POULTRY NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3853, 17 January 1928, Page 33

POULTRY NOTES.

By

Terror.

SHOW DATES.

The following show dates for the 1928 shows were allotted by the South Island Poultry Association at its annual meeting:—

New Zealand Utility Poultry Club, March 1G and 17.

Dunedin Specialists Young Birds Club March 30 and 31.

Christchurch Canary Club, March 30 and 31. Otautau and District Progressive League, May 9 and 10. Nightcaps, May IS and 19. Christchurch Poultry, P.C. and C. Club, June 7,8, and 9. Waimangaroa Poultry Club, June 8 and 9. Dunedin Fanciers' Club, June 14 and 15. South Canterbury Egg and Poultry Society (Timaru), June 15 and 16. Westport Poultry Club, June 22 and 23. Ashburton Poultry, P. and C. Club, Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23. Taieri Poultry Club, Saturday. June 23. Balclutha Poultry Club, June 29. Waimate Poultry Club, Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30. North Canterbury Poultry Club, Friday and Saturday, July 6 and 7. Granity Poultry Club, July G and 7. Hokitika Poultry Club, July 10 and 11. Oaniaru Poultry Club, Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14. Tapanui Poultry Club. July 14. Invercargill Poultry Club. July 17 and 18. Kaitangata Poultry Club, Wednesday and Thursday, July 18 and 19.

Lyttelton Fanciers’ Club, Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21. Gore Poultry Club, July 27 and 28. Temuka Poultry Club, Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28. Greymouth Poultry Club (reserved dates), July 27 and 28, or August 3 and 4.

“J. B.”—lt is rather early to find birds moulting, but before long it will be general. Moulting is not a disease, .and under favourable conditions no special treatment is requited. Irregularities do occur sometimes. For instance, a bird may remain practically bare of feathers too long, or when the new feathers come they *» may not web properly. You will find a few paragraphs on treatment during the moult in this week’s notes.

“ Poultry.”—The swelling of the abdomen may be dfte to rupture or to abdominal dropsy. In the case of your hen I should attribute it to rupture, and the best treatment for this is to confine the hen in a low wooden box, as though she was a broody hen, allowing her off once a day for food and water. It will take three or four weeks at least to effect a cure. In the case of -dropsy, the best treatment consists in administering daily 4gr or sgr iodide of potassium, feeding on oatmeal, with barley water for drinking purposes.

I have often had inquiries respecting the proper treatment of turkeys suffering from the malady known as “ blackhead,” and have answered as best I could, quoting the best known authorities. The following answer by the editor of poultry notes in the Irish Farmers’ Gazette is worth noting by those who keep turkeys:— ‘‘ Your description points to the ‘fatal ‘blackhead,’ which is incurable, and. unfortunately, most difficult to clear off an affected farm. If, on opening a turkey, you find the liver spotted with curiouslooking circular spots, you may be sure you have the disease. You may find the blind, gut full of cheesy matter. ‘ Blackhead ’ is a common name which covers two distinct diseases, although, strange to say, both have spots on the liver. The diet has nothing whatever to do with causing the disease. The ground is infected, and will be a danger to any turkeys that run over it for a long time to come. Some of your young turkeys probably died in spring, some recovered and are now having a relapse in autumn, which is a common occurrence with this disease. If you want to rear turkeys next year, hatch and rear under common bens, and rear away from any place over which the present flock have walked. Destruction of Rats.—The Farmers’ Bulletin (U.S.A.). No. 1533, gives the tollowing information concerning the destruction ra te with calcium cyanide: — Calcium cyanide is a compound that rapidly gives off hydrocyanic acid gas "’hen acted upon by the moisture in the air. This gas is extremely poisonous. The calcium cyanide dust is used most effectively by forcing it into rat burrows by means of a portable dusting pump or duster, with a flexible hose attached A few strokes of the pump will fill most rat burrows with the smoke-like dust All openings through which the dust escapes should be closed with earth sod or other material. There are several’ types ot dusting pumps on the market suitable for .use in forcing calcium cyanide dust into rat harbours, but a foot-pump duster, similar to a bicycle pump, but of greater diameter, most nearly meets requirements in poultry plants and on farms. This type of duster will enable the operator to force the dust into the extremes of rat systems which are impossible to reach with a less powerful pump. I'or use around the exteriors ot residences, however, and in other places where only burrows in the ground are involved, a smaller, inexpensive handpump duster will give satisfactory results. Dust pumps should be lubricated with powdered graphite each time they are used, and always be emptied before being put away.”

In the November report of the Dookie Agricultural College the poultry instructor states that spraying operations are now in progress, and this work is carried out at intervals until the beginning of winter Various mixtures have been tried over a long period of years—carbolic, kerosene emulsion, sheep dip, and red oil but the preparation which stands absolutely alone on its merits for this particular work is a mixture of lime-sulphur used in the proportions of 1 to 20 parts of water. Care must be taken after, using pumps to wash them out with clean water, and oil piston rods and chambers to prevent corrosion.

A rather peculiar accident befel a local resident recently (says the Patea Press). While in his fowl run a rooster attacked him and inflicted a nasty wound on his elbow with one of its spurs. As a result the sufferer is now an inmate of the hospital, where he was compelled to undergo treatment under an anaesthetic for the

injury. He is now progressing favourably towards recovery. Relation Between Production. Feed, and Moult.—On this subject the lowa Agricultural College Poultry Division has the following to say:—“During the past year a large number of observations on moult is dependent upon characteristics other than egg production. A special study is now being made to determine the effect of nutrition upon the time and type of moulting. This spring we hatched four groups of chicks at different periods, and these different groups are being studied for moult. In our observation this year the higher producing hens generally moulted late, but where there was an abrupt change in feed or management even the high producers were thrown into a moult. It was found that intensity of speed production was very closely associated with speed of moult. Slow moults and low egg production were closely correlated. When the ration did not have a sufficient amount of animal protein the moult was earlier. Where no animal protein was fed at all the birds were all either completely moulted or in full moult by the middle of September” (March in New Zealand). The Hatchery Business.—From investigations made by the Buckeye Incubator Company, it appears that in 48 States in America 2575 hatcheries reported the interesting facts:—Capacity, 34,943,300; average hatch, 67 per cent.; number making money’, 2457; number doing trade hatching, 1990. The charges varied from 24 cents to 5 cents per egg for hatching. One hatchery sent 900,000 chicks to all parts of the United States. This phase of the poultry business is almost unknown in this country, say’s an English paper.

Moulting.—During the moulting process there are several details which call for attention if the birds are pure and are required for show purposes. It is well known that the purity and uniformity of the plumage plays a prominent part in bringing a bird into notice in the show pen. I'or this reason it is essential that the bird must be treated properly during the progress of moulting, so as to induce the whole .of its plumage to be "'ell developed and webbed properly. Birds that have their freedom do not give any’ trouble, as a rule, and the plumage grows properly under open conditions. But in order to keep the plumage bright and uniform it is necessary’ to moult them away from the effects of the sun and wind. When moulted under cover the quill feathers, sickles, etc., becoming sheath bound, will often cause trouble. This is the adhering of the thin transparent sheathing that covers the feathers during their growth. If not attended to early a hard substance will form on the under side of the quill, and the feathers will become either deformed or brittle, spoiling the bird for show. The remedy’ for this is to have a supply of food of an oily nature so as to induce the feathers to throw off the sheath. The best treatment for feathers that have become sheath bound is to apply warm water, either by washing or with a funnel to the affected parts. After this application the sheath may easily be removed by’ the nails of the thumb and finger, using care not to injure the feather. A dressing of glycerine oil on the feathers will also be found beneficial. The trouble will be more pronounced in a bird of three or more years old. But the supply of oily food as soon as the bird shows signs of moulting will materially assist the proper growth of the feathers, and further treatment "will be required only in occasional cases.

Quinine for Roup.—There is nothing that will break up colds in fowls more quickly than quinine. If, when the fowls show symptoms of “cold in the head,” they are treated with a Igr pill each night for a few nights in succession, no further doctoring will be necessary, and roup will be a stranger to the fowls.—Poultry World.

The following remedy for roup, catarrh etc., which was prescribed by- Mr A. L’ Wyndham, of Poultry (Sydney), is said to be very effective:—Dissolve as much Glauber salts as will go on a two-shilling piece and as much chloride of ammonia as will go on a sixpence in every pint of drinking water, using hot water to first dissolve the chemicals. Proper Feeding on the Farm.—The hen on the farm may have unlimited range over which to gather her food, and yet if a special meal is not supplied her may’ lay few more eggs than would a jungle fowl. The few eggs she lay-s are, in a sense, profitable production, because they have cost little or nothing to obtain; but, considering that a regularly supplied meal every day would double her yield, it is plain that the profit is not what it should be. The uninitiated talk glibly about the profits from farm poultry-,, when the hens pick up a living and never have to be fed except when the ground is under snow; but the wide-awake farmer who is keeping track of his operations will tell vou that the hen is no miracle-worker, and that inereiy keeping a few of them will not enable anyone to get something for nothing. The hen cannot make eggs nor produce such without food, and if she is not given her raw material in a legitimate manner her cons ientious sciuples do not prevent her from taking whatever food is availab’e for her own existence, and as the obtaining of all her food by hunting for it on range necessitates great exertion and activity, she requires practically all she gets for maintenance purposes and can spare little tor eggs. If the farmer wants eggs when they are most worth having, he must give the birds the extra food necessaryto supply them with the raw material. Reilly’s report: The market is now getting back to normal. Last week there was a good yarding of poultry, but unfortunately- prices were right back, really good hens being sold at very low prices indeed. This is due to the fact that tlie birds are now through their summer laying, and the tendency is for everyone to get rid of surplus stock, and there are very few buyers. We sold: Hens—l2 at Is, 23 at 5s 6d. 22 at 5s 4d, 34 at 5s 2d, 69 at ss. 59 at 4s lOd. 29 at 4s Bd, 20 at 4s 6d. 35 at 4s 4d, 67 at 4s, 2 at 3s 2d, 3 at 3s; cockerels —12 at 6s 6d, 7 at 4s Bd. 8 at 4s 6d, 10 at 2s 6d, 28 at 2s 4d: chickens —2 at 2s, 24 at Is 6d. 23 at Is Bd, 32 at Is 4d. 47 at Is, 25 at 8d; ducks—l 6 at 8s 6d, 26 at

5s lOd, 9 at 4s 6d, 15 at 4s 4d, 27 at 4s 2d, 14 at 4s, 20 at 3s 6d. 2 at 2s 8d: geese —3 at 7s fid, 7 at 6s 6d; —all at per pair. One hen and 10 chicks realised 12s 6d. The egg market still remains steady, and we have been able to place all consignments on a basis of Is 7d.

REGULATING THE RATION.

In feeding poultry it is always advisable to make up the ration on a regular basis. The New South Wales Agricultural Gazette points out that not many progressive poultry- farmers are unacquainted with what it is best to feed to poultry, but a good many Jack the knowledge, or do not appreciate the value, of correct weights and measures in making up the daily ration. This is probably one of the most unsatisfactory features of feeding poultry, and one which is a fruitful cause of trouble on many farms. The kerosene tin and dipper (the latter of various sizes) are the utensils usually- in use for proportioning the different ingredients which go to make the ration, and particularly the morning mash. The kerosene tin is the measure most frequently used, as well as the common conveyor of poultry food on the farm. A tinful will weigh net, without the tin, approximately- as follows:—Pollard, 181 b; bran, 121 b; lucerne meal, 121 b; wheat (whole), 301 b; maize (whole), 281 b; maize (cracked), 251 b. Even when scales are available on the poultry farm they are very seldom used because of the time taken in weighing out the different ingredients. It is much quicker to scoop out the pollard, bran, grain, or whatever it might be in a measure, and provided the weight the measure holds is known this method of mixing the ration is fairly a<- irate. The quart measure is a handy size, and the following table shows the approximate weight per quart (quart measure filled but not pressed down) of the main ingredients in use on a poultry farm:—

23rd PAPANUI EGG-LAYING COMPETITION. Leading Pens 39th Week ended December 31 (273 days). FLOCK TEAMS CONTEST. (Si"» birds.) Week’s Weight , eggs. oz.drs. Total »v nite Leghorns—

Wheat mval.. lb. oz. 1 8 Pollard 1 0 Bran o 8 Lucerne meal 0 8 Oatmeal 1 0 Barley meal 1 8 Maize meal . . 1 8 Linseed meal 1 0 Wheat (whole) 2 0 Maize (whole) 1 12 Peas (whole) 1 12 M.I.B. meat meal 1 8 M.l.B. compo meal 1 8 M.I.B. bone meal 1 12 Common salt (fine) 2 0 Flowers of sulphur 1 4 Epsom salts 1 12

J. Liggins 31 69. 1 1217 A. Woolley .. .. 37 81. 7 1206 J. Cr. Verrail .. 26 54. 8 1181 T H. Wilee .. .. 32 70.11 1174 F. Hawes 35 75.11 1170 Green Bros 25 1159 H. C. West .. 30 69. 6 1156 SINGLE HEN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, —Light and Ha avy Breeds.— Week's Weight oz.drs. Total Black Orpingtons— H. W. Beck .. .. 3 7. 7 220 Mrs Hcllabv 3 6. 4 207 A. M. Espie .. .. 3 6. 7 195 ‘Vhite Lee horns— S. E. Dav&y .. 7 15. 5 218 H. C. West 6 13.13 218 F. Hawes 0 0. 0 203 J. M'lntosh 4 9. 3 205 W. Spence 3 11. 5 204 G. H. Chambers ij 11.13 202 W. E. Ward .. . 5 11.12 200 SINGLE DUCK CONTEST. (Owner enters Tli re e Birds.) Week's Total. Runners— F. R. Cotton, No. 1 6 262 A. G. F. Boss, No. 2 262 G. Voice, No. 3 .. r* 260 Mrs Gee No. 3 .. 7 258 A. Adsett, No. 1 .. 6 Mrs Gee, No. 1 .. 6 251 SINGLE HEN CONTEST. (Owner enters Three Birds.) Week’s A..O.V. Heavy Breeds— eggsTotal, P. Bailey, R.I.R., N r. 1 . 6 221 P. A. Cornish. L.S., No. 2 0 203 J. Casey, B.R., No Black Orpingtons— 1 . 3 192 G. A. Grainger, No. 1 3 021 G. A. Grainger, No. 2 4 221 T. D. Dalziel, No. 1 °*20 T. D. Dalziel, No. 2 5 220 R. M. Cookson, No. 3 5 216 WHITE LEGHORN SINGLE HEN CONTEST. (Owner enters Three Ei.ds.) Week’* eggs. Total, H. Williams, No. 3 A. C. Goodlet, No. 3 4 235 7 232 A. M. Espie, No. 3 Y 232 H. Harris, No. 2 .. 6 232 G. H. Mitchell, No. 2 r 231 A. R. Browne, No. 1 5 225 H. Williams, No. 2 7 224