptoms ofl which area slight moisture, at the nostrils, with a rattling in the throat, then, three or four drops of tinoture of oamphor made into a pill with bread and given five or six consecutive days,, at roosting' time, will generally effect a cure ; but if roup attacksthe birds the head and face will swell, the eyes will become frothy and sometimes close, and there will be an offensive smell. j This is a most catching, and often fata!, malady. The eick birds should, at once be removed from the other fowls and treated, with the pills that are made for the puri pose by most vendors of poultry appliances. If too weak to feed, some barley meal should be made into pellets and placed down the throat of the bird. When fowls are- heavy in the moult it; ffis better not let them out of the house early in the morning, for they only stand about and mope, but they should be allowed out a few minutes before they have their meals, and if tho food ie given as a warn* meal they are not likely to get chilled. The non-setting breeds, such as tho Minorcfc, take longer, as a rule, over the moult than those that incubate.