THE POULTRY YARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 388, 23 June 1928, Page 28

THE POULTRY YARD

(By GEO. H. AMBLER.)

Buildings and Health

WHEN a man desires to build a house for his family to live in several things have to be considered which are of vital importance to the future health of the inmates of the new home: the most important, however, is that of the site. Poultry are very similar to human beings in regard to sanitation. Unfortunately, however, when their houses are being built, the selection of the site of the poultry house does not get the attention it deserves, except perhaps by comparatively few people.

'pAKE the example of the average farmer in New Zealand and contrast the care and attention paid to fits cows, and then note the difference in the treatment of his poultry. In one instance the cow-shed has to be welllighted, clean, and contain a certain number of cubic feet per cow. These are enforced by law. and periodically the cow-shed is inspected to see that it complies with the regulations. In this manner the health and well-being of the cow are protected, as well as the milk supply. Notwithstanding these measures, my experience teaches me that many farmers have not fully learnt the lesson of housing their poultry to get the best results in eggs and marketable birds, for I find in many instances the birds are often housed in some unsuitable, dark, and ill-ventilated holes where the sun never reaches. BETTER RESULTS In many New Zealand farms at the present time the farmer still needs to learn the lesson that I have been trying to teach him and so many others for several years: “That better housing of fowls means better results.” The great advantage poultry has over other farm stock is the short time which elapses before the profit is gained, and I sometimes wonder it farmers thoroughly realise this. Expensive houses are not necessary, but they should be bnilt warm and comfortable. No animal or bird will, or can, do its best if it is uncomfortable. The first consideration in choosing a site for a poultry house is the selection of suitable ground with proper slope and drainage; if possible a dry. porous or volcanic soil should he chosen, for this will limit the amount of moisture in the house and . run. 1. also helps the run to dry 1

rapidly after wet weather, so that the fowls may take outside exercise in comfort. If the ground is not naturally dry this should be accomplished by means of artificial drainage. One of the best soils for dryness and rapid recovery after wet weather is volcanic or gravel, but sand or gravelly loam is much better than clay. If the choice of the site is necessarily limited, and the house must be built on heavy land, then the only way to make such a site satisfactory is to thoroughly under drain it. By doing this the land is quickly rendered dry which lessens the labour in keeping the house and run clean. Probably many readers have seen houses and runs stiuated upon heavy land with no proper drainage, and they will remember their condition after continued wet weather. I have often noticed how slimy the surface of the run appears because of the lack of drainage or the impermeability of the soil. If possible the house should be built on a slight incline to the north or north-east, or with the ground slightly sloping from all sides of the building, then an ideal position is secured. VALUE OF SUNSHINE Sunlight is our best natural disinfectant, and consequently a house facing the north will be sheltered from the cold south and south-west winds, while the windows should be situated so that the sun can shine on all parts of the floor daily. This will help to keep the house and floor dry, while the action of the sunlight will kill the less resistent. poultry pests. People who start in the poultrv farming business generally commence in a small way and build (heir farm up as time and circumstances permit, but many overlook the fact that they must allow for growth when choosing a site,

otherwise they will find later on that their position is cramped and they will be seriously hampered in their work of expansion. When such occurs, it limits their business and in time may mean a big loss, all because of the want of a little thought at the commencement. PROPER FLOOR SPACE The amount of floor space a bird is another point to be considered and decided upon, and ample space should be allowed, two square feet should be the minimum, but six to eight feet is better, and is adopted by many successful farmers. Overcrowding causes disease and ill-health in fowls as In human beings, and pure air is of vital importance in the poultry house. To ensure a fresh supply of fresh air the house should be built with proper ventilation inlets or windows, which can be regulated according to the weather and wind conditions. Draughts through cracks, etc., should be avoided or the fowls will get colds aud the supply of eggs will suffer. Proper ventilation and sunlight mean a dry house aud healthy, contented birds. The run should be ample, for the laying hen must have plenty of exercise, this being essential to health as well as to egg production. The surface of the run should be fairly even, for if small pools of water are allowed to collect, they may contain the embryo of intestinal worms and harmful bacteria. It is now a wellknown fact, that the eggs of the gapeworm aud the white intestinal worms hatch out in damp places and dirty water especially, and the birds may become infested in this way. The fittings of the house should be movable, convenient, and made for the comfort of the birds, and not for show. They must all be constructed so that they may be easily cleaned; in this way frequent cleansing may be carried out with the minimum amount of labour and inconvenience. Many poultry houses are built to suit the convenience of the owners rather than in consideration for the health of the fowls. The most expensive houses, fitted up with all the latest fads and appliances, will not prove so successful as the more simplyconstructed house where health considerations have been well thought out. HINTS ON HOUSING Proper housing is essential to secure the best results from your fowls. The comfortable and happy hen is the one that shows the profit. A poultry house should allow plenty of fresh air and sunlight, should be dry and easily cleaned, and have no draughts. The size of the flock will govern the j size of the house. As an average, !

four square feet (if house on the intensive system) of floor space should be allowed per bird. For example, a house 10ft by 10ft will accommodate 25 birds. There are many types of houses, but the leau-to or flat roof, is the most suitable for average conditions. GENERAL NOTES Entries at the Onehunga show, held last week-end, were not quite up to the usual number, but quality was of a high standard. The Auckland Game Club brought a large entry and was one of the best exhibitions of game seen for some time. Secretary Bust is to be complimented on the w-ay he rallied the game breeders together, whereas Mr. Ball, who had a hard task in selecting the winners, came out creditably, and we congratulate him on his placing of the cards. The writer judged the remainder of the fancy section and was rather disappointed in the entries in some of the classes. Silver Wyandottes made a good show, as did Black Minorcas. The winning pullets, belonging to Mr. Walter Wilson, were brimful of quality. The winning W’hite Leghorn, penned by Mr. Ball, was the best of its breed, being penned in excellent condition. Mr. Harrison’s cup winning White Runner has wonderful carriage. Variety bantams, with the exception of the winning Black Pekins, were only moderate, the Pekins capturing both specials. Mr. J. Nixon judged the utility section. and in several classes had his work cut out. Mr. Bailey won the Brewin Memorial Trophy with a fine upstanding Minorca cockerel. The management was in the capable hands of Mr. Skinner and Messrs Bust, Sparkes, Wrigley and others, and was all that could be desired. At Monday evening's meeting of the Christchurch Poultry Club, the secretary was instructed to write Mr. Alex. Fraser (one of the club’s founders), congratulating him on his success > winning the Leghorn cock class of 15, this being his 58th year of benching birds in the Christchurch show. The schedule is just to hand of the Waiuku Poultry show which is being held in conjunction with the Waiuku Kennel Club’s show on Wednesday, July IS. The championships for English White Leghorns and for Black Rose Comb Bantams will be competed for. The special list is especially attractive. practically every variety being represented as well as a ladies’ trophy. The “Sylvester Cup” for best I

fancy bird in show, the “Newlands Cup’” for best utility bird in show and the “Farmers' Cup” for best local bird. Mr. W. A. Hanson, Auckland, is the judge, and a very capable committee having been appointed fanciers are assured of their birds being well looked after. Entries close with the secretary, Mr. Len. Doull. Waiuku, on July 3. At the Christchurch show the entries were headed by the White Leghorns with 102, Black Orpingtons were second with 55, and Light Sussex third with 41. All these are the numbers of the utility classes. In the fancy section 48 birds were benched in the Sussex class. The trophy for the best bird in the Christchurch show was awarded to a Sebright Bantam cockerel, and the trophy for best bird of opposite sex to the winner was awarded to a Pile Game pullet. Both birds belonged to fanciers residing in Oamaru. The education committee of the New Zealand Utility Club has arranged for a series of lectures to be given throughout the year. These lectures are to be given at each monthly meeting and should prove of great assistance to all poultry-keepers, particularly to the younger members of the club. PERSONAL NOTES Fanciers will be pleased to hear that Mr. Collings is much improved in health. He has now regained his speech and the use of his arm. It is seldom that Mr. Hanson exhibits his birds. However, when he does, they are usually “top-notchers.” At Onehunga he won in both Silver Laced Wyandotte hens and pullets, his winning hen being awarded two challenge cups, also cup and gold medal for best bird in show (fancy section). The writer judged the Wyandottes in both the Onehunga and Christchurch shows. The Wyandotte Club show was held in conjunction with the Christchurch Club’s show, yet we have no liestitation in stating that Mr. Hanson’s winning hen was superior in every w’ay to any of the birds exhibited at the Club show. Miss Ambler, Glen Eden, was a successful exhibitor at the Taranaki Winter Show, held at New Plymouth, winning first, special and challenge cup for best English Leghorn, first Black Minorca pullets, third Minorca hens, also third White Indian Runner ducks. Miss Ambler has now won the Taranaki Club's Leghorn Cup outright, having previously won it in 1925 and 1926. This is a creditable performance, as [ Taranaki is the stronghold of English

Leghorns, both White and Brown, and Miss Ambler’s birds have, on each occasion, had to leave home two days before the show. The veteran Hastings fancier, Mr. W. Hart, had quite a field-day with his bantams at Christchurch Show, winning six firsts, one second, two thirds and two fourths. At Wanganui Show, held the same day, he was awarded seven firsts. Mr. Kirkwood, secretary of the New Zealand Sussex Club, informs us that the entries at Stratford in this particular breed are likely to prove a record for any show in New Zealand. A few years ago there were no Sussex in Taranaki, and when the writer judged the first club show held at New Plymouth three years ago, the entries were only in teens, whereas there are now many hundreds of Sussex round about Stratford alone. Mrs. Williams, Hastings, has received several importations of Barred Rocks from the late Mr. Thomson’s Ringlet strain and intends penning a team at Palmerston North Show. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS P.M., Whangarei.—The 6ft by 6ft house has sufficient sleeping accommodation for 12 to 15 adults, and I cannot see how 25 adults can be kept in health for very long in these quarters, you would be well advised to keep just the most forward pullets, and get rid of all surplus male birds. Perplexed, Swanson.—Your birds appear to be suffering from severe colds. You do not state the treatment you have followed, but for this particular case we would advise you to give a teaspoonful of ammonia'ted tincture of quinine in each threequarters of a pint of watej used in mixing the soft food, or in each pint of drinking water, but do not keep on with this more than a fortnight. EGG PRESERVING Experiments carried out on the Continent indicate that the water-glass method of preserving eggs is 98 per cent, effective when the eggs are left for 60 days in the solution and theu taken out and stored in cases in a cool place. This modification of the present day method permits a saving in space and material, since the one solution of waterglass can be used to treat several lots of eggs.