REMARKABLE EGGPRODUCTION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 173, 2 July 1931, Page 8

REMARKABLE EGGPRODUCTION

8.0. HEN LAYS TWICE DAILY

What may be regarded as a remarkable freak, probably not duplicated in any part of the world, occurred during the egg-laying contest in connection with the Maryborough District (Queensland) Poultry Club, when the Australorp hen, owned by Mr. P. D. Wilson, began her pranks. A close watch was set oiv her, and Mr. P. Rumball, Queensland poultry expert, was notified. Ho sent a Government representative, and the pen was sealed up, and a close watch was kept. The following 1 have taken from an official report rendered by Mr. Rumball himself: “This hen did not begin to lay till six weeks after the competition started. From May 1, 1930, to February 28, 1931, 304 days, she laid 324 eggs. The production of this hen during certain months is of more interest than the total number of eggs laid. Eggs laid. No. of Days. July 29 27 August 32 30 Sept 30 28 Oct 37 , 30 Nov 47 30 Dec 42 21

Ou December 29 she became broody, but laid another 54 eggs during January and February, laying two eggs on each of 15 separate days. Many may view with suspicion these figures, but Mr. Rumball made arrangements with a departmental officer to visit (he test daily for short periods ant} record the eggs. The pen was so sealed that eggs could not be placed in the nest. The eggs were even in size when two were laid, and up to standard. The average weight during the month of May was 19 oz. and during January 2 l-Boz. Mr. Rumball is of the opinion that this hen had two oviducts functioning, and two ovaries. Professor Rice once recorded the fact of a hen possessing two oviducts and two ovaries, both functioning.