Feathered Fancy

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 115, 20 June 1914, Page 5

Feathered Fancy

The Oamaru Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society's thirtieth annual show will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4 next. The classification of the schedule is good, all classes being well catered for, and should receive good support. The judges are: —Poultry, all classes Leghorns and Light Utility, Mr W. D. Burns; Minorcas, Mr W. Turvey; Game Bantams, Mr C. Vernor; all other classes, Mr A. S. Palmer; Pigeons, Mr E. Tomkins. Entries will be received at the Christchurch Show by Mr A. B. Menzies, who will act in Christchurch on their behalf.

I notice with pleasure that Mr W. D. Burns is still taking an interest in the fancy. For many years he held the position of secretary to the Oamaru Society. By the way, another good ofilcer that Oamaru once possessed is Mr Hart, at present taking a prominent part in the Hastings Society.

The time is now coming on when breeding pens should receive attention. I would advise beginners to get the females together that they intend breeding with. It is a mistake to be continually placing strange hens or pullets in the breeding pen. It is the cause of general disturbance, and the birds are some time before they mate up.

The Missouri National Egg-Laying Contest, carried on at the State Poultry Experiment Station, Mountain Grove, is conducted in a very thorough manner. The birds are all trap-nested, and. this should be of great value to breeders. I have pointed out before that often in a competition pen, the work is really done by about four hens, the other two being purely passengers, and the only way to know the workers is to ring the birds, and trap-nest. I should imagine that the thorough manner which exhibitors are acquainted of the doings of their pens must entail a considerable amount of clerical work. In a small country iike our own, with the club receiving such a small revenue, it would be impossible for us to attempt such big things; still, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we do our best, and well at that.

The principal of the Missouri National Egg-Laying Competition states:— "Many entries are already coming in for the next contest, to begin November 1, 1914. We would like to reserve places for all who desire to enter pens. About the same rules will govern as in the past, except that each pen will consist of five pullets and one reserve. We had to turn down several hundred entries last year, so we advise all to reserve pens as soon as possible. There can be no doubt about the benefits of any contest conducted as ours is conducted. The average production has increased 20 eggs per hen in the past three vears in our contest." This in-

(By "GRIT.")

formation may be of value to local competitors. Speaking to Mr Arthur Gapes, he tells me that he has several enquiries for the black rosecomb bantam hen that he exhibited at Dunedin. If you are breeding for egg production, see that the male is a bird of good constitution. When giving the article on washing in our last issue I overlooked stating that if the exhibition is on a Thursday the bird should not be washed later than the Monday previous. This will give the feathers plenty of time to come out thoroughly. Should you have any bird not looking too bright, you will find that the warm bath is a fine "pick-me-up." The half-yearly meeting of the South Island Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association was held at the poultry show this week. Important business was attended to. Sharp grit and clean water should always be in attendance.

The Ashburton Show, held on Friday and Saturday of last week, was a fine display, and reflects great credit on those in charge. Some exceptionally good birds were shown, the- Silver; Wyandotte pullet, Black Orpington cock, Buff Orpington hen, and Silver Spangled cock were above the average. I noticed a Dorking among the prize list. The Ashburton Show has always been one to look forward to. It has several very energetic officers, principally the secretary, Mr W. H. Amos.

If you are starting in the poultry line, remember one variety is sufficient for a beginner.

It is Mr E. J. Ross's intention to forward a team to the Picton Show. The birds will leave during the coming week.

While at the show on Wednesday evening I noticed a kerosene box containing a utility White Leghorn cockerel, and a Silver Wyandotte cockerel, from a well-known country exhibitor. To send birds to a show in such a manner is simply disgraceful. I understand that the club will take action in the matter, and rightly so. It was about the worst case that I had ever noticed.

A few days ago I met Mr Main, of the Dallington poultry yards. He tells me that, in consequence of removing early, he is not exhibiting this season. He is still keeping the Modern White Leghorns, and expects an imported addition to his stock.