POULTRY NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22774, 27 December 1935, Page 5

POULTRY NOTES

CAGE BIRDS

(By

“Feather.”)

I Comments on any matter appearing in this column, or contributions of notes, of general interest, for publication will be gladly received. All correspondence to be addressed to “Feather,” c/o Southland Times, Invercargill.] GENERAL NOTES. Support the poultry shows by exhibiting a few selected fowls; the knowledge gained is valuable. Vaseline, with 5 per cent, carbolic acid in it, is a splendid remedy for cuts on fowls. Use the powei' of observation when working among the flock; look for improvement and check the errors which might pass unseen. During summer provision must be made for shade for the fowls where it is naturally lacking. A well-kept poultry farm indicates • not only tidiness on the part of the owner, but pride in his work and attention to detail. Feeding time is the best, occasion on which to study the flock’s condition. The experienced poultry farmer does not hurry it through, but watches how the fowls feed. Any which do not should be noted and handled—there is generally some reason for it. Following complaints from London that the quality of some Victorian eggs was affected by washing or wiping them prior to shipment it has been decided that wiping machines for cleaning soiled eggs intended for export to Great Britain will be prohibited, and that a method of dry cleaning will be substituted. At present experiments are being conducted in dry-cleaning methods which have given satisfactory trials under private supervision. It is understood that the use of a damp cloth for cleaning eggs will be prohibited during next export season. Hitherto a census of all poultry in the Dominion has been taken, together with the periodical population census and provided a great deal of detailed information in regard to all classes of fowls, ducks, turkeys, geese, etc., but under the amended Act, under which next year’s census is to be taken, no provision is made for returns of poultry. The New Zealand Poultry Board has approached the Government to see if arrangements cannot be made for a return with the census papers of the number of hens and ducks in the Dominion, these two sections being considered of particular interest to the industry, and simplifying the task of the statistics department enormously as compared with the detailed return which was formerly demanded. It is more than ordinarily necessary just now to pay the closest attention to the laying flocks, and if the birds do not get just the right feeding, and full supplies of succulent green stuff, egg returns will suffer. Very often the layers receive less attention than they should get, because at present the growing stock on the plant takes up much of the attendant’s time. The layers, however, should not be neglected, even for the growing stock. The factor' of contentment plays a big part in influencing laying. It may seem a trivial matter to some feeders as to whether the hens are fed strictly to time daily at certain hours, but any irregularity in this direction will be paid for in a lower rate of production. As with all animals, feeding-time is known to poultry almost to a few minutes, and waiting beyond that time means discontent. With hens this not only applies to the two main feeds of the day, morning and evening, but to whatever may be given at midday. A change in the ration being fed on any farm, whether it be in the direction of the addition or substitution of articles contained in it (except in the case of what may be found more appetizing),, will have precisely the same effect. Hens do best on the foods to which they have been accustomed. The idea that a change of food is good for them (with the exception mentioned) is wrong, and even then if they become accustomed to an appetising morsel daily and it is withheld the same thing happens. As soon as the warmer weather comes along each and every poultry pest proceeds to multiply and becomes really detrimental to the flock unless precautions are taken against it. Should there be any lack of eggs from the laying stock—and they should not be slacking off yet without due cause—it is as well to make a thorough search of the laying shed in the vicinity of the roosts. Should the birds roost out of doors even, it is still possible that they are the victims of red mite. Unless vigilance is continually observed, it is more than likely that some clinging grey dust of a scaly nature will be noticed at the ends of roosts, underneath the perches or around any cracks or crevices near where the birds sleep or sit on nests. Further investigation will reveal inside the wood crevices or in the joints of the shedding or in any dark places masses of very minute, red, round insects, perhaps clinging in bunches and barely recognizable as being alive, since they are indeed a fairly low form of life. Although they do not live on the birds in the manner of lice these minute spiders feed on the poultry stock at night by sucking their blood, and then return to their lurking places for they do not like light. The grey dust which often leads one to their whereabouts is a mass of scaly coats discarded during their process of development. These can readily devitalize stock when they are in numbers and they very quickly multiply. A bird that is in heavy production cannot afford to lose even a small amount of blood each night, especially in the hot season which may already be trying enough, so that either laying ceases or the hen gets out of condition and will later take her moult very badly. The insects can be destroyed by spraying or swabbing out the places where they are found with a black leef 40 solution, with kerosene or with creosote. Or they may be burnt out with the naked flame of a blowlamp, although care must naturally be taken in a wooded building. The best of these is probably either the nicotine solution or the creosote since either is fairly permanent. Kerosene evaporates and the red mite may collect again in the same place. If the whole of the timber of a laying shed is kept creosoted once a year the red mite will not appear at all. Needless to say, any remedy must reach right into the crevices and, if there has been such masses of the insects as to fall down in bunches when spraying commences, the floor must either be well sprayed too or the litter swept up and burnt.

backyard poultrykeeping. Backyard poultrykeeping, whether is a hobby or for utilitarian purposes, Is often spoken of by commercial poultryfarmers, and even by some writers, in a wav that carries with it something like disparagement. Just why this should be is not quite clear. Surely, the desire to have home-produced eggs or to keep and exhibit poultry as a hobby is just as laudable as to spend one’s spare time in sport or gardening. Furthermore, the art of breeding good poultry is deserving of every encouragement, even among small suburban poultrykeepers. It is to be feared, however, that instead of aiming high in respect of quality as was once the objective of a very considerable section of small poultrykeepers, there is now a disposition to take the line of least resistance, and purchase a dozen or so of day-old chickens, regardless of standard and exhibition quality. This is very largely why our

present-day poultry shows are not keeping pace with the growth of the poultry industry. Looking back over the years, one recalls a host of names almost famous as breeders of standard poultry, and among them scores who had nothing but a suburban allotment or two, on which to rear their fowls, but who were instrumental in the preservation of the breeds upon which commercial poultryfarming depends for its very existence. These men were lovers of fowls for their beauty and perfection of form; the result was that a poultry show of those days was most attractive from a spectacular point of view in contrast to the drabness of the black and white, which, apart from the Game breeds, dominate in present-day shows. When we recall the long list of beautiful soft-feather breeds that graced our shows at one time, and now find them only in twos and threes, and many of them absent altogether, there is little wonder that the general public outside of the exhibitors themselves take little interest in attending poultry shows, which is a cause for lament by suburban dub secretaries and members. —James Hadlington in the Sydney Morning Herald. OBSERVING NATURAL LAWS. At all times the professional poultrykeeper must preserve a balance between what may be pathologically perfect and what is commercially feasible. Hence he cannot afford to pay too much attention to the “Back to Nature cry, because it would be quite impossible to make a livelihood from maintaining fowls under purely natural conditions. Even the most ardent exponent of this cult does not provide his fowls with entirely natural conditions. The modern fowl is itself an artificial product, so who shall say what conditions are most “natural” to it, writes F. C. Atkins, in “Poultry” (Eng.). One thing is certain; we cannot directly disobey Nature’s basic laws and get away with it. This, however, does not mean that we must abandon all artificial methods. It merely implies that such methods must be in keeping with what we know of a fowls natural requirements. We may take it for granted that it is natural for fowls to enjoy, and benefit in health from, an open-air life, and to give our breeding and growing stock the benefit of such conditions. We should think far more of the health ana hardiness of such stock than of their rate of egg-production. No effort should be made to stimulate such hens to a better rate of production. Both quality and quantity will be satisfactory if the fowls are given time to come naturally into condition. I have noted more than once that hatching eggs which are produced under the easy-going, old-fashioned conditions pertaining on a general farm are generally superior in hatchability and liveability to others produced on well-run specialist poultry farms. The vigor of the “germs” is remarkable, while “dead-in-shell” chicks are few and far between. Such methods of management, nevertheless, are illsuited to commercial egg-production. And this is probably why they are superior for breeding stock. I cannot think of a better method of housing breeding stock than to turn the fowls into small houses, on almost unlimited free range, on fresh grassland. There they should be left more or less to do as they like, being provided with a wholesome, complete, but rather bulky ration. Such fowls may not set up any laying records, but they will produce a quality of chicks which leaves little to be desired. Much the same results can be obtained under really good semi-intensive conditions provided the fowls are no longer regarded as laying machines, and that health and hardiness are placed before all other considerations. I am rather inclined to think that the high powers of resistance to disease with which we used to credit our adult stock was largely due to our faulty brooding methods, and the consequent heavy chick mortality. This had the effect of culling all the young stock very severely, so that only the best and hardiest survived. To-day, improved brooding methods and better means of controlling chick diseases have reduced the death rate to a very modest percentage.

PREENING FOR HEALTH. All poultrykeepers have heard of the preening gland, the small 1 oilbottle” placed on the rump, just in front of the tail feathers’ eminence, commonly known as the parsons nose. The opening of the gland is noticeable as a small nipple, which when squeezed will deliver a tiny drop of clear yellow oil. The principal purpose of the gland is easily recognized; fowls pick at the gland nipple with their beaks, obtain a drop of oil which they then spread on their feathers by passing them through their mouths. This action keeps the feathers clean by combing and in good condition by the action of the oil, writes “Hakim” in The Feathered World. It has been suggested that there is more in the preening process than meets the eye. To ascertain that it is necessary to study the sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D influences the bone formation and health in growing chicks and the hatchability of eggs. In the hen’s body the sources of this vitamin are found eithei' in the surface of the body, where it is produced by the action of the sun’s rays acting on certain substances in the skin or through the digestive tract, the source then being foodstuffs or medicines, like cod liver oil. In chicks brought up intensively the vitamin has to be supplied by certified cod liver oil, otherwise they die. The action of the sun can be substituted by the rays of certain electric lamps, which rays act on the skin in the same manner as the sun. Has the oil gland, therefore, some influence on the supply of Vitamin D? Where the preen gland is deranged in young chicks, they appear to grow up rickety and show other signs of Vitamin D deficiency. If the gland does influence the supply of Vitamin D, either the oil is swallowed directly by the fowl in the process of preening, or spread on the feathers, being there irradiated by the sun and eventually picked up in a particularly active condition in a subsequent preening process; or perhaps by direct absorption through the skin and along the feathershaft; though this is improbable. In view of this the gland may deserve more attention than hitherto, since it may influence the health of fowls as well as their appearance. Practical poultrykeepers know that where the preen gland is inflamed or unduly irritated and instead of secreting a clear oil, only a milky fluid is obtainable, the fowl is in poor condition. Presumably the dryness of the gland is a partial cause of the illhealth of the fowls and not an effect. Where the gland is out of order place the fowls on a good clean, grassy, free range for some weeks. The preen gland will regain its normal function and the feather gloss will soon be improved. egg-laying contest. THIRTY-SEVENTH WEEK. Following is the report for the thirtyseventh week of the New Zealand Utility Poultry Club’s competition at Papanui.

The returns are for the period ended December 20; — Single Hen Test. For Light or Heavy Breeds. Mrs B. B. Andrews 219 W. A. Pollard 205 A. D. L. McClintock 201 E. P. Anderson 198 F. Ledgard 197 H. Williams 197 Emery Bros. 196 E. P. Anderson 196 L. J. Glasson 188 White Leghorn Single Hen Test. (Each entry three birds). A. Crawford 640 E. Tilley 585 A. C. Goodlet 580 F. C. Innes 576 H. Williams 572 T. Robinson 563 S. H. Mitchell 560 R. H. Taylor 559 L. J. Glasson 558 Black Orpingtons and Australorps. > (Each entry three birds). B. Cotterell (A. 0. 521 A. H. Fowles (B.O.) 493 F. Hughes (A. 0. 461 J. Gunn (A. 0. 460 S. Brumby (A. 0. 453 W. A. Coombes (B.O.) 448 G. D. Hollyman (A. 0. 442 G. G. Cogle (B.O.) 425 J. Campbell (A. 0. 402 Any Other Variety, Light or Heavy Breeds. (Each entry three birds). E. R. Buckley (R.1.R.) 503 A. Dalziel (Lan.) 483 A. W. Pritchard (8.L.) 405 J. P. Stevens (Lan.) 398 A. S. Cooper (L.S.) 352 A. W. Adams (S.W.) 308 R. signifies Rhode Island Red. Lan. signifies Langshan. B. signifies Black Leghorn. L.S. signfies Light Sussex. S. signifies Silver Wyandotte. Single Hen Test, Light or Heavy Breeds. (Each entry six purebred pullets). H. Williams 1168 W. Turner 1053 Calder Bros. 1052 T. S. Dove 1039 G. H. Mitchell 1031 G. H. Bradford 1029 L. G. Ansall 994 D. A. McKie (A. 0. 990 A. S. Cormack (B.O.) 986 Flock Teams Contest. (Each entry six birds). Miss H. Keddell 1123 Mrs B. B. Andrews 1045 W. E. Ward 976 E. P. Anderson 972 M. Holroyd 956 J. Liggins 834 Single Duck Test. (Each entry three ducks). F. Ashworth (K.C.) 730 Miss N. Dale (1.R.) 721 W. A. Pollard (1.R.) 667 W. A. Pollard (1.R.) 653 Mrs C. J. Collings (K.C.) 593 Marshall and Brett (K.C.) 585 C. Massey (1.R.) 548 H. A. Lucas (P.) 547 K. signifies Khaki Campbell. I. signifies Indian Runner. P. signifies Pekin.

JUVENILE SECTION. The attention of canary breeders should now be drawn to the moulting season, which commences in January. The first moult of a young bird is very important, as it determinus the future life for better or for worse.. The early symptoms in an adult bird is a decline of vigour, and then a few feathers are noticed in the bottom of the cage. When these are seen breeding should cease, as usually it is the cock birds that moult first, and if the fancier continues breeding the eggs will in all probability be infertile. The birds may not appear disposed to give up domestic duties, but even if the hen is found to be sitting on fertile eggs it is better to remove them and not allow her to exhaust herself at this period. If she has commenced to drop a few feathers the chances are that she will not sit for the thirteen days, and it is too much to expect her to perform duties incidental to rearing young when her energies are failing and she is afflicted with a constitutional sickness.

Moulting is one of the most wonderful provisions of nature. It occurs in all the animal world that has an outer covering of hair, feathers, or other analagous forms. In birds, we find that moulting occurs annually. During the year the outer covering -of feathers is in constant danger of being damaged, and when such does occur a temporary patching suffices for the time being. But one new suit is required every year, and the only way for the bird to obtain that new suit is to cast the old one entirely away. It is in the process of shedding the old feathers that the bird is subjected to a strain on the constitution of such a strdnuous nature as to preclude it from any duty other than carrying on its life. A good free moult is desirable, and this is greatly assisted by good health, which is largely assured by sanitary surroundings, roomy cages, and judicious feeding. An occasional bath is helpful, but do not be disappointed or alarmed if your birds decline to take a daily bath. Let them bathe of their own free will, and do not spray them if they refuse to bathe. Remember that your birds are more or less sickly when moulting, therefore treat them as patients. The new feathers can be enhanced with a satin-like polish by adding small quantities of rape seed two or three times a week to the staple food, also a little linseed, and an occasional pinch of niger seed. A little egg-food mixed with a little maw seed, given two or three times a week right through the moulting period, is beneficial. Green food, which should always be supplied, is most essential. Chickweed and plantain seed are easily obtained right through the autumn, and are both relished by the birds. The plantain seed is very nutritious. When yoq find a patch of long, well-grown seed stems it is a good idea to gather a quantity and keep them for daily use as they ripen. If, however, the seed is to be obtained handy, it is better to pick it fresh each day. The whole moulting season covers a period of two months, and nothing can excel! the spotless beauty of a bird when fully clothed in the new suit, before anything can have affected the bloom on the feathers. As the moult approaches completion the birds begin to regain their vigour and sprightliness; the appetites become normal, and they demand supplies of substantial food. The dainties already referred to may now be gradually discontinued, always being careful to avoid any sudden changes. Quite a lot might be written about the subject of moulting, inter-related with that of colour feeding, and the bringing on of birds for show purposes, but these are matters for the experienced fancier. My object of writing is to draw the attention of my juvenile readers to the necessity of exercising special care of your canaries during the moulting period. Birds previously healthy will, it is true, sometimes die at this time, but actually the percentage of deaths is very small; and although the moulting season may claim a few victims, strong healthy birds should come through alright. Moulting is a perfectly natural function, and not a sickness. How the Riroriro Got its Name. Hautupatu, fleeing from his brother on account of ill-treatment, and hiding

in the forest, was captured by a kindly ogre woman. She took him away and kept him prisoner in a cave, where, she also kept as pets all kinds of birds. She treated him well, bringing him all the best of foods as he desired them. But he tired of confinement, and determined to escape. When she asked him one day where he wished her to go to procure food for him, he indictaed a range' of hills a great distance away, thinking that she would be away so long that he would have ample time to escape. She went. He closed up all the crevices so that no bird could escape to warn her. But a tiny warbler escaped and flew off to the woman saying, “Kurangai-tuku, e ka riro a taua hanga, riro, riro, riro !” (Our property is escaped—gone, gone, gone !) Hence the grey warbler was ever after called riroriro. Feathers. Among seasonal greetings received by me one is quite original and unique. It was sent by a young girl, who informed me in her letter that a lame blackbird in the garden had been caught by a cat. My little friend Phyllis had selected one of the best feathers from the wing of the blackbird, and had decorated it prettily at the quill end; this she posted to me with her good wishes for Christmas. I appreciate it very much. The part that feathers have played throughout the centuries provides interesting and worthy study, which is vividly recalled to memory by the return to favour of the once famous ostrich feathers. The many types which have been used for their practical, decorative, and conventional treatment as ornamentation are legionary, but we find early associations manifest on the escutcheons of noble gentry. It was customary for knights of old to receive some token for valorous deeds from their female admirers, which was generally in the form of some personal belonging such as a fine feather, glove, or ’kerchief extracted from their attire, and so was embraced in their arms as an indication of ancient lineage. We find it doing duty as ornamentation for head-dress in the days of King Charles, when elegance of attire reached a very high standard. Was it not a marked feature of the famous Gainsborough hat? Single quill feathers adorned the “Sailor” straw hat of the poorer classes 30 years ago, while good ostrich plumes fetched high prices at the period, resulting in many farms being set up in Africa for raising the birds. A small gay-coloured wing set coquettishly on the side of a hat produced the Parisian effect, but whether favoured by fashion or not, the Romany has clung to her bunch of feathers as hat adornment. The diadem of quills of the Indian is probably the most ambitious design, but sufficient has been said of its use as ornamentation in direct form. The quill pen as a writing medium was universal until the advent of the pressed steel pen-nib, and fillings for cushions and beds have been composed of feathers from domestic birds, particularly the goose. Strong quill feathers played a prominent part as tails in arrows, and the bright iridescent feathers have been used for the purpose of artificial flymaking for the fishing trade. The early craftsmen in choice woods selected and pared their timber to produce feathered effects in the form of veneer, while japanners and inlay workers frequently introduced feathers in their designs. Three feathers surmounting the words Ich Dien (I serve) form the crest for our Prince of Wales, while flowers of particular varieties are known as Ostrich-Plume on account of their curling petals. A word on colours. We are indeed pleased to enjoy such a wide range of colours and shades as to satisfy the most fastidious tastes, but the secret of appeal in feathers is their natural lightness and adaptability in consequence, combined with beauty of form and colour.