POULTRY BREEDING

Southland Times, Issue 18938, 11 May 1923, Page 6

POULTRY BREEDING

ADDRESS BY MR C. CUSSEN. Mr C. Cussen, Government Poultry Instructor for the South Island, last evening gave a very interesting address to members of the Invercargill Poultry Club cn the preparation of birds for show. Mr Thomson presided. Mr Cusaen stated that the Government was out. to foster utility shows as they undoubtedly played a very important' part in the development of the industry. At one time too much attention, was paid to fancy strains, and judges were apt to make their awards without giving due consideration to utility. Subsequently, however, the utilitarian men had combined and had set up what was known as a utilitarian standard, and it should be the aim of every breeder to produce birds as near to this standard as possible. With this end in view the conditions governing shows had been made more stringent, and in Christchurch a weight clause had been introduced. He was serry that- the local club-was not going to hold its competition this year, but hoped that it would do to next year. ' It led to friendly rivalry and to create interest in breeding. It should be the aim of every breeder to show at least one bird, and he thought that it would be a good thing if members of the Club were to go round the yards and show amateurs their best bird, thus enabling them to get in touch with successful breeders. In order to select birds for show purposes, it was necessary that exhibitors should have a knowledge of the standard which had been set. The greatest importance was placed upon type and carriage, tightness and density of feather being the next most important feature. Loose feathered birds seldom did well in competitons, and this characteristic generally denoted weakness in utilitarian qualities. Twisted combs and whiteness of face were also generally regarded as weaknesses. Mr Cussen went on. to describe hcw r the appearance of birds might bo greatly improved, by washing and other means, and gave a very instructive practical demonstration of the methods to be followed.

Mr Cussen was accorded a very hearty vote cf thanks for his address.